The inner cosmos of Mythology

The Power of Mythology - Unleashing the Hero Within You

In this week's journey down the philosophical rabbit hole, we're swinging the spotlight onto a different stage: mythology. Now, don't go conjuring images of Zeus hurling lightning bolts or Hercules wrestling lions. Nah, this ain't about tales from dusty old scrolls, but the power these myths wield in our lives today. As our man Joseph Campbell put it, "Myths are public dreams, dreams are private myths."

Wisdom of the Week

Let us look at one of the ideas of a thought provoker from the godfather of modern mythology, Carl Jung: "The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely." Doesn't that sound like a difficult mountain to scale? But, to be clear, Jung was no philosophical apologist. He was issuing a challenge, a beacon for us to fully realize and cherish our inner world - a world rich in personal stories, one-of-a-kind experiences, and nuanced convictions. He dubbed our inner cosmos "private mythology."

But, exactly, what is this "private mythology?" Consider it your personal epic story. It's the evolving story of your experiences, beliefs, dreams, fears, achievements, and failures. This narrative is more than just a backdrop; it shapes your sense of yourself and the world around you. It serves as your internal compass, directing your decisions and shaping your reactions.

Jung thought that every element in your own mythology, whether big and spectacular or terrible and hideous, is a part of you. It's similar to the cast of characters in your personal epic: the heroes, villains, and supporting cast all have a role in your story, adding to its richness and depth.

And this is when Jung's knowledge really shines: The route to self-realization does not consist in avoiding or dismissing any component of our personal mythology, but in fully accepting it - in all its glorious splendor and unsettling grotesquery. Only then, according to Jung, can we completely know ourselves and realize our whole potential.

So, while truly accepting oneself may seem overwhelming, it is also a summons to adventure—a trip into the darkest recesses of our inner selves. It is about recognizing and accepting the unique tapestry of experiences and emotions that shape who we are. It's about discovering the strength in our own mythology, in our own story. That, my friend, is the essence of Carl Jung's wisdom.

Modern Application

But how does Jung's wisdom tie into our smartphone swiping, Netflix bingeing lives? Think about it. We're all crafting our private myths - a hero battling the dragons of self-doubt, a pilgrim on the journey of self-discovery. Jung nudges us to acknowledge these inner narratives, understand their power, and use them to shape our reality.

Myth in Action

Need an example? Take a peek at the late Steve Jobs. His life was his myth, the narrative of a maverick innovator disrupting the status quo. He embraced his inner narrative, and it influenced every decision he made, every product he envisioned.

Practical Exercise

Now it's your turn, cowboy. Set aside 10 minutes each day this week for some quality time with your inner world. Dive into your private myth. Unearth the characters, confront the monsters, cherish the allies. Write it down, if you fancy. You might just stumble upon a perspective that shifts your reality.

Resource Spotlight

Want to explore deeper? Grab a copy of "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" by Joseph Campbell. This gem will take you on a journey through the world's myths, helping you understand their enduring power. For a more auditory adventure, check out the podcast "Mythos", which dissects popular myths and their impact on modern culture.

Question of the Week

Here's a little something to mull over: "What's the myth you're living, and how is it shaping your reality?" Remember, there's no right or wrong here, only discovery and insights.

Till next time, keep exploring, keep growing. Remember, the power of mythology is in your hands, or rather, in your mind!