The Endless Game of Life

Fear, Attachment, and the Hero’s Journey

Life can feel like a rigged game. Fear and attachment are the cruel puppet masters. They yank at our strings, dictating our every move. They build invisible cages around our hearts, their shadows suffocating the very essence of who we are meant to be. And the more we struggle against their grip, the tighter it becomes. It traps us in a cycle of anxiety. This prevents us from embracing our full potential.

Renowned mythologist Joseph Campbell, who articulated the concept of the Hero’s Journey, stated, “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of our journey. Letting go of fear and attachment is the key to unlocking our true potential.

In the Hero’s Journey, the ‘Call to Adventure’ is often a crisis or a sudden realization. As Campbell said, “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” Our fears and attachments are these caves. It is by stepping into them that we initiate our journey of self-realisation. We accomplish this by acknowledging and then releasing these disruptive energies.

The ensuing ‘Road of Trials’ is filled with challenges that test our resolve. It is during this stage that life instigates crises. In its infinite wisdom, it blows a hole in the walls of our self-erected prisons. Yet, these crises are not punishments but portals through which the light of self-awareness can enter. They are opportunities for growth, for transformation, and for the unfolding of our authentic selves.

The ‘Ultimate Boon’ is the attainment of our true potential. By releasing our fears and attachments, we allow our true narrative to unfold. As Campbell put it, “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” We become the heroes of our story. We are no longer controlled by fear and attachment. We steer our journey with courage and authenticity.

The final stage of the journey, ‘The Return,’ signifies the hero’s transformation. The hero navigated the labyrinth. They faced their fears and let go of their attachments. The hero returns with newfound knowledge and wisdom. They are ready to share their insights and experiences, their personal transformation reflecting the universal journey towards self-realisation.

In essence, the endless game of life, with its fear, attachment, and crises, mirrors the Hero’s Journey. It is not a trap but a transformative voyage. It’s an invitation to experience and explore the confluence of energies within us. We must release what no longer serves us. We should embrace our authentic selves. After all, we are not just players in the game of life; we are the heroes of our own journey. Let’s embark on our path with courage, love, and authenticity, and let the magic of our true story unfold.