The Coming Psychological Black Death

After listening to this video, I thought about my own ongoing hero’s journey. I am 75 years and still on the path of self realization. Having spent 10 years doing numerous zen meditation retreats helped me return to Christ. The Bible is my best friend.

Feminism, a nasty governmental ideology forced on the young women of my youth was a big factor in destroying man/ women relationships, family unity, self respect, morality, commitment to things greater than personal ego.

I feel it’s important for everyone to slow the pattern of their lives down a peg or two. I did not have to deal with AI or social media growing up. I had mentors who I could talk to. Who are the mentors of today!s youth? Instagram? Facebook? Til Tok? Emojis?

We all need mentors from the time we are born. Today’s young men and women are lacking this great source of human connection. Sitting quietly in a group or even one on one with a mentor sipping steaming tea on a cold day, doing a project together, etc. creates a reason to live.

Here are the twelve steps of the hero’s journey written by Joseph Campbell as I remember his books on life!s passages.

Here are the twelve steps of the hero’s journey:

1 The call to adventure
This is the moment when the hero receives a call to adventure, which could come in the form of a message, a dream, or an encounter with a mentor or guide.

2 The refusal of the call
At this stage, the hero may initially refuse the call to adventure, often due to fear, doubt, or a sense of inadequacy.

3 Meeting the mentor
The hero encounters a mentor or guide who provides support, advice, and guidance on the journey ahead.

4 Crossing the threshold
The hero leaves behind the known world and crosses the threshold into the unknown, often encountering tests, trials, and challenges along the way.

5 Tests, allies, and enemies
The hero must navigate a series of tests, trials, and challenges, often with the help of allies and the opposition of enemies.

6 The approach to the inmost cave
The hero approaches the innermost cave or the heart of darkness, often facing their greatest fears and challenges.

7 The ordeal
This is the moment of the hero’s greatest challenge, where they face a major obstacle or enemy and must overcome it to continue their journey.

8 The reward
The hero achieves a reward—often in the form of knowledge, insight, or a powerful object—that helps them on their journey.

9 The road back
The hero begins the journey back, often encountering new challenges and obstacles along the way.

10 The resurrection
The hero experiences a moment of death and rebirth, often symbolized by a physical or metaphorical transformation.

11 The return
The hero returns home, transformed and changed by their experiences, armed with new knowledge and insights that they can use to benefit their community.

12 The freedom to live
The hero achieves a state of freedom and enlightenment, often living happily ever after or in a state of balance and harmony.

These steps provide a roadmap for creating powerful and impactful stories that audiences can relate to across cultures and time periods.