Monomyth Inspirational Short Story

This true inspirational story outlines my personal experience of the monomyth (Wikipedia definition opens new window).

This incident allowed me to glimpse an amazing aspect of the connections that are woven between us and our world. It reflected an incredible power through trusting our creative source. This part of my personal mythology has become my transformational touchstone. I revisit it often, gaining fresh inspiration and encouragement to walk my highest vision. My hope is that this short story will also serve a similar purpose for you.

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Monomyth Inspirational Short Story Part I

The last confirmation came from a conversation I had with a woman sitting next to me at a conference. She was about my age and was open, friendly and vibrant. There was a spark about her that you don’t always see, and I was definitely intrigued by her company. You know those people that seem to shine just a bit brighter; there is a charisma about them. She exuded a peace and certainty in trusting life. As we were chatting I wondered what she did. I kind of imagined that she was a personal development coach, or health practitioner or maybe a teacher. I certainly didn’t expect the answer she gave me.

There was a time many years ago that I would not have been so surprised by such an answer.

When I was hitchhiking around the US on my spiritual journey, anything seemed possible. You’ve probably felt that sense of wonder at some point in your life. The world and the boundless potentials within it seemed so brilliant. I had a magnificent sense of the indomitable free spirit inside me, and felt rather invincible. I knew that it was all right to trust life.

That is the place where the hero dwells.

Those many years ago, a friend had asked me to deliver a sacred package for him. This heralded the beginning of my monomyth quest. The recipient was an elder at the Hopi Indian community in Arizona. I hitchhiked thousands of miles to deliver it, and from there, continued on my adventure.

I had been fervently praying to know the truth of life, and had been shown that Love is the creative energy of the universe. I had a little silent prayer of love that I would bestow on everyone that I crossed paths with, everyday. I knew that my life was a blessed journey.

One day my perception was shaken. I had taken a ride with a transport truck driver who really frightened me by extremely lewd advances.

Fortunately I got out of it completely unscathed, but it shook my sense of invincibility. I decided at that moment I would no longer ride with truck drivers. This was a major trial in the unfolding of my monomyth.

The next day I was standing by the side of the road with my thumb out and every time a truck was approaching, I pulled my thumb in and turned my back. About two hours passed without getting a ride, which was a very long time for me.

I was thinking about this attitude of not accepting a ride from any truck driver based on the experience the day before, and realized this was making me a victim rather than trusting life. I wasn’t giving reverence to that place that I knew ‘everything is all right’.

At the time, I was reading a book that dealt with the theme of trusting in life. It was called Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey. It is a science fiction story, set somewhere between the past and the future... a place and time where dragons were flown in order to save the world. Dragon pilots had a special bond and communication with the huge and magnificent beasts they controlled. There was no place for fear. Instead, they exhibited absolute trust, transcending what they could see. This enabled them to act in concert with the universe and guide these creatures for the benefit of humanity. It was the perfect job for the hero.

The dragon has appeared repeatedly through history as a symbol to represent obstacles; obstacles of our mind… worry, fear, doubts and inner demons.

Carl Jung, a master of philosophy and psychology, would have said we must summon our hero to slay the dragons. We must give up worries and fears, and take a meaningful step towards individuation and letting the magic of life in. Then our hero can be present to fully interact with the mystifying power of creation.

With these musings, I decided that rather than live from a place of fear, I was going to be captain of my life. I’d welcome the journey that life had to share with me. I'd act with courage and unquestioning faith. With complete trust I stepped forward in anticipation and expectation of the best adventure life would summon for me.

It was just a few minutes later I saw a truck approaching over a small rise on the horizon. Without hesitating and in complete faith I stood up to the challenge and put out my thumb. The big bright red truck started slowing and I could hear the engine groan as the driver was shifting down. It pulled over on the side of the road. With a renewed sense of excitement and adventure I hoisted my bag and ran to the passenger door. There, emblazoned on the side of the door was the trucks name... DragonFly! The dragon had blatantly arrived, and it was up to me to let the hero be captain.

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I also invite you to share your own 'transformational touchstone'. What are your inspirational short stories that build hope and commitment for personal success? Let's move together toward awakening ourselves and our world, and manifesting our highest vision.

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