So what’s all this about the HERO’s JOURNEY?!

HERO: 
someone who has given their life to something bigger than oneself

Referring to our learners as ‘heroes’ comes deliberately and earnestly. It’s not intended to be a feel-good gesture; rather, it’s to introduce and emphasize the fact that everyone in life, regardless of age, is on a Hero’s Journey, and that they should recognize and face the trials and tribulations of that journey as a Hero each and every day.

The Hero’s Journey is a classic story structure found in ancient myths to modern novels, from religious to classical literature to drama to popular culture. In fact, the  plot of every Disney movie follows the Hero’s Journey.  The Hero’s Journey describes the path of a protagonist who heeds a call to adventure, leaves behind their known world, overcomes opposition, and returns to the starting place having transformed. The greatest triumph is the change that takes place internally. This universal myth represents the original human drama that animates each individual’s journey through the ups and downs of life.

Acton uses this monomyth to illustrate and explore the adventure of learning. Eagles learn that heroes are people who get up when they fall down. The basic question we ask ourselves on our journey is this:  “How can I use my talents in a way that brings me joy and serves others?” Being on a Hero’s Journey means actively seeking to answer that question.

Stages of the Hero’s Journey: 

1. The Ordinary World:  the zone of comfort; living a status quo, everyday life

 

1. Call to Adventure:  a compelling event, request, or opportunity that urges the Hero to leave the zone of comfort in pursuit of something new, greater, or deeper

 

1. Cross the Threshold: the Hero crosses over to the new world in earnest

 

1. Meet the Mentor: the Hero acquires a ‘personal trainer’ to guide them on their journey

 

1. Allies & Helpers: the Hero’s squad who provide comfort, support, and wisdom 

 

1. The Road of Trials: tests, tasks, or ordeals, usually presented in a series and sometimes involving enemies, that the Hero must undergo to begin a transformation; often, the hero fails one or more

  

1. The Final Showdown: the Hero is faced with a monumental challenge that seems impossible to overcome - the true test of heroic character - and emerges with triumph  

 

1. The Return Home: the return to everyday life is difficult;  the trick is to retain the Elixir - the wisdom gained on the journey - and to integrate that wisdom into life, and then share it with the world

 

1. Having Changed: having made discoveries or insights about oneself, the Hero experiences a profound change in consciousness, a change in the way the Hero views life

At Acton, we look to equip our Heroes with the habits and skills needed throughout the stages of their Hero’s Journey.  With guides as mentors and fellow Eagles as allies and helpers, Heroes are emboldened and prepared for whatever may lie ahead and, especially, to find their calling and change the world someday. 

Go Deeper: Contemplate and enjoy this article about living more heroically.