Into The Innermost Cave
Now the challenges you faced in meeting your helpers and challenges have escalated to a point where you can no longer avoid them or ignore them: you must face them and end them once and for all, or risk losing your treasure forever.
To do that you’ll have to take your Hero’s Journey into the source of your worst fears and difficulties. This is the second threshold you have to cross in your journey, and it is more fearful and difficult than the first. This is the journey into the dangerous Innermost Cave, the beginning of your deepest and darkest point in your Hero’s Journey.
In real life, it might be as simple as walking into the office of someone who’s been giving you difficulties from day one, a sudden phonecall from someone you’ve been avoiding, or an inward journey to confront your worst fears and doubts. This is when you see the face of the negative energies that have been impeding your progress, and you discover their true extent.
The face of these negative energies is usually called the Evil One in the Hero’s Journey, the main antagonist of your journey. It might be someone real, a circumstance you have to overcome, or a internal obstacle.
Where is the Innermost Cave in your own life? Who or what is your Evil One? Is there someone you’ve been putting off facing even though you know you need to? Is there a situation that’s been giving you difficulty but you’ve avoided facing? Or a limiting belief that’s been weighing around your neck slowing you down?
What is the one thing that is most stopping you from reaching your treasure right now?
March 11th, 2006 at 6:47 pm
Alvin -
I’ve been greatly enjoying your series on The Hero’s Journey. Your blog has become an almost daily read for me. It’s been inspiring, and the metaphor really gets at the idealist in me. Thanks!
March 12th, 2006 at 12:01 pm
Thanks Julie!
March 12th, 2006 at 12:31 pm
This post kinda reminds me of the time when Gandalf was fighting the Balrog in Lord of the Rings.
Since the innermost cave is sometimes one of the most eerie things to face, it becomes easier to stare at the outside world than to go inside. I’m specifically referring to people who are unable or unwilling to make the choice to deal with their inner inadequacies. The facade that is put up is so strong that it prevents congruent living. The first thing the person on the hero’s journey needs to do is to have a higher level of awareness. It’s the awareness of the dangers inside and as best as possible, be prepared for the worst. It takes quite a fair bit of experience to be able to decide to go into the cave. Without Gandalf, I’m sure the heroes would never have been able to pass through the Cave alive…
Those of you in a cave, may the light shine on you always!
March 12th, 2006 at 2:58 pm
When you are in the shadows, turn and you can find the light.
March 12th, 2006 at 3:44 pm
To quote Johnnie walker: “Keep Walking.”
March 12th, 2006 at 11:55 pm
Hahaha Hanthon, that quote is so you, dude ;p
Whoa, Stuart, sounds like a whole post in itself you can write about there
March 13th, 2006 at 2:08 am
Yeah - I did. It’s at my blog specifically on my Rules of Living series. Thanks for asking… hah!