Tuesday, we began exploring the Heroine's Journey as
it relates to today's Accidental Pren-her. Today, we conclude with the third stage our woman's journey as she travels from Accidental Pren-her to entrepreneurial women.
There are three stages to every Heroine's Journey. They are:
- Departure
- Initiation
- Return
So far, we've covered the first two stages: departure and initiation.
Today, we'll focus on: RETURN
The last part of the Heroine’s Journey is the return home. Before
returning home, however, there is usually some sacrifice required of
the heroine—something that she must leave behind. Quite often, it is
some aspect of the heroine’s ego that must be sacrificed; other times
it is something physical.
Regardless, the sacrifice is always some
part of us that needs to be transformed. Some part of us that is
holding us back from becoming who we are and from achieving what we
most desire.
When I was a teenager, I remember reading Hinds’ Feet on High Places by English author Hannah Hurnard. This beautifully written allegorical book had a great impact on me. It was my first encounter with the feminine version of The Hero’s Journey. It is the story of a young woman named Much Afraid, and her spiritual journey away from her Fearing family and into the High Places of the Shepherd, accompanied by her two companions Sorrow and Suffering.
Together the young heroine and her allies pass through many dangers and fears as they mount to the High Places. One by one, Much Afraid faces and overcomes her doubts, turning her weaknesses into strengths and her fears into faith. At the top, she is required to sacrifice something very dear to her — her heart. And when she does, she is transformed, given a new name, and returned to the valley with truth, new awareness, and a deep knowing. She returns with gladness in her step, a smile on her face, and a new willingness to be of service to humankind.
(Excerpt from Chapter 6 of my book)
This is the kind of transformation that takes place along The Heroine's Journey. What gifts have come your way, once you let go of something? What new awareness did you have as a result? What new opening occurred?
Oh Susan, I will go read the Departure and the Initiation, but this part is the part of this story that always speaks to me. The need to sacrifice. It may be your heart, or your belief in something, or a friend... it may be a cherished gift, a 'location', or a dream it is time to let go of... but making the sacrifice truly does open your eyes and your whole being - to the real purpose of your inner samurai.
Thank you for sharing this.
Posted by: Yvonne DiVita | April 30, 2009 at 01:42 PM
The return is the one we often miss. Sometimes because we don't see the sacrifice for what it is - the needing to let go - and sometimes because we don't allow the gift, or the boon, to take hold and grow.
The Departure is my favorite part.
Posted by: Lady Samurai | May 01, 2009 at 05:56 AM