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Mythic Hero Blog — Archive
By Lynne Milum
Active Blog
24-Apr-2005: What’s on your playlist
today?
A couple months ago, my gadget-loving husband acquired
our family’s first i-Pod – the (then) new Shuffle.
I patiently listened to his accounting of features, cost-benefit analyses
against other prominent mp3 players, and how the movie Forrest Gump
has been re-established as a classic…after all, no one would get the
Apple references if the company was no longer viable.
Well, I was quite familiar with mp3’s, but not really
interested in hauling one around – I was content with playing them on my
computer or assembling personal mixes to burn to CD. I also hate
"things in my ears" – most headphones and earbuds are
unbearable for me. But, I had to listen to the Shuffle on my treadmill
workout just to appease Vince’s enthusiasm. Not only did I realize I
wanted one of these players, but I realized I HAD to have one of my own.
Vince’s musical tastes are admirable and he had some cool podcasts
loaded, but I required at least some dose of my personal favorites. That’s
how we ended up with his/her 1Gb Shuffles for Valentines Day. I also
received some adjustable premium earbuds that are tolerable in the
smallest size available.
Now, I spend time converting old CD’s and pouring
over playlist options to enjoy for the next week. I’m actually a little
irritated at the time it takes making those decisions (I’ll need to up
my hard-drive soon) – but the upside is that I’m remembering my love
of music (not to mention new opportunities for mythology, science and
philosophy CD’s / podcasts). That decision actually represents music as
an underlying driver for my life – in addition to writing.
So why have these key life elements been banished to
the subconscious in deference to other aspects of daily living? Our
current world focuses on so many choices regarding every aspect of life,
it is so easy to rely on automatic choices based on our visceral or
emotional response – and it’s hard to turn this pattern off. Even when
we have the opportunity to have a real impact on the quality of our own
life, we often abdicate to this automatic response rather than taking the
time to rationally think about what needs to be done.
So in recognizing this tendency, can we interrupt it?
Can we identify that many of these automatic decisions aren’t even worth
our time? Picking which brand of cereal to eat or which commercial-ridden
radio station to listen to top my list of non-decisions. Rather, for my
family’s health, I’ll pick whichever fruits and vegetables look
freshest and ready-to-eat. Skip the processed food aisles entirely – 90%
of it still has trans-fat anyway and you know that’s killing us. Dig out
my buried CD’s and rip only my favorite songs. Get the classics on audio
disc and refresh my inquisitive streak. Turn off the TV and look at my
family. Learn who they are and what they are becoming. Eliminate the junk
and seek out the diamonds.
Family art, music, literature, health – if these
things are truly the center of my being – they certainly deserve some
dedicated time in my life each week… and definitely not in automatic
response mode. This is the life I wish to live – so now it’s time to
play it.
Make a note – Make a conscious decision to put these
on my playlist every day.
31-Mar-2005: Is it ever really over?
Our family has a couple of guinea pigs – Squeaker and
Speedy. This morning, as is too often the case, our son’s oversight left
"the girls" without food or water. Avoiding any accusation of
inhumane treatment, my husband and I take care of their needs immediately.
We could be prosecuted for doing otherwise. Not that either one of us
could stand to see them go longer than a few hours of thirst or hunger.
You see, these little animals, despite limited mental capacity and no
speech, nonetheless communicate with us. We can sense their needs,
perturbation, affection, and even their desires when they crave a carrot
or some juicy lettuce.
Some may argue that guinea pigs could feed themselves
on vegetation, but they are domesticated and would not survive long in a
world of dogs, cats and birds (much less a non-equatorial climate). Truly,
they are fully dependent on us for their bodily needs, yet, we appreciate
their companionship even when the conversation is one-sided.
… In the last few years, several family members and
friends have been diagnosed with advanced cancer – pancreatic, prostate,
colon and breast cancer. Two most forward in my mind today were my mom’s
best friend and my father. Carolyn had a sustained fight with pancreatic
cancer and finally chose quality of life over an extended fight in a
weakened and dependent state. Dad chose not to go the route of surgery
(for his colon cancer) because he (and mom) thought the recovery would be
difficult. He planned to take the non-surgical route as far as he could.
Dad was taken unexpectedly early, likely as an adverse outcome of his
treatments. In both Carolyn’s and Dad’s cases, they had opportunity to
decide several factors in how they wanted to leave this plane.
In an enlightened society, perhaps we could step back
and see why the law moved where it did over the last two decades in
decisions on the "Right to Die" without so much vitriol.
Perhaps in an enlightened society, we could apply a balancing
test where in the absence of pain, suffering, and clear documentation
of an individual’s intent, such that a "Right to Live" is
equally valued.
Perhaps in an enlightened society, individuals
experiencing extreme pain and suffering could have greater directives in
how their final days are closed.
Perhaps, in an enlightened world, humans could be
afforded the same level of compassion as our animals receive.
And perhaps in an enlightened world, many of us could
evaluate the difficult choices before we are thrown into the emotional
fray and protect ourselves by documenting those decisions.
Regardless of where your thoughts lie in the events unfolding today…
For Terri Schiavo – "It is done."
22-Mar-2005: California Dreaming
My son and I went to a school auction together –
there was a 70's disco dance for the kids, and my son went all out on his
costume. I'm still not sure where he found those crazy sunglasses, and I
start worrying when he talks about his plans for a band (he's 9). He has
some stereotypical perspectives of the 70's, but at least Goin' to
California* isn't in his lexicon...yet. [*Song
on Led Zeppelin IV]
California Dreamin' is on my mind after watching
the Mamas and the Papas special on PBS. Driving to work this morning,
listening to a meditative Chris Spheeris CD, I reminisced about my hopes
of California in the 70's. That was back in high school, when hopes of
freedom ran rampant in my imagination. The California frame of mind was
living in the outdoors, being healthy, finding the ‘perfect’ job and
ultimately seeking a balance of Mind and Soul. And that’s where we all
wanted to be – in the thick of Life.
In the interim, I must say I’ve visited California
many times – there are a lot of beautiful coastal areas and there’s
definitely a beach lifestyle that college kids crave. But in many ways,
there’s not a whole lot of difference. One can still get caught
following someone else’s vision, never finding their own. They can find
their bliss in Esalen, Santa Barbara or Monterey…or find disappointment
as well.
Today there is nothing stopping me from
pursuing the outdoors, living healthy, loving life – whatever it brings,
and merging the transcendent with everyday occurrence. See the wonder of
existence in contemplating the cosmos…Life is not retail – Location
ultimately doesn’t matter. Rather what matters is your readiness and
receptiveness for the wonder of ‘being.'
California Dreamin'
is kind of like Dorothy in Wizard of Oz – It was there all along.
[And "Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man that he didn't
already have!" —America]
3-Mar-2005: The Global Flyer has
landed…
Steve Fossett completed his
world circuit in Salina today. Perhaps it is my predilection to celebrate
the good things happening in Kansas (homebase for MythicHero.com)... but I
think it is of larger note to those seeking the path of a modern day hero.
This is quite literally a framework for new world mythology.
Stretching the ability of
both human engineering and endurance is an age-old concept in mythology —
the Athenian Daedalus first built the complex labyrinth to contain the
Minotaur — monster born of Crete's Queen Pasiphaë and Poseidon's bull.
But King Minos was enraged when Daedalus helped Ariadne and Theseus escape
the monster and Minos himself. He subsequently trapped Daedalus in the
device of his own making along with son Icarus. Daedalus then fashioned
wings for he and his son to take flight to Sicily. Unfortunately, like
Minos and Pasiphaë in the use of Daedalian inventions, Icarus too ignores
better judgment and flies too close to the sun - melting the wings and
falling to his death. Daedalus carries on despite adversity and finds his
freedom.
What is the difference with
Steve Fossett and the Global Flyer that models a modern day Daedalus into
a world myth rather than a regional or tribal myth? First, the scope is no
longer limited to an island or peninsula in the Mediterranean, but makes
an authentic global cross-section. Technology is finessed — as is
tactical readiness. In contrast, Icarus was not prepared for the flight
and permitted emotions to overtake the true objective — successful
escape from Crete.
A second facet of world
myth is accessibility or general knowledge of the story. From this author’s
perspective, the regional nature of this particular story clouds the
broader appeal. However, based on the Virgin Atlantic website, BBC and
national coverage — it seems that many people
outside the Midwest are aware and interested in this achievement.
Finally, existence of a
universal idea, which unifies people of many backgrounds, is the central
element needed. Even this has multiple dimensions in this story — in the
simplest sense: Man against Nature; Nature against Man; Mind conquers
Body. But greater is the integration of many forces — international and
generational — to bring the event to heroic conclusion.
The journey had its share
of anxious moments — unaccountable fuel loss on takeoff jeopardized the
entire mission. Sustained time aboard with limited movement and sleep
required endurance — juxtaposition of the human figure riding giant fuel
tanks also leaves an ominous impression. The Road of Trials preceded the
actual journey — preparations of the aircraft, mission control, flight
plans — all these comprised elements for success.
Of course, an apparent
contrast is that the original Daedalus was willing to forego morality for
the opportunity to build his inventions — he paid a heavy price for this
compromise...first his exile, then creation of a monster feeding on
others, then further imprisonment, and finally his son's demise. What
sorrow was reaped at the expense of virtue.
Rather than writing of the
futility of men's desires in the Greek story, an updated tale is needed
for this modern writing. Despite temptations and sorrow, opportunities
have arisen from new technologies, social interactions, and cross-culturalism
which provide a backdrop for commonly shared stories. The Global Flyer —
a modern mythology based in fact — is but one possible manifestation of
the story. However, it doesn't take a unique plane and millions in
investment to make a hero...
What opportunities do we
have on a daily basis to live this same story? Where will your personal
myth-making take you?
02-Mar-2005: Spring is in the Air!
Ah, the smell of thawing soil — just begging to be
turned over for new planting. Spikes of green forecast daffodils, tulips
and hyacinths soon to bring the sweetest fragrance I can fathom. Such is
the promise of this spring...and every spring — mythic in so many aspects.
Is it the joy of Demeter at the return of her daughter
Persephone from the House of Hades? Or that the winter of our souls is
stirred with the promise of reawakened love? Is it a reflection of pagan
joy in the spring equinox that rebalances the forces of light and
darkness? Is it the beauty and inspiration of the resurrection — through
Easter or nature itself? Or is it in the light-hearted humor of Peter
Cottontail asserting his adolescence in a popular guise of the springtime
bunny?
Yes.
May your anticipation of spring be commensurate with
the potential of a joyful lifetime.
14-Feb-2005: Les
affaires de coeur
Mid-February offers us a
time to reflect on that virtue of the heart chakra (Anahata) –
center of universal love, unity and devotion.
At this point in late
winter, I find many forces act upon the human body...it’s a time of tax
preparation while March Madness quickly approaches (a big event in
Kansas). School events, homework reminders, preparing for spring break
activities, doctor appointments…so many thoughts and mind-clutter
accumulating. I find my short-term memory is fleeting in the midst of this
stress.
Times like these prompt a
desire to borrow Albus Dumbledore’s ‘Pensieve’ to swirl my thoughts
and make connections. For those unfamiliar with the Hogwart’s Headmaster
of the Harry Potter Series, Professor Dumbledore is a powerful wizard who
imparts wisdom to the adolescent Harry. He possesses a stone basin called
a Pensieve in which he unloads extra thoughts to sort through and
visualize them.
Being mostly Muggle, I do
not have this magical tool at my disposal. But I do have another tool that
accomplishes the same objective: I meditate to levitate.
Allowing myself time to
quiet my mind and observe the thoughts rushing by is often my only key to
sanity. Meditation permits me to move my mind to a place of concentration
and clarity. Experiences beyond stress reduction include alertness to
quality of life and spiritual unity of consciousness. By releasing
artificial bindings that weigh heavily on the mind, a mental levitation is
achieved. And in this elevated state, the meaning of unconditional love is
recognized.
03-Feb-2005: The Question of Art
—or—
Art of the Question
A previous thought-string
originated with James Joyce and his definition of proper art. Joyce
contrasts a universal conception of art against a dualistic perception of
art. The latter yields an emotional spectrum of desire to repulsion, or a
spectrum of pornography to didactics. However, universal art — one of aesthetic
stasis — induces arrest of the mind moving neither a desire to
possess, nor a rejection of the artist’s intent. Proper Art evokes a
state of being. Which leads to my question:
Can any given piece of
work achieve a universal response in observation?
It seems that across
humankind, a given piece of art may hold great meaning to one, but is of
no value to another. Or, my cousin may have a so-called enlightened moment
in contemplating the work, while my friend wants to buy the work solely
for the popularity of the artist. In other words,
are perceptions of all art relative and never universally principled?
I don’t intend to imply I
am a moral relativist — whatever that label means. I actually believe
there are universal principles of justice, wisdom, love and virtue. But
like Plato with his ill-fated Forms, I’d like to re-ignite
rational evaluation of these principles. The premise is that The
Republic cannot survive in absence of a virtuous and rational
populace. The Athens of Socrates eventually fell — so, are we slated for
the same fate?
To pursue a dualistic
approach to life creates great stress for "we" individuals —
We can see the modern conflict of politics in the partisan structure —
Democrats and Republicans are 90% the same but oh, that 10% creates
enemies for life. Dualism is also reflected in our correlation of good
with the extent to which we agree and of evil to which one
disagrees. This approach to dividing reality into two’s (otherwise known
as dichotomous thinking) results in making enemies with the
"other side," and is a futile means toward peaceable
coexistence. (For further discussion of dichotomous thinking, see an Essay
on Integral Thinking.)
So how does one get to the monist
perspective of art or virtue? Is this merely an arrogant stance in an ever
fractionate world? At what point can one perceive an order to the universe
that permits such an attitude?
As a prerequisite to an
ethical framework, a guiding philosophy must be established to form the
root of the evaluation. In this sense, asserting varying philosophies will
result in a relativistic perspective.
In these times, is it
possible to formulate a framework to even discuss virtuousness,
righteousness, or morality? Do our differences merely distill down to
cultural influences and an inability to accept alternative worldviews?
Conversely, do we subdue individual belief systems for the tyranny of a
universal but widely repudiated system? (Such were the grounds for the
American colonies to break the grip of the King of England and a universal
Anglican Church). Without a unifying philosophy, are we consigned to a
relativistic world where words, ideas, and beauty fail to have distinct
meaning?
Socrates maintained that
there is a basis for virtue — and yet this basis rested in the pantheon
of Greek gods… He maintained that the questions of beauty, justice, and
virtue were worth the effort to dissect (disassemble) and understand. Can
we infer, regardless of historical religious backdrop, that these
questions are worth revisiting in modern linguistic, philosophical and
spiritual context?
Framework then becomes the
formulation of the question, rather than the establishment of any
definitive answer. Pursuit of this practice may be extremely frustrating
for some, however the Socratic adage — I know nothing — in this
realm can be restated as follows:
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While I cannot conclude
any answer ventured — as long as I am asking questions, I assert my
vitality…my passion…my life. The quality of these questions will
continue to amplify the sublimity of life — the transcendent art
of living. |
These are lofty goals in
context of a four-generation lifetime. But relatively speaking…
worth every minute!
29-Jan-2005: Educating
Milum
Editor's Note: In
this installment, Lynne reflects upon the inadequacy of
her formal education (despite her academic credentials) and reconciles
that enlightenment is not a course taught in school.
This week was noteworthy for a favorite author of mine
— her third child Mackenzie was born last Sunday and her name appeared
on the news links by mid-day Tuesday. Jo Rowling is far more
transformational in my life beyond the ordinary fandom of a series of
popular children’s books converted to high-grossing films.
To really go into the nature of her importance, I must
travel back to my childhood (one that admittedly predates Rowlings’
own). I was a bookish girl — not really athletic or musical until high
school – and loved all school-related topics. Even then, I had
difficulty picking a favorite subject because I loved learning about
everything.
Early on, I was unexceptional on grades — it took a
few years of report cards for me to learn that I must regurgitate the
teacher’s ideas to do really well in school. By seventh grade or
so, I had that down — I was generally in the top 5% of my class for the
rest of my secondary education.
It was in this time frame also, that I began to excel
at math and science. I loved literature — something especially enjoyed
over the summer months — but the hard sciences were my realm. My
academic destiny was thus charted. I relished the mostly 20th
century authors pursued in American Literature and Honors English classes;
and I finally picked up the art of the 40-minute thesis about half-way
through my senior year, bumping my grade from a ‘B-’ average to an ‘H-’
(which translates to an A+). But this was just a segue to my Engineering
curricula starting the next fall. I placed out of all liberal arts credits
except Speech (yuck!), and elective coursework was relegated to
Microbiology and other Pre-Med requirements — my vacation(!) topics from
a rigorous course of study.
During my college years, I wrote some poems and letters
as a sidebar to the Chemical Engineering program, decided not to take the
MCAT and started looking for job opportunities. I went to work first in
Food Technology, moving shortly thereafter to Information Technology (IT)
in the pharmaceutical industry. Over time, I became an expert in
laboratory computer applications and FDA validation requirements.
What’s the point of this (for those of you who have
stuck with me)? Over the course of twenty-odd years, my exposure to
literature dwindled to reading technical journals, programming guides and
management treatises.
In 2000, my sister gave me a gift certificate for B
Dalton’s bookstores. I decided I was tired of Blanchard and Peters
books – I didn’t like the selection of Oracle books (database rather
than Delphinic) and I was frustrated. My gaze fell on Harry Potter and
the Sorcerer’s Stone and I thought — I’m curious… Goblet of
Fire had just been released with great "fanfare" so I was
piqued. I purchased the first two paperback volumes for an ‘easy’ read
over the weekend. By the next weekend, I had read all four — 1500+
pages. My mind was in motion — there was so much more here, and so many
hooks to other literature. My voraciousness for reading was reawakened!
In the absence of more Harry Potter books, I turned to
other literature and started consuming again — just for fun.
About this time, my husband was directed to Joseph
Campbell by Arvind Khetia, our very wise friend, — we started watching
the PBS series Power of Myth as a result. Connections started
growing fast and furious — we built on each other’s discoveries.
Casual references to the hero infiltrated family discussions. Our son was
nearly five and was well into a spectrum of heroes including
"Parkman" (his own alter ego) and a conflation of Tiny
Tiger/Crash Bandicoot — he could tell us stories at great length and we
enjoyed them greatly.
In 2003, I started formalizing my analyses by writing
them down — where else to start but with Harry — since Order of
the Phoenix had been published. That was the underpinning for MythicHero.com.
In unfolding the works of both Rowling and Campbell, I
encountered a world of mythology, psychology and philosophy previously
unfathomed.
With each referenced work, additional avenues were
revealed as new layers of an inverted onion — rather than distilling
down to a final center, the possibilities were growing exponentially.
Plato, Jung, Arabian Nights, Bhagavad-Gita, Victor Hugo, Parzival, Locke,
Osiris, Alice in Wonderland — well, the latter is me. I never realized
the chasm of my classical education. Here I was, educated in top public
schools in latter-day 20th Century, during an age of Information and
Technology that was stunning. How could anyone born in the 12th Century or
18th Century be better educated than I...There was an age of enlightenment
in which John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were acutely immersed and to
which I was woefully blind.
So, Ms. Rowling and Mr. Campbell — thank you for ‘Educating
Milum’ or truly launching the re-education of (Lynne) Milum. I am
forever indebted to you for reawakening my path of bliss — this
wonderful world of ideas that is overflowing... that is my age of
enlightenment.
25-Jan-2005: Who is this
stranger, Death?
Johnny Carson’s death was deeply felt in our
household. We remember his shows as though they were played last week.
Bette Midler singing to and with Johnny – those excerpts over the air
this morning still bring me to tears – perhaps because that farewell to
Johnny is now the final farewell.
What does that mean to the rest of us? Not everyone has
opportunity for 30 years of television legacy. It will be a long time
before that celluloid crumbles forgotten. Do our lives imprint the world
in some manner, lasting beyond our brief sentient moments?
I lost my father last year – he could be described as
curmudgeonly, yet that does not lessen the love and tribute I hold for
him. I would not be who I am, but for him. I am grateful not only for mere
existence, but also for beloved art, literature, math, music, and
aesthetics as gifts of his soul.
So is death an imagined foe? Or is it yet another
perception that will be unveiled beyond the door? In human form, neither
words nor images are conveyed in absolute form from that passageway.
I believe that we all come from the same Source, and
there we shall return completely at peace with the aggregate of humankind.
In this physical life, all we can assert are our beliefs and personal
experience…and that is my belief.
But is there anything we know more concrete about the
eternal, everlasting or merely aeonic in nature? We have hope in our
children from genetics…We have hope in the vastness of the cosmos…We
have hope in science that the physical essence shall exist as varying
forms of matter and energy. And yet each of these has a limitation.
The only thing one can be guaranteed is the moment we
are experiencing now – live that moment to last forever.
19-Jan-2005: Here sets
the dome of the sky...
I left work considerably
late today… Noting the sky was already darkening, a taint of dread
passed through me. I have been listening to a new audio course on great
authors during my hour commute, and have been less than enthused with the
lecturer and his definition of "great."
I left St. Joseph
(Missouri) amid heavy traffic and launched myself on the Interstate as the
tape opened and the topic introduced. This is actually an author I want to
learn about, so my interest stirred. As I listened, the sunset
re-emphasized the vastness of the plains and how Native Americans could
easily conceive the world existing under a large dome that was the sky.
Then, to the west, streams of coral and bright pinks playing in this dome
captivated my mind – and the tales of Victor Hugo faded away.
Sunsets have been rare
these last few weeks – censored by clouds, political machinations and
natural disasters. In witness, I was drawn to James Joyce’s perception
of proper art (through his character Stephen Daedalus in A Portrait of
the Artist as a Young Man) – it is comprised of that beauty or
sublimity which holds the viewer in aesthetic stasis. It neither
moves the observer to desire –
which is pornography, nor does it incite loathing – which is
didactic; these both yield "kinetic emotion" an improper art.
In that vision of the sky
– the vastness of the world…and the universe…all creation… is
awakened. This is as close as the one can get in this world to the
eternal.
According to Aquinas, the
three qualities of universal beauty are Integritas, Convenientia
and Claritas – Integrity, Harmony and Radiance.
As the sunset darkens to
violets and deep purple, I remind myself to repeat the aesthetic
experience at least twice daily for as long as I am able.
16-Jan-2005: Resolution –
The Hero’s Path
It is now two weeks into
the New Year, and resolutions are still fresh in my mind. I have found
that if I do not set expectations – for the day, month, or year in scope
– the things that are critically important to me are relinquished to
neglect. I may not accomplish the goal in the set timeframe, but the
longer I actively hold these thoughts, the more likely I am to attain the
goal.
As always, improving the
health of my family and myself is the recurring resolution – this goal
always seems to have room for greatest gain. The treadmill is dusted off
and I’m carving time 4-5 times/week to get it turning, albeit slowly!
Reducing fat, limiting carbohydrates and keeping stocked up on fresh
fruits and vegetables completes that corporeal aim.
Equally important to me is
the pursuit of exercises that have lasting spiritual value. Holding and
perceiving those perennial ideas sustained by the great philosophers is
the boon of my life, however brief the experience. I do not know my
capacity to pass on the flame of these ideas. But if I keep that joy pent
inside – my fire can never be offered for the sharing. So this
resolution is to continue learning, creating, writing to clarify my own
life’s path. And maybe, sometime, somewhere those ideas will act as
herald for another to set foot on their own hero’s journey.
06-Jan-2005: The Weather Outside is Frightful!
As I stare out the window on this frigid day in the
Midwest, and contemplate the glassy ice and falling tree limbs… Isn’t it
odd how something can be both beautiful and treacherous?
We are all of that same character – our choices may
yield perceptions of both good and evil. Often, this is not reflective of
our intentions – merely that we exist in a physical world that demands
that juxtaposition. The primary learning from this is recognition that
these perceptions exist, and we must make the best decisions that we can
regardless of the perceptions. Whether my decision is selfless or selfish,
the consequences are borne by me. It is in my interest to live the life
worth living – to travel the hero’s path.
My efforts with MythicHero.com
are really about metaphors for experiencing life … how else to start
this blog than with my own metaphor written over 25 years ago on a day
very much like today:
Fragments
Little Heads
Peek Out
From the Newly Fallen Snow
Long Skinny Fingers of Ice
Reaching Out
From Under a Blanket
Broken Glass
Everywhere
As the Sun Sets
Makes the Scene Blush
With Guilt
God’s World Immortalized in Glass
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