Acknowledge to Accept. Accept to Arise. Walking the Hero’s Journey

I’m currently going through another run of the Clubbell Hero Evolution. As I spoke to in detail in the last post, the focus of this first cycle in the program revolves around releasing/letting go/cleansing. For it is the first step in the Hero’s Journey.

Only, letting go is not so simple. Even with the best of intentions, “letting go” can be one of the hardest feats we will face in the process. Because doing so runs counter to the energy normally generated when we are motivated and initially commit to a major shift or transformation in our lives. We usually get revved up, exert our will and give ourselves a push to overcome initial inertia. Thing is, the act of releasing that which is hindering you isn’t something you can force by exerting your will over it. It requires the opposite. It requires us to not fight. To not resist. To not drive or push. It requires us to… Let. It. Go.

Here’s an example I love, as we step briefly into Super Hero geekdom. “Don’t make me angry. You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.” Iconic saying by an iconic super hero figure: Bruce Banner aka. the Incredible Hulk. Bruce Banner struggles to keep that which is inside of him (The Hulk), at bay. Out of immense fear of what it means to let the Hulk out. And yet, as angry, ugly and destructive as the Hulk can be, it is also Banner’s power and strength unleashed on the world. When guided constructively, he has helped save humanity time and time again. And to do so, instead of having to TURN ON his powers and abilities, he has to let go of his hold over them. As illustrated in what I think is probably the most brilliant line in 2012’s “The Avengers” movie:

As a giant alien creature comes barrelling down on the Avengers:

Captain America: “Dr. Banner, now might be a really good time for you to get angry.”
Banner: “That’s my secret Captain. I’m always angry.”

Banner transforms into Hulk, Hulk smashes giant alien creature into the ground.

Now on top of the seemingly contradictory energies we face and must come to terms with at the beginning of this journey, we don’t always have clarity around what it is we are needing to let go of. You can WANT to let go of all kinds of non-essentials. But that is different from what you NEED to let go of at this time, in order for the shift to really take hold. To do so requires us to get to greater and greater degree’s of honesty with ourselves.

Well throw another chain of immense challenge on why don’t ya?!!

Getting honest with ourselves. Yes, even tougher. Because it puts us in an absolutely vulnerable state. One that is harder to defend or justify. One that, by our own volition, turns the spotlight on our imperfection… our weakness… on the possibility that others will see us, or that we might discover ourselves, to be of much less value than we hope to be in this life. Very tough, when a major propelling component of who we are at our core is to mean more. Yet only when we can acknowledge to greater degree’s of honesty where we are at (where ever that may be at this time),  will we be able to accept where we need to begin.

This isn’t about putting on glasses so we can see more clearly what’s in front of us. It’s about taking the glasses off, so we can acknowledge how we actually see.

It’s not an acceptance of being less, of being weaker than you like to think or of less value to others. It is an acceptance of where the most effective building can start. More honest acceptance doesn’t leave you to wallow in a pit of misery, judgement and self loathing for being “less”. It allows you to face the “baggage”, the “anchors”and the “chains” head on, facing what fears might have been nipping at your heels or casting an oppressive shadow, at which point any power they previously held over you… crumbles away.

And that’s why I think Banner’s struggle, as a “hero” is so brilliant. Because it’s so human. Out of fear for what might be, we hold on so tight and keep ourselves at bay. When in reality if we can face that fear, we also develop the courage to embrace all of who we are. All of what we have experienced. All of who we have become as a result and how that has served all of who we can continue to become.

Now we can in fact engage our strengths with increased efficacy. We can nurture and support the growth of qualities that may otherwise be dormant. Which all only aids in the continued release of that which no longer serves us.

Acknowledge where you are at. No judgement. No criticism.

By acknowledging, you provide yourself the space and opportunity to accept. Accepting yourself.

By accepting, you can let go what fear may have been holding you back.

By letting go of the “anchors”… you arise.

Dare To Evolve,
Shane.