Where does this journey take us?
In the last learning event we asked that you share a look in the mirrors that inhabit your world. We asked that you consider where these mirrors may take you. This learning event, we think about the journey along the way, and what we learn in the process.
Specifically, we’re asking what journey (or journeys) have you taken to get this point? What trials and tribulations have you encountered along the path? What great deeds and stories will you return to to give the world to make it a better place?
What do we learn about ourselves in the journey?
In many of our cultural narratives there is a pattern of events which Joseph Campbell called the monomyth. The monomyth is frequently referred to as the hero’s journey. It should be noted that there is controversy about the hero’s journey rewriting privilege in narratives. For a good overview of the monomyth, the journey, and personal archetypes in the narrative, please review this page.
In our own lives, we may engage on our own journey. Campbell identified this as events in which you venture forth from the world of the common day into a region of supernatural wonder. You encountered fabulous forces and won decisive victories. You return from this mysterious adventure with new powers and knowledge to share with friends, family, and students.
In considering your journey, you could think of your weeks in the #WalkMyWorld project as a kind of voyage that you have taken with us. What wonders have you encountered along the way? What challenges and opportunities have you overcome in this voyage? What knowledge, skills, and dispositions will you bring back from this journey?
How do I do this?
Watch the following video from Matthew Winkler discussing what makes a hero.
Watch the following video by Tim Adams on what makes an anti-hero.
Think about the journey that you are about to complete. You might think of this journey in the #WalkMyWorld project, or you might consider an alternate journey in your life. What journey speaks the most to you? What journey would you like to share with others? What challenges and opportunities have you experienced along the journey? What skills and expertise will you share with others after your journey?
Create a hero or heroine, and share their journey in this learning event. Think of a name for your hero, or heroine in your response…or use your own name. Consider the following steps involved in the pattern of events involved in the epic hero monomyth. You might chose to include these steps in the journey in your response.
- Call To Adventure
- Assistance
- Departure
- Trials
- Approach
- Crisis
- Treasure
- Result
- Return
- New Life
- Resolution
Create a visual, audio, or written account of your journey using the elements identified above. Share your response using the #WalkMyWorld hashtag on twitter.
Be sure to stay active on the #WalkMyWorld hashtag to see what others share about their journey.
A guiding example
One of the epic contributors of Genius.com Mr. Varnell created and shared a variant of this lesson on Genius. You can review the lesson, and some of the exemplars here.
Cover Image CC BY-NC 2.0 The Hague
Top image CC BY 2.0 yaketyyakyak
Top middle image CC BY 2.0 yaketyyakyak
Bottom middle image CC BY 2.0 yaketyyakyak
Bottom image CC BY 2.0 yaketyyakyak
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