Archetypes

As I think about my life experiences, I am not always certain of all the details associated with any specific memory. After all, we fill in the blanks in everything that we recall. The actual reality that took place may be somewhat different than what we remember. Memories lie and recollections are never perfect. Not only we tend to forget names of people, but we may change the events as well to fit a certain narrative. This is not intentional, and I do not intent to write fiction. However, I realize that in my mind, I am seeking to find some meaning to my life and therefore unconsciously tend to create a narrative that fits to my gestalt. As an existentialist I do not believe that anything has any meaning fundamentally. We create meaning to everything ourselves. We perceive reality in a way that we are conditioned to perceive it. We make sense out of it based on our existing frameworks. We have our own schemata. At the same time, these schemata are organized around archetypes. They are not completely random. I do not believe in determinism or destiny. However, I do feel that there are some archetypal patterns that our lives can be organized around if we are conscious enough to recognize these archetypes and allow them to guide us. 

 

I am particularly fascinated in the archetype of the hero, and the series of archetypes called the hero’s journey. In mythology this is called the monomyth. I am so interested in this that I wrote my dissertation formulating a leadership development model around the hero’s journey and the archetypes within. Therefore, it is somewhat understandable that I see myself and my own life in this light as well. As an existential hero, I recognize that life is absurd but seek to live a meaningful life regardless. I will form my own meaning and purpose. I choose not to follow what Sartre calls bad faith. That is, religions or other dogmas. While I do not judge those that do, I cannot follow something that I have not myself worked through. I do not believe in supernatural and agree with Sigmund Freud when he said that religion is a childish need for dependency. It takes courage to realize that all gods are dead as declared by Nietzsche. This choice is not for the faint hearted. Accepting the fact that I am solely responsible for my own life and my choices is sometimes hard. I must accept the bad with the good. No matter how ugly the truth may be, it is my truth. Furthermore, I agree that leadership is an authentic self-expression as stated by Kevin Cashman. It is not something that can be merely learned. It takes individuation, as conceptualized by Carl Jung. Life, in its fullest, is a journey of leadership. Even if it does not involve leading others, it requires self-leadership.