"If you climb the mountain without absorbing the view"

Earlier today I was reading part of the manuscript of a travel memoir that Kensington (the company I work for) is publishing next June. In the book the author Brad Herzog, takes a quote from Joseph Campbell's thoughts on myths and heroes...


“A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man.”



Then Brad goes on to say...



"The last part, while it may be least exciting, is actually most important. It implies that one falls short of the heroic ideal if there is achievement without understanding, forces overcome without lessons learned and dispersed—that is, if you climb the mountain without absorbing the view."



Now what does that have to do with Barbara and me? In no way am I trying to imply that we are heroes of any kind. We, just like everyone else are trying to live our lives and face the obstacles that approach us head-on. But while in our circumstance any victory would be welcome, it seems to me we would be missing much if we didn't try and learn the many lessons that are there in this trial. Our dear friend Rino said to me yesterday "turning poison into medicine is OUR job."



Getting to the top of the mountain without absorbing the view while we climb would be a pity. As we say in Buddhism our "Human Revolution" is the real benefit. Overcoming this illness (which I tell you unequivocally we will) but not understanding the process is a half victory, and I can't accept anything but 100% victory.



What do you think?