The quest saga always has the same basic structure, though local details may vary. Each saga begins with a hero receiving a call to adventure which makes him abandon his familiar safe environment to venture into the dangerous unknown (think about it... Indy gave up his job as a lecturer to go after the Arc of the Covenant). Next, our hero undergoes a series of tests and trials, negotiates a few snakes, kills a few baddies, etc. As a reward he wins a magical prize (a golden fleece, a princess, a chest of treasure, the elixir of eternal life, that kind of thing). And, in a final hurrah, the prize is brought back from the kingdom of doom to redeem his community.
| I guess I’m arguing that these narratives symbolise an inward journey. The hero breaks free from the conventional thinking of his time, ventures out into the darkness of speculative thought, finds the creative power to change himself and wishes to share it with others. |  |
Hang on. Calm down. Don’t worry, my ego may be big but I’m not suggesting I’m Indiana Jones!
Actually, I’m going much further than that! I’m suggesting that we all are! All the genuinely positive upbeat can-do people reading this blog, attending ‘The Art of Being Brilliant’ workshops and the 2%er events, spreading energy and positivity to their families, workplaces and communities.
The ‘Temple of Doom’ represents the workplace. The ‘serpents’ are the mood hoovers that need dealing with along the way. There are hazards aplenty and we need all our swashbuckling powers. The quest is to find the energy to sustain your brilliance. And the reward? Oh boy, the reward! Here is where I have to tread carefully. If I said the reward was ‘the elixir of life’ it might well sound a bit OTT? You know, slightly naff or clichéd or a step too far? But for those who’ve been with us from the start, you’ll know it’s pretty close to the truth.
Until next time, the quest continues... Andy C x
