Answering the Call to Adventure: A 2023 Editorial
In this article
In this July/August 2023 editorial, Dr. Tom Fisher reflects on Joseph Campbell’s call to adventure, a teaching opportunity in Spain and the boundaries between professional and personal life.
How does Joseph Campbell shape my thinking?
For almost twenty years, I have been teaching a Motivation course at the University. For all intents and purposes, it is an overview of the “Human Condition” and goal-directed movement (or lack thereof) in Life. One of the authors whose works I highlight in my lectures is Joseph Campbell. I dedicate an entire lecture to his masterwork: “The Hero with a Thousand Faces”. In fact, I often use Campbell’s work in my Private Practice with my athletes, executives, and other risk-takers. I’ll try not to get all “pschobabbleish”, but I think this may prove to be interesting…
What does a call to adventure mean to me?
I’d like to take a few minutes to share some of the changes I have made as a result of Campbell’s work as I close in on the seventh decade of my Life’s sojourn. First, I have become much more attuned to what Campbell called the “Call to Adventure”. This is a part of his “metamyth” research. It is a Call, an opportunity to leave the “ordinary world”. Some hear it, some do not. Of those able to hear it, it is often either dismissed or ignored. However, those who either do not hear or ignore the Call simply remain in the ordinary world. No harm, no foul. Nothing changes. If remaining in the ordinary world is sufficient, you would most likely stop reading this and busy yourself with other things. But it’s not enough for me…
Why did I answer a teaching opportunity in Spain?
Upon reflection, I have heard and answered the Call many times in my Life. But the latest Call was a wee bit more insistent. I have been given an appointment to teach at a University in Spain for the Summer “A” semester. Now, given my responsibilities here at Muscle Media Magazine, as well as the demands of my Private Practice, something “had to give”. Although this had been brewing for quite some time, I decided to answer the Call.
How am I balancing professional and personal life?
I made a major shift in my professional/private schedules. First, I have decided to say “No” more often than I say “Yes” in my professional roles. I still see patients, but only those from seasoned referral sources. I have purposefully made it more difficult to see me professionally and have even raised my fees.
Formerly, in my professional “ordinary world”, I would aggressively seek out new patients and felt the need to prove to others (and myself) that I still “set the standard”.
Regrettably, I noticed that there were times when my Professional world invaded and overwhelmed my private world. So, I decided to start saying “Yes” more often in my private world. This is truly an amazing paradigm shift for me.
I am often told that I am “high energy” or “intense”, but now those qualities have migrated into my personal growth and development. I’m trying to achieve a harmonious balance with my newfound journey out of my previously held “ordinary worlds”. I’ll be sure to keep you posted as to my progress…
What is in the July/August 2023 issue?
But, enough of that… What does this issue have to offer us…?
Because of repeated requests in our “mailbag”, Paul reviews three supplements that have shown promise as testosterone boosters. Continuing with the field of supplements and nutrition, Darius discusses the importance of a balanced approach to nutrition. Arielle points out the pros and cons of a plant-based protein diet. Brylen explores the ongoing research into creatine monohydrate as an ergogenic aid.
For those of you interested in workout regimens, Angela discusses the critical need for consistency when pursuing a fitness goal. Alyssa explains the advantages to having a workout partner (nicely dovetailing with Angela’s “Consistency” article). Kyla talks about timing and technique when properly stretching. Samuel takes us behind the scenes with an overview of Jiujitsu training. Maria investigates resistance training with heavy weights, while Amelia explains the principle of hypertrophy through greater duration for time-under-tension training.
Lillian gives us a global perspective on the fundamentals involved in resistance training. Angela offers insights into working out as a senior citizen through the field of gerontology. Dominique cautions us about the unfortunate consequences of knee injuries and repair. Finally, our resident entertainment expert from the Training Table, Anne, discusses the nutritional importance of Beta Carotene.
What might your call to adventure sound like?
Take some time out to listen very carefully… That sound you hear could very well be a Call to adventure… Train Often, Train Safe…
Cheers…!
Further reading
