Flapjack,
I appreciate the detailed reply. I did sense a strong vibe related to creative endeavors. Jung, and Campbell, taught that when one finds that thing in life that most satisfies the soul life opens up and blossoms. But society holds us back and the inner world is never realized. The hero is the individual who breaks the chains of social duty and blazes their own path. It is not an easy thing to do and doesn't happen overnight. And just when you think you have it figured out something new arises and a new task confronts you. Campbell said life is a series of trials and realizations. In my experience he is right. Especially difficult are the emotional trials. Every act in life is a psychological event and when you understand yourself, your true self, then the emotional energies are not so overwhelming.

As for the emotional nourishment, we all have issues with that. I am a firm believer that we all are basically the person formed from childhood experiences and influences. The impressions imprinted on the brain become set in concrete and we unconsciously follow those imprints. As individuals we may react differently but there are patterns that can discerned from the imprinting {that is where myth plays a role, the universal patterns of emotional energies and behavior}. Determining what your patterns are is the big step in reconciling and resolving the negative energies. To be truly whole this is mandatory. We can medicate ourselves, deny the issues exist or pass them off as meaningless But our dreams will not let go of the energies until they are confronted. That is the function of dreams, a presentation of the emotional energies that control the waking life. And the intent is to help inform the dreamer of the energies so resolution can take place. The hero journey is first and foremost a psychological journey. Just as the body has the immune system to heal and protect, the psyche has the dream that performs the same service.

When we look inward we realize not only the negative energies, we also realize a 'metaphysical' presence within the psyche. Spirituality {not religion} and creativity are inherent aspects seeking attention and awakening. To do that thing in life that is most satisfying, or giving of oneself for a greater cause, these are not only the stories of myth but are the essence of being whole and soulful. Life finds meaning when we go inward and discover the true self. Dreams can help in that endeavor. We dream to become whole.

You are on the right path. Continue to seek your passion and live it as much as possible. Society will try to hold you back but you can take control by living life on your own terms, in a spiritual manner {Karma, cause and effect}. Nature becomes an ally and barriers fall away. It is pretty much a common sense attitude, objectivity and less emotions. What you are looking for is already available, within. No need to go westward, just go inward.

Jerry

Age & Gender & Location {Required}: 69 Altoona, Fl