The Treasure We Seek

While cleaning out a file last week, I came across a quote attributed to Joseph Campbell. Set beautifully upon an image of a cavern, light spilling from an opening far above, were these words: The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.

Campbell was a scholar of mythology and comparative religion. His work, however, was not meant to be abstract. No, his genius was in gleaning truths from tales told across cultures and throughout time, and using that knowledge as intended: to illuminate the pathway toward wisdom and a rich experience of living. 

            

It’s hard being a human being. Not only is our external world often demanding, but inside we’re a confusing mix of conflicting emotions and competing desires. Complicated creatures, we are each a mix of light and dark. For those of us on a spiritual path, it is essential that we explore this inner territory, for what lies outside our awareness exerts a powerful control over it. 

            

And yet, such work is not easy. We may prefer to avoid recognizing that a current pattern is harmful or the niggling sense that it’s time for a change. Perhaps we’re in a destructive relationship. We might have a soul~numbing depression, an explosive temper, or past emotional wounds that hurt us still. Maybe we drink, use prescription meds, cannabis or food to numb ourselves. Or we may have simply not yet found a way to live fully, offering our unique spark to the world. 

            

No shame in any of that. It can be frightening to turn to face what whispers, even hollers at times, for our attention. But as Campbell’s metaphor reminds us, there are compensations if we answer the call. As we step into that cave, we surrender our fear and open to the flow of life coursing through us, moving into greater harmony with that force many call God. 

            

On the other hand, when we resist doing as we know we need to, we create barriers that wrench us out of balance. And because such blocks go against nature, they must be continually reinforced in harmful ways. 

            

So we step into that cave instead, not knowing where the path will take us. And as we do so, we might find that we are, as Campbell puts it, “met by a thousand unseen helping hands.” Spirit is on our side in this endeavor.

            

Aspens are flaming a vivid yellow on the mountainsides, and nights have turned cooler at last. Autumn has returned once again, with its urgings to turn inward. 

And if in that inward turning, we recognize that there is some aspect of our soul that needs tending, let us tend it now, knowing that we will be supported in the task and trusting that the treasure we seek shall indeed be found.

Happy spelunking, everyone!

Leia