I have been pondering on a topic discussed in my Mitra study group which came out full forcce again over the young peopl'e weekend recently. That is the topic of 'personal myths'. What are the deep archetypal stories we tell ourselves about our purpose and meaning in life, and where we are headed? To be honest I hadn't really framed it like 'a personal myth' before it was explained to me, so thought would bring it out for discussion.

 On the weekend there was a underlying theme of the 'noble quest', the 'heroic journey' that is the fully lived spiritual life, and I really respond and connect with that. Dharamshalin talked of the neccesity of making a heartfelt and personal connection with what really mattered to you and finding the ways to make that a reality in your own life.

And on reflection it was quite straightforward for me. I really respond to the myth of exploration. From star trek, to Dr Who, and all the other sci-fi and fantasy i get absorbed in, to scientific endevour and quantum physics I have a deep need to 'boldly go where no-one (or at least I!) have never gone before'...

However I have never really travelled the world, and don't enjoy not knowing where I am sleeping that night. I suppose I always live by the motto 'wherever you go, there you are'. I suppose I believe that changing your external conditions can challenge and surprise you, but not necessarily promote lasting insights or change.

So, what is this deep exploration I am drawn to? Well it's pretty obvious. It's the fascinating, profound and endless exploration that is humanity itself, and by default, my humanity. What is this conciousness of my 'self', my future death and my perception of the world that differentiates me from the animals? What makes us unique and what makes us the same? Can we be more than this mess of desires and emotion that lead us to dark and lonely places?

When I met Buddhism, it intellectually started to answer some of those questions for me. But it was when I really got into meditation that I started on that amazing journey for myself to change my perceptions and conciousness in ways that have started to answer those questions. And it has been so far astounding and terrifying in equal measure. And I know I have only just scratched the surface!

So I wholeheartedly endorse you to give some serious reflection time to the stories, myths and imaginative worlds that you most respond to, as it may help to bring some clarity to the path you want to tred. But in the end thinking about it can only go so far. And as far as I am concerned, deep meditation practices for me at least, could be 'the undiscovered country' from which something may return, but it may not quite be the 'me' I used to be. Now that really is an exciting adventure :)