By Roy Leighton
Roy is a student at Hughes Hall in Cambridge studying a Masters in Philosophy (Knowledge, Power and Politics) at the Faculty of Education. He is a published author and has been working globally in education, business and social change with a focus on learning through play for nearly 40 years.
This is the third blog inspired by the example of Amanual, a graduate of the CODE4000 computer coding training for prisoners. Students at Cambridge University, as part of a twelve week awareness and fundraising campaign, are using the narrative of ‘The Hero’s Journey’ to reflect on the stages of his story and the challenges he has overcome.
Before the hero accepts ‘The Call to Adventure’ and after ‘Meeting The Mentor’ (where they receive guidance and instruction) there is always a holding back before stepping onto that unknown path. There is a disbelief in their ability to succeed in the challenge ahead. This is inevitable. If you have never succeeded in a new task or challenge then doubt and fear will surface. This is a good thing and an indication that you are moving. Fear is not to be feared.
“Fear teaches us to pay attention to what’s going on, and a well-honed sense of fear allows us to maintain dynamic equilibrium in an inevitably unpredictable world.”
Gabrielle Roth
This emotional feeling of fear is evolution’s way of making sure that we don’t jump into some new situation that could bring us, others or the place where we are harm. However, too often we feel frightened and, depending on our earlier experiences, education and parenting, we will either turn the energy of fear into excitement, or we will allow it to paralyze us. Our rational mind will find all the reasons for not risking and we end up doing nothing. Of course we need a rational mind but we also need to listen to our intuitive and creative mind as well.
“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a loyal servant. We have become a society that honours the servant but has forgotten the gift.”
Albert Einstein
One technique to check in with your intuitive and rational mind is to stop and take a breath. In fact take a few. Breathing (another evolutionary gift) calms the mind and allows us to bring a little balance and perspective into our decision making. Over recent years we’ve seen an increase in this valuable skill in the rise of ‘mindfulness’ training which draws from the wisdom traditions of Hinduism, Taoism and Buddhism. One of the greatest challenges of incarceration is solitude. However, Amanul made use of this solitude to apply himself to self reflection. Some people create the space for stillness and calm by breathing while others do it through formal prayer and ritual. Whatever your personal approach to becoming a little more ‘mindful’ the essence of the practice is always the same: be still, breath deeply and become open to emerging internal thoughts and external opportunities. Note these gut feelings. Create a simple plan of action. Then act.
When we transform our fear and doubt into excitement with an expectation of positive outcomes we have reached the stage in ‘The Hero’s Journey’ known as ‘Acceptance of the Call’. This is the moment when our desire for the reward becomes stronger than or fear and the anxiety that leads to inaction. It is at this point when that very act of commitment to the journey mentally triggers unseen connections and things begin to shift both internally and externally.
There is one elementary Truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans. The moment one definitely commits oneself, Providence moves too; all sorts of things occur to help one that would not otherwise have occurred, a whole stream of events issues from that decision raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance which no one would have dreamed could have come their way. Are you in earnest? Seize this very moment what you can do or dream you can. Begin it — boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Amanul didn’t allow fear or immediate circumstances to stop him from taking courageous action and began to work with the CODE4000 team. He refused to allow negative thoughts and experiences from the past to determine his actions in the present. He took daily action within prison towards his goal of a more fulfilling life for himself and others after his release. This is the mindset of a true hero.
You can help contribute to the work Code4000 do by donating here.
