Life, Lessons & Love

Your Journey

November 9, 2020

In May 2005, I hiked for four days, 40 miles, into Zion National Park. The name Zion is itself profoundly significant: “(in Christian thought) the heavenly city or kingdom of heaven.” My preparation for the hike was extensive. But I now realize it was the physiological stresses of the experience that made it feel so pivotal.

“The journey out of the village to somewhere central, a pilgrimage, is part of the development of the self.” – paraphrased from Jordan B. Peterson Podcast S3 E31: Carl Jung (Part 1) 23:30 - 25:35 | YouTube

Peterson explains how interacting with unfamiliar environments can trigger transformation—not just mentally, but biologically:

“The interaction with the environment affects elements of your self all the way down to the genetic level. Exposing yourself to different environments puts physiological stresses on your body which activate your genes to create new proteins that result in actual physical changes to you.” – Jordan B. Peterson

Self-exploration and the implicit pursuit of growth explain why those of us with wanderlust travel the world:

“Circumambulation refers to the idea of taking yourself to all the four corners of the world as a means of exploring your self.” – Jordan B. Peterson

This is literal significance of the labyrinth used in many traditions:

“There is a maze, a labyrinth, on the floor of many cathedrals in Europe. At the center of the maze, the rose at the center of the cross, the culmination of the journey, represents the acceptance of suffering.” – Jordan B. Peterson

Our journey through life is intricately woven with the paths we traverse, the environments we explore, and the challenges we face. Each experience—physical or psychological—leaves an imprint on our being, shaping who we are and who we’re becoming. We too leave our villages, in search of our own sacred centers..

It is in the journey itself that we find meaning—and the courage to suffer beautifully.