The Other Side of the Hill

The path to enlightenment is dark, difficult, and at first, mythical. It takes a certain deep disappointment with our established reality to dare to reject it in search of another. Thus begins the Hero’s Quest, whether we are consciously aware of it or not.

Suffering is the raw material upon which the alchemist must work. At first, the ego struggles with suffering, but — being ego — it projects this suffering onto others or society. We may initially cope, but once we identify with suffering, it wraps itself around our very sense of being. We become the suffering itself.

The alchemist, however, is a special kind of sufferer. Through contemplation and insight, one gradually gains perspective over one’s true nature and the reality we habitually create. This requires pushing aside the ego and embracing truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Slowly, we confront our own darker aspects — the private demons hidden behind thoughts and deeds. By naming and illuminating these shadows, we rob them of further influence.

We enter the path in twilight, turning our backs on what we know and pushing forward into the unknown, eventually arriving at the utter emptiness of the Dark Night of the Soul. Here, we release control and accept our helplessness fully. The path begins impossibly hard — you may not even realise you are on a path; everything that once felt normal now feels alien.

Beyond the Dark Night lies the strange paradoxes of the crucifixion — the stage where one masters three of the seven “churches” and overcomes material lust and anger. Even then, there is a Dark Night of the Spirit, a fresh disappointment that more work remains. The burden of spiritual labour can seem relentless.

Yet, for those who persevere on this weary and, at times, unrelenting journey, I offer reassurance: there is a kind of peak to this path — a summit. Beyond it, everything is metaphorically downhill. Progress no longer requires effort; in fact, effort only obstructs it. At that point, surrender replaces striving.

Keep going. ❤️🙏

“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”
— Joseph Campbell