The Warrior Life

A model that was explored at the A Place Apart weekend was that of Warrior, Mystic, and Monk. These are archetypal symbols that keep showing up throughout human history and continue to speak to our souls today.

I don’t want to spoil the work that Paul, Jim and others have put into it by posting everything that they presented to us last weekend. So I would much rather name in what ways I will incorporate the individual practices of each archetype into my life. Maybe you can get a sense of it through my longings. I hope that Travis and I’s posts would tease you enough that you would inquire more about A Place Apart and even go on a retreat with them, because it is their vision that has inspired me. If you are interested please contact them by clicking here.

Now, the first archetype is the Warrior. This model represents the best longing within me and overall how I wish to see myself. Here are some ways that I am seeking to cultivate a Warrior lifestyle:

- I am working out 2 hours a day, six days a week using strength and cardiovascular training in order that my body may be able to endure the physical battles I may face.
- Developing a diet that best suits my physical needs.
- As often as I am able I am spending at least one hour a day outdoors to reconnect with the earth and to meditate.
- Living out an active nonviolent lifestyle.
- Discerning how I may be more involved in social justice ministries to protect the weak, powerless and oppressed. One way I will do that is by writing to a Death Row inmate.
- Living without fear and insecurity. Whether it be of what other people think of me or how the culture seeks to control me be keeping me afraid. I am practicing fearlessness.
- I plan to participate in a Vision Quest.
- Have a strong desire to learn wilderness survival skills. I am also considering possible training in Tracker School to develop a hypersensitive awareness to my surroundings by learning to track animals and nature observation.

Jesus as Warrior:
Luke 4:1-13
Matthew 8:28-34
Mark 11:15-18
Matthew 26:36-46
Matthew 26:50-56
John 19:1-16

How many examples of the Warrior can you find in Popular culture (i.e. books, film)?