April 18th – The Greatest Adventure

“The story of Odysseus is about more than just a Greek guy in a boat. It’s about the journey people take through life and the obstacles they meet along the way…As addicts, we were stuck in a Lotus Land; we forgot our mission; we forgot the other adventures that awaited us; we forgot about going home.”

– The Story of the Lotus Eaters, Life with Hope, second edition, page xx

I find MA’s literature so warm and cuddly. I love the story of The Lotus Eaters. When I first read this bonkers little bit of storytelling, I knew I was in the right fellowship. Reading it, I imagined an animated cartoon of the story. I love how MA encourages me to be creative and fun in my interpretation of its profound and deep messages. I particularly appreciate the subtle ambiguity in this story.

We never learn if the natives in Lotus Land are truly native to the island, or if they are other shipwrecked people who became hypnotized by the Lotus. There might be people for whom sitting around on an island, doing nothing but being lazy and eating lotus, is truly the best thing they can achieve in life.

I know that for me, despite spending nearly 20 years stoned out of my gourd every day, I am not a native of Lotus Land. I do have greater adventures in store for me, and a sincere calling to return to my true home. For me, I’m grateful that my inner Odysseus dragged me off the island. I’m so grateful for the adventures that I’ve had since that time.

Final thought: Today, I remind myself that I am the hero of my own story. The greatest adventure is what lies ahead. I continue to row like hell, remember my true home, and look forward to another adventure.