A Practitioner’s Perspective
by Heather Epps, RScP
One of Greek mythological stories is that of Atlas, the Titan who lost the war with the Greek Gods. He was punished by having to hold up the heavens. The typical illustration is Atlas holding the world on his shoulders. This symbolizes the universal experience of bearing a heavy burden. We can all relate to that!
It is always interesting to look at things from a symbolic level. Joseph Campbell spoke of the importance of symbolism to humanity and of how metaphors of myth help us communicate beyond words. He wrote “The images of myth, which open like flowers to the conscious mind’s amazement and may then be searched to the root for ‘meaning’ as well as arranged to serve practical ends.” There is power in both symbolism and metaphors.
As we consider Atlas and his burdens, we can see there are various perspectives and ways of dealing with our own burdens. One way is to look at Atlas carrying the world on his shoulders and see the gifts disguised as his burden. By fulfilling his punishment, Atlas was able to make amends for the wrongs he committed in the war of the Gods. He was able to prove how strong and dependable he was and give back to the world. This perspective allows us to see the good that comes from his burden.
Maybe we could benefit from seeing the gift in our own burdens too. My Faith tells me that everything in my life - the good, the bad and the ugly - are all part of a bigger unfolding plan for me and are for my ultimate Good. Just because fog obscures my view of the sun doesn’t mean the sun is gone, so likewise, I can know that there is good in any situation, even if I don’t see it at the time – even something I would consider a burden.
I went through a major episode of depression in my 20’s that upended my life. At the time it seemed that my depression was purely negative and destructive. However, looking back I can now see the gifts that came from it. That experience was the impetus for my cross-country move, which had me in the right place to meet my husband. It also gave me the opportunity to see my capabilities in a clearer light. The wisdom that age brings has allowed me to see the benefits of my burdens more readily and quickly.
If we consider the myth of Atlas from another perspective, we might ask if things could have been different if, instead of fulfilling this duty alone, Atlas had asked for help. Wouldn’t helping hands have lightened his burden? Where in our lives do we struggle with our own challenges in solitude instead of asking for help?
I was brought up by a mother who continues to pride herself on being strong and independent. This instilled in me the drive to also do things for myself. As a young adult I even gave a keynote speech where I proclaimed that the modern woman could do things for herself and didn’t need the help of others! This speech was inspired by the first turkey dinner I’d cooked in my dorm, where I carved the turkey – a task usually fulfilled by my dad. I was proud of my independence. However, I soon learned that choosing to be independent and doing things on my own was exhausting!
Burdens carried alone are always heavier, so no wonder Atlas seems to struggle in any artwork depicting his efforts. I have learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness or incompetence. It’s a different type of strength. Letting go of sole responsibility and control requires inner strength and courage.
I believe that this is part of living a healthy spiritual life – connected to all others in oneness. Not everything is mine to do and I benefit on many levels when I ask for and accept help. The weight of responsibility is shared and others bring ideas and fresh ways of doing things.
One of the love languages we discuss is “acts of service”. For some, like my husband, being of service and helping is a primary way of showing love. If I do everything for myself, I rob others the opportunity to speak this love language and I disrupt the natural give and take of life as I deplete myself.
Myths are powerful ways of teaching universal truth, so the next time you encounter an ancient story, like the one of Atlas, see if there is something new for you in the wisdom available. Let’s all keep learning together!