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February 4, 2025

Meditation as a possible access point to the heroes journey. Why it could be good to try.

Meditation and the heroes journey

Lately, I’ve been connecting the dots as I reflect on how to best help my clients. At the same time, it’s been a personal journey, guiding me to discover how to show up as my best self. I got thinking recently about how meditation can be a possible access point to connect us to our respective heroes journey.

David Lynch and the power of meditation

Last week, I wrote a blog on David Lynch, which you may or may not have had a chance to read. It’s here if you’re interested. He was a big advocate of transcendental meditation.

I started exploring meditation more myself as I’ve never practiced it so much. David Lynch spoke about it like a process of fishing for ideas which I think made a lot of sense. Sam Harris speaks a lot about meditation too although not the same form.

My personal experience with meditation

Over the past week, I’ve been consistently practicing meditation by using a mantra and spending time in a meditative space. Most days, I’ve committed to practicing for twenty minutes twice a day, whereas on some days, I’ve only managed one session. Even so, the experience has been both calming and grounding, and it genuinely seems to work wonders for a busy mind. In fact, upon reflection, it’s amazing to realize just how easily I can get caught up in the treadmill of life without even noticing. This is precisely why taking the time to slow down, reset, and return to the present moment feels so valuable.

Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance – A lesson in quality

As I’ve been practicing I thought back on one of my favourite books. The book is called ‘Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance’ by Robert Pirsig. This is a really great book with lots of philosophical insights. It covers a mans journey with his son on his motorbike. I always remember it talking about ideas of ‘care’ and ‘quality’ as two sides of the same coin. He speaks about the word ‘quality’ and how it can’t be defined. Rather we speak about whether something has ‘quality’ or not.

This knowing what the next thing is we need to do. It made me think lots about our own heroes journey. It seems fair to say that, all too often, we may find ourselves distracted and not truly dealing with what is most important. He spoke about how from a meditative kind of space we can come back filled with gumption. Pirsig spoke about it in the example of coming back from a fishing trip. It’s here where it seems as if meditation can be a possible access point to connect us with our own heroes journey.

This knowing what the next thing is we need to do. It made me think lots about our own heroes journey. It seems fair to say we can so often we may not be dealing with what is truly important. He spoke about how from a meditative kind of space we can come back filled with gumption. Pirsig spoke about it in the example of coming back from a fishing trip. It’s here where it seems as if meditation can be a possible access point to connect us with our own heroes journey.

The modern world and distraction

In today’s information age, especially with social media, we constantly distract ourselves—often without realizing it—and drift away from what truly matters. This is what Pirsig touches on. David Lynch spoke about Transcendental Meditation, emphasizing its role in fishing for ideas and focusing particularly on that practice. I don’t have an opinion personally as to what is best.

Why meditation could be worth trying

For the purpose of this blog, I simply want to suggest that meditation might be worth a try. After all, as Pirsig puts it, “quality is the heart and soul of everything.” With that in mind, it seems fair to say that reconnecting with this—however you choose to do it—can be highly beneficial. Given its potential benefits, perhaps meditation could be an avenue worth exploring for you.

There are plenty of guided meditations online. It’s not as difficult as you think. Sam Harris explains this in the short video if you have a listen. If you are keen in one of the online free transcendental meditation classes see here.

How you can work with me

If you’re keen to work together we can look at figuring out what you want more of in life.

My sessions as always are in person or online via zoom as per your preference.

My in person sessions are all at Highland Park Community House in Auckland.

To book an individual session with me just go here.

For details about my package offers go here.

To find out more about my digital program go here.

I look forward to speaking with you more

All the best

Phil Walker

Provisional Member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors

www.newbeginningstherapy.co.nz

philip@newbeginningstherapy.co.nz

021 058 3234

January 30, 2025

David Lynch as an INFJ Role Model: Lessons from His Life & Films

The passing of legendary filmmaker David Lynch last week deeply saddened me.. He had been struggling with emphysema for some time, but his loss still felt profound. His movies, particularly Mulholland Drive and Lost Highway, have always been among my favorites. I found watching Mulholland Drive in the cinema mesmerizing when it was released in 2002—an experience I will never forget. Recently, I rewatched it as a way to reflect on his legacy.

In this blog, I want to explore David Lynch as an INFJ role model and discuss how role modelling can shape personal growth.

David Lynch’s Unique Creative Expression as an INFJ role model

Lynch’s films and shows are often described as surreal, blending waking life with dream states. However, while his style may be an acquired taste, his major works are now widely acclaimed.

His films create an immersive experience, leaving the audience with thoughts to unpack long after the credits roll. Watching his work feels like stepping into another dimension, whereas emotions and ideas intertwine in ways that ultimately challenge the mind.

After he passed, I watched several videos discussing his work and legacy. As a result, I gained a deeper understanding of why I connected with him so deeply. Furthermore, it reinforced my appreciation for his unique creative expression.The speaker drew comparisons to Carl Jung, which made me see Lynch in a new light—as someone likely to be an INFJ personality type (according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator).

Jung explored the human psyche through therapy, whereas Lynch examined it through cinema. More importantly, both sought to reveal the hidden layers of human experience. This realization deepened my appreciation for Lynch—not just as a filmmaker, but also as an INFJ role model who expressed his introspective nature through his work. Beyond that, it highlighted how his artistic vision was a direct extension of his inner world, further emphasizing the depth of his creativity.

What Is an INFJ?

For those unfamiliar, the Myers-Briggs personality test (which can be taken for free online) categorizes personalities into different types. INFJ stands for: Introverted – Deeply reflective and inward – focused; Intuitive – Sees beyond the surface, connecting patterns ad ideas; Feeling – Guided by deep emotions and values; Judging – Prefers structure and meaningful goals.

INFJs are rare and often experience life through layers of meaning, depth, and emotion—qualities Lynch infused into his films. Just as Jung used therapy to explore the mind, Lynch used visual storytelling to dive into the human condition.

His ability to translate his intuitive, introspective world into external success makes him a powerful INFJ role model.

The Depth & Symbolism in David Lynch’s INFJ Creative Work

Lynch’s films contain multiple layers, blending light and dark, reality and dreams. Watching them feels like consuming something deeply nourishing, leaving the mind full of rich ideas to process.

In interviews and masterclasses, Lynch often spoke about his creative process. One thing that stood out was his dedication to transcendental meditation, which he credited as a key to unlocking creativity.

His nearly three-hour masterclass on the art of life is available for free here and offers valuable insights into his mindset.

Although I’ve never practiced meditation much, I can see the value of creating more internal space, especially as an INFJ. Inspired by Lynch, I decided to attend a free transcendental meditation class in Auckland (see here).

Why David Lynch is a Powerful INFJ Role Model

Regardless of whether you’re a fan of David Lynch, it’s worth considering who you look up to as a role model. After all, the people we admire often reflect the qualities we aspire to develop in ourselves.

Personal development speaker Jim Rohn used to say:

“Success leaves clues.”

If you’re an INFJ like me, or simply want to grow personally and professionally, studying people who share your values and mindset can offer inspiration and direction.

Lynch’s ability to express his inner world in a way that resonated with millions is something worth learning from. While I don’t see myself as a filmmaker (at least not yet! 😆), I admire how he stayed true to his vision and created deeply meaningful work.ated with millions. That’s something worth learning from.

Taking the Next Step in Your Own Growth

If you’re inspired by role modelling and personal transformation, consider working on your own growth journey.

👉 Want to explore how role modelling can help you grow personally and professionally?
Book a 1-on-1 Counselling & Coaching Session with me here.

📖 Explore my website and different offers here.
📚 Buy my ebook from Amazon here.

📩 philip@newbeginningstherapy.co.nz
📞 +64 21 058 3234

Happy role modelling—and rest in peace, David.

– Phil