About Dr James Stratford

My name is James Stratford and I am the founder of Beyond the Call. The foundation of my practice has been built over 20 years, over which time I have devoted my life to self-mastery. This has been, and continues to be, a journey of discovery, learning and training from as many sources as possible.

I’ve had more than my fair share of formal training, including a PhD in ancient Greek epic on the transformation of the hero, and  two Masters Degrees. Most of my real learning has come from my life as a whole, learning how to deal with the ups and downs that life throws us, learning how to transform trauma into triumph, crisis into celebration.

My mission in simple, to help people in every way I can, to awaken to the spirit of the hero that dwells within us all. Through my teaching, mentoring and creative work I help people of all ages, from all cultures and from all walks of life recognise and accept responsibility for the power we have to create our world. In the Classical tradition the hero undergoes a series of trials through which the hero undergoes a  radical transformation. This requires the death of the earlier conception of self, based around the ego and focussed on self-interest,  and the birth of a new self – a self that is conscious of her interconnectedness with the world and her capacity to effect change. The highest level of awakening sees the hero emerge as a healer. Having passed through death and come to terms with mortality, the hero uses this special knowledge to help others.

Faced with a myriad of local and global challenges, there has never been a time when we have been in more need of heroes.

The journey of awakening starts at home. It starts with an internal process of healing which is focussed on our selves, our families and our communities. Not even the Sun can light the whole world at once. Only by creating millions and billions of lights can this be achieved.