Muriel Rukeyser, an American poet and political activist, once stated, "The universe is made of stories, not atoms." According to Ursula K. LeGuin, "there have been great societies without the wheel, but there have been no societies without stories." And, while these are both quotes from storytellers, they imply that storytelling is vital to all cultures. I've previously stated (and I'm far from alone) that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have for changing our lives. How precisely? How is storytelling more effective at affecting change in our lives than, say, political action or direct protest? Apart from the fact that political action, for example, may not affect anything or, even if it does, may not have a lasting effect, this type of process is an external one. On the other hand, storytelling, whether as a giver or a receiver, has a hidden internal process.
It can engage us emotionally, intellectually, or both, and the stories can have a direct line to our subconscious, effectively obviating the need for rationalization. As is the case with insightful music or art, it engages us on a more profound level. Profound stories are the arrows of a lover's heart. And while we are engaged, entertained, and possibly even laughing heartily, the story is working its magic on a deeper level. Our willingness to suspend disbelief while immersed in the journey enables the story to gain access to our inner being. And, because a story almost always offers us empathy in some way, it also contributes to the healing of our wounds. Additionally, stories can assist individuals seeking to improve their lives by presenting alternative ways of living. They can offer practical solutions to some of our problems and inspire us to accomplish great things that may astound us at times.
If we are the storytellers, healing may occur as we express what we feel is necessary. Numerous storytellers have used autobiographical elements to express their pains, and pain expressed - even, and perhaps especially, through humor - is sometimes a form of pain release. It is, in any case, the start of healing.
To avoid sounding too self-righteous, stories are enjoyable. However, they are also profound, and the importance of storytelling is grossly underestimated in Western society, where it is frequently viewed as a trivial pursuit appropriate for children but not really an adult activity unless we are too exhausted to do anything but sit in front of the television and watch a soap opera. The severe underfunding of the arts in the United Kingdom demonstrates how superfluous successive administrations (believing they are carrying out the electorate's will) consider storytelling (in all art forms) to be.
A society devoid of storytelling is sterile and emotionally impoverished. The power of stories is frequently underestimated. They dismiss them as 'just a story,' implying that they are devoid of truth or significance. However, if stories are 'just stories' with no inherent power, how come so many people in control of the entertainment and publishing industries (not the creative people themselves) want to change your story and force it to conform to a formulaic template that says the same thing everyone else is saying, thereby reaffirming the status quo? At their best, stories pose a threat to the status quo, which is why the status quo (the large corporations that control the entertainment and publishing industries, not to mention governments) will not readily publish or endorse content that is controversial or subversive (unless they see its commercial potential when it has been released by an independent source).
Thus, stories and storytellers have the potential to be on the cutting edge of paradigm shifts, while those in power desire stories that reflect the established paradigms that keep them in power. As a result, they will seek to condemn and censor the narratives and storytellers who advocate for the very changes they fear. Change is unavoidable, however gradual, and stories and storytellers can act as midwives, assisting in the alleviation of labor pains. As a result, storytelling is one of the most effective tools we have for changing our lives.
Everybody is on a journey, and every journey is a story. It has a beginning, a middle, and an end (of sorts), even if ours has not yet reached its conclusion. Stories serve as a vehicle for conveying that journey and speak to the human desire to make sense of life and address the big questions of life and death. They impart knowledge, entertain, and arouse the imagination. Storytelling elicits strong emotional responses, fosters community, and aids in healing. Storytellers and narratives assist us in transitioning to new paradigms.
Without our stories, we are nothing.
Since 1976, I've been writing professionally for stage, television, and radio, with occasional forays into journals and magazines. Prior to that, I worked as an actor, theatre director, and stage manager, despite my journalism training. I also host workshops whenever I am invited. Initially focused on theatre, they have expanded to include self-development, empowerment, and healing since I discovered I possessed a gift for the latter (more about which can be found on my website, address below). I've taught at a number of universities, and continue to do so, and I've recently begun offering an online creative writing course, details of which are available at The Write Inn link below.