“Once upon a time…”: With this phrase, you can see the sparkle in the innocent, charming eyes of a 4-year-old, who is drawn and excited about the story.
And isn’t the same hold true for everyone? Just the form may differ. Movies are stories. Songs are Stories. News is stories. Biographies and Autographies are stories. Novels are stories. The newspapers are filled with stories. Vlogs are stories. Web series are stories. Standup comedy is about sharing stories. Our own lives are a story too.
Stories exist in all cultures. If you wish to understand cultural values, take a closer look at the stories being narrated and heard.
Stories are a powerful tool to bypass egos and armor.
“Clean your room,” “Don’t Lie,” “Don’t Steal”: The defense mechanisms are up and functional.
Share a story about lying. And chances are higher to reach one’s heart.
Research shows that our brain waves go to the alpha when we hear stories. One becomes more suggestible.
Stories shape us and form us. Psychologically we respond as if we are part of the story. Professional athletes are trained not just on the ground but mentally as well. It’s fascinating that what we imagine our body and mind rehearse. We practice being virtuous when we hear a story about virtue and nobility. When we hear a story about violence and crime, we practice that too!
The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves determine our behavior too. Observing the same fact but telling different stories to ourselves regarding what we observed will lead to different behaviors.
The narratives and stories we hear about the world change our perception. That is why all cultures, esp religious cultures, are filled with stories of God and great devotees. Mahabharata, Ramayana, Srimad Bhagavatam, Bible, etc., are filled with stories of God and His great devotees.
One forms an intimate relationship with God simply by hearing His stories. Giving these to our children is one of the most glorious things.
What stories do we hear? What stories do we wish to hear? What stories do we tell? What stories do we want to tell?