We are living in a world that has an abundance of challenges and difficult conditions. We are experiencing a period of divisiveness, escalating tensions, conflicts, and mounting concerns within our nation and across the globe. This is in addition to the growing levels of isolation and loneliness that have developed steadily over the past several decades within the United States, impacting numerous aspects of health (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023).
We can quickly feel lost, overwhelmed, and consumed by anxiety and despair as we witness the weight and impact of the suffering that is taking place around us. This can exacerbate vulnerability and increase sense of isolation should the burdens we are carrying become barriers to connection.
Within different circles, I have heard the saying, “A burden shared is a burden cut in half.” I believe we are stronger individually and collectively, when we utilize the power of storytelling to connect and come together in commUNITY (as written by one of the collaborative partners I work closely with – Redeemer Lutheran Church in New Paltz, New York).
Our ancestors across time and cultures have left us a legacy steeped in the richness of story that served as their primary tool to teach and reach people of all ages. Together, they used stories to teach cultural and spiritual values, foster resilience, inspire, instill hope, cultivate compassion, as well as create and strengthen belonging, connectivity, and community.
Scientific inquiry coupled with the use of medical technology has shed light on how our bodies respond to story physiologically through the stimulated release of hormones (i.e., cortisol and oxytocin), as well as the “feel good” neurotransmitter, Dopamine. Neuroscientist, Paul Zak, has conducted numerous studies that have enabled him and his team to predict with a high percentage of accuracy which participants were most likely to engage in prosocial behavior after watching brief narration videos and public service announcements that were emotionally stimulating and facilitated narrative transportation. (Zak, 2015) Simply put, narrative transportation is when “… we put ourselves into the narrative.” (Zak, 2015, p.10)
Research conducted by Richardson, D. C., et al. (2018) on how narratives impacted the brain found:
“the act of listening to the narrative recreated the same basic pattern of brain activity as telling the story, suggesting that listening to the story is qualitatively and quantitatively similar to experiencing the speaker’s memory of the events. Moreover, activation was not limited to regions of the brain classically related to language, but also involved emotional, sensory and motor systems consistent with the notion that at some level, the listener actually experiences the story.” (p.3-4)
It has been my experience that when we choose the path of willingness to listen to and receive someone’s story, we are in effect accepting an invitation to open our heart and mind. Within that opening, we are afforded the opportunity to reflect and see things within a new light. From that place, change becomes possible. This may result in entering a new level of personal relationship, connection, awareness, and empathy. I have witnessed this repeatedly within a variety of settings and relationships, both personal and professional. It is not easy work, and it will not, in and of itself, change or address the deeper roots of the challenges and suffering that exist.
The multidimensional healing power of story is not a panacea, but it is real. We see this demonstrated within a myriad of self-help or mutual aid settings, support groups, healing communities, etc. Individuals with lived experience are finding pathways and programs that provide essential support and assistance. (I will speak more about this within the supplemental video for this offering here)
On a larger communal scale, the work of this time is broad, demanding, and complex. It commands a level of courage, determination, humility, and compassion that I am striving to achieve. I have a lot to learn. I remain committed to joining with others to co-create spaces that support healing, resilience, and change – honoring the stories shared with conscious intention and care. In doing so, we will cultivate and grow our collective commitment to loosening the soil and tending the deeper roots within.
As they say in certain circles, willingness is the key. I am choosing to say yes and continue putting one foot in front of the other as I keep my eyes open, looking for the people, pathways, and resources available who share a similar vision. May we rise together as we travel on this journey.
Thank you for your time! If you have any additional questions or would like to have a conversation, please feel free to contact me at storywizdomworks@gmail.com.
References:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on the healing effects of social connection and community. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
Zak, P. J. (2015). Why inspiring stories make us react: The neuroscience of narrative. Cerebrum: The Dana Forum on Brain Science, 2015(2), 2.
Richardson, D. C., Griffin, N. K., Zaki, L., Stephenson, A., Yan, J., Curry, T., Noble, R., Hogan, J., Skipper, J. I., & Devlin, J. (2018). Measuring narrative engagement: The heart tells the story. doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/351148.