The Essence of Storytelling

Storytelling is a passion that captivates those of us who write. Many of us, especially those who embrace the philosophies of the Age of Aquarius and the cycle of reincarnation, might even suggest that we have been narrating tales for eons—through countless lifetimes.

At its core, storytelling may very well be the primary reason for our existence in this physical form. Legend has it that before our earthly journeys, all souls convened in a grand meeting on the other side, where the details of this life’s script were carefully crafted—from the main plot to the intricate subplots, casting choices, and even special effects.

As we collaborate on this collective endeavor, our artistic visions sometimes diverge. This divergence accounts for the elements of improvisation that often color our life experiences. Spiritually inclined individuals might refer to this as Free Will, while producers might label it as Out-of-Town rewrites.

Adding to this complexity is the fact that each of us perceives ourselves as the protagonist. Although the producers tried to convey that we are all part of an ensemble cast—where no significant role exists without the contributions of smaller parts and the backstage crew—this wisdom tends to fade as soon as we don our physical forms. The allure of the spotlight and the excitement of our roles can easily lead to inflated egos.

The cycle of human experience is a recurring theme; despite the evolution of circumstances, some aspects remain unchanged. Each of us possesses distinct viewpoints on the overarching narrative, along with numerous personal stories yearning to be shared.

A recent narrative I’ve been exploring revolves around letting go of guilt regarding the privileges I was born into. For a while, I grappled with feelings of guilt upon realizing the struggles faced by those born into poverty or marginalized communities. As a self-aware individual, I internalized the notion that my life had been shaped by White Male Privilege—a system that has historically marginalized others. Acknowledging my advantages was unavoidable.

However, in light of the understanding that we are all divine beings who chose our unique paths, I now realize that my fellow humans deserve my compassion, empathy, and political advocacy instead of my guilt.

How does guilt contribute to meaningful change for anyone in their lives? It doesn’t—it’s merely self-indulgent. Feeling remorseful doesn’t absolve me from responsibility; it’s action that is needed, not sentimentality. We require courage in our endeavors, not mere feelings of pity.

Every compelling narrative features a conflict that the hero must confront. Each type of hero faces their own unique challenges, whether those struggles are internal or external. Once a conflict is resolved or transcended, a new challenge arises to keep the hero’s journey alive.

In truth, when conflicts cease to exist, storytelling will come to an end.

Exploring the foundational nature of storytelling, this video titled "We Are Storytellers" delves into our roles as narrators of our lives.

The video "We Are Storytellers" further examines our responsibilities as storytellers and the impact of our narratives on ourselves and others.