The significance of narratives

The significance of narratives

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No matter our age, without a compelling storyline or impactful visuals that shape our identity and give our lives purpose and direction, we cannot achieve true happiness. It is essential for us as a collective to yearn for a more captivating narrative, one that has the ability to transform our hearts and minds and ignite our imaginations. Together, we can embrace a better story that has the power to bring about positive change.

What we need isn’t a narrative that wants to erase all the others. What we need is story space that invites people, in whatever story they’re part of, to stop and wonder, “I don’t like where this story is going, and I don’t like how this is going to end. Is it possible there’s a better story to tell? Could we make a change and find a better ending?” That, to us, is what good news is about. We don’t think that necessarily means we should feel guilty and shameful about things we’ve done.

We think it means rethinking the story of our lives and open ourselves to a different and better ending.

We are hopeful that we are at another one of these critical junctures. Is it possible for us to be receptive to a new narrative, a novel set of beliefs, values, and systems that have the capacity to bring about positive change and potentially rescue humanity and our planet?

Let us consider the possibility of adopting innovative ideas and approaches that can bring about positive change and secure a brighter future for all.

A framing narrative provides individuals and societies with guidance, principles, aspirations, and motivation, serving as a blueprint for their lives. If this narrative tells us that the purpose of life is to accumulate vast material possessions and indulge in constant pleasure, we will have little incentive to control our consumption. Similarly, if our framing story depicts life as a relentless competition where we must fight for survival, we will be less inclined to seek reconciliation, collaboration, and peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

If our narrative tells us that we are liberated and accountable beings in a creation crafted by a benevolent, knowledgeable, and affectionate Universe, and that our Maker desires us to pursue excellence, cooperation, harmony, and collective concern for one another and all sentient beings, then our society will embark on a significantly different path, and our world will undergo a profound transformation. When we have a deep belief that life, divinity, and humanity are all inherently good, we embark on thrilling and imaginative endeavours because we possess the confidence that we are integral to a narrative that is headed towards a positive outcome. It is our duty to cultivate and foster this goodness wherever we can.

The voice of my soul

Relentlessly

the voice of my soul

like Pavarotti the tenor

firmly and continuously drumming,

“Who do you think you are?

Go and use this time,

you poor man.

You are the living breath

that comes down from Heaven.

You are the dynamic micro vortex

in the Universe.”

By Frantisek Strouhal and Chantal Robert

Poem from Illuminations: Art Embracing awareness

©Frantisek Strouhal