What's Your Story?

“Freedom is useless if we don’t exercise it as characters making choices... We are free to change the stories by which we live. Because we are genuine characters, and not mere puppets, we can choose our defining stories. We can do so because we actively participate in the creation of our stories. We are co-authors as well as characters. Few things are as encouraging as the realization that things can be different and that we have a role in making them so.” -- Daniel Taylor

We all have a personal history and a story that goes along with it. Research informs us that we never recount the story exactly the same way each time we tell it. Therefore, our stories are reflections more about how we perceive and feel about our histories rather than exact accounts of what actually transpired. Each time we drag our story out, dust it off and display it to the world we add, delete and embellish the details based on the effect that we want to have on the listener. Some stories are intended to delight and entertain while some of the stories we tell are intended to reveal something about us that’s personal or maybe provocative; perhaps painfully intimate or even shocking.

When my father was alive I would frequently hear him tell stories from yonder years. He especially liked to recount stories from his days in the Army during World War II when he was stationed in Paris. I would watch my mother’s face over the years as he would retell a story and I could see as she rolled her eyes that she felt that the story was taking on more fantastic characteristics with each retelling. However, my father so enjoyed the interaction with his audience as they regaled him with questions and discussion regarding the details of the story that, even though we had heard the story retold countless times, we would enjoy it enthusiastically all over again.

Some stories exist as testimony about a painful situation that had a negative impact on the individual. Often these stories are told almost as a badge of honor commemorating that one had survived a harrowing or tragic challenge. Sometimes stories are told to express that the person is a prisoner of his past and that he is a victim of whatever happened to him along the way. These stories may be offered as justifications or excuses for why the person is the way he is, why his life isn’t working well, and why he’s not a happier person.

Science of Mind founder, Earnest Holmes, frequently spoke of the creative power of thought. He stated that, “As we come to realize that thoughts are things, we shall also see that different kinds of thoughts will produce different types of effects. There is but one final Truth of Reality, but it is always presenting us with varying forms of Itself. These forms are temporarily misshapen by the creative power of our own thought. For we must not forget that what we call our thought is really the place where we are using Creative Mind Itself. Our thought is creative, not because we will it so, but because it already is so. We cannot change this nor escape from its effects in our lives.”

Consequently, we can see that certain thoughts depress while others exalt. If we wish to train our minds to contemplate the good we will need to reframe the thoughts that cause depression, discouragement and indecision. We will need to consider the stories we tell and the impact that they have on our own nervous system and those of others. Negative thoughts must be neutralized by our refusal to allow them to take hold. We must heal ourselves from worry. Faith must overcome fear, and strong statements of faith should be used to erase the thoughts of doubt and worry.

Dr. Holmes encourages us to erase the remorseful thoughts of yesterday that would rob us of today’s happiness. He suggests that we meditate on the following affirmation: “There is nothing arising out of the past that can disturb me. The past, the present, and the future are one unbroken stream of Good. I let go of all thoughts that in the past have caused anxiety. The Spirit knows no past and is not affected by negative beliefs. The past is swallowed up in the victory of a perfect present, which is filled with love and protection.”

Dr. Holmes advises that equally we must guard against the dread of the future. He gives us this affirmation to reflect on, “I see that the future is bright with promise. It beckons me forward into a more complete realization of my own worth and my rightful place in the Universe. All my tomorrows will be happy and filled with harmonious occupations. I look to the future with great and pleasurable anticipation, knowing it will expand my opportunity for radiant self-expression. I love my past and my future and understand that they are but continuations of the one unbroken chain of life. There is no future to be afraid of and no past to bring discord into the present.”

He suggests that these statements will tend to erase any negative stream of causation that may have been set in motion in the past. So instead of dragging out the same old ragged story about some element(s) of our history, we should read, study, think and meditate upon these statements which are intended to calm, to give poise and confidence, and to erase all thought of remorse, guilt, shame and fear causing duress and tension.

So let me ask you these questions. What are the words you use and what is the story you tell yourself and others regarding your history, who you are now and who you plan to be in the future? And what is the story you would prefer to tell about yourself? Since thought is creative and you are the author of your existence may I suggest that you edit or rewrite your story to create the impression that states a higher truth that lifts you up through the healing power of positive thoughts. Join us on retreat and we’ll assist you with the process of rewriting your story.