Why do we express our life experiences through these fanciful, unreal settings such as superheroes, fantasy, and mythology? What does this…
Why do we express our life experiences through these fanciful, unreal settings such as superheroes, fantasy, and mythology? What does this format of storytelling have to offer when we could just as easily tell stories with nothing fantastical in them at all?
About 95% of brain activity is subconscious according to scientific estimates. And the language of the subconscious is imagery, emotion, and metaphor. And it does not know the difference between imagination and reality.
This gives fantastical storytelling a unique power for us — to speak to our subconscious. This is also why art and music can feel so meaningful and “deep”. It’s because it is literally speaking to your depths.
Deep down in there you are full of fantasy and metaphor. All those times you told yourself you’re a good person for doing something hard? Fantasy. Why is it fantasy? Because you don’t have to feel good about doing hard things but you choose to anyway. Choosing to gives your life story and meaning. Bet you never thought about that.
So what happens when you learn to use the language, when you learn to use your own mythology? You start mastering the art of speaking to the depths of yourself and others. You start seeing how your problems are not just tragic stories you tell yourself, but can actually be embraced as vital, purposeful chapters of your epic mythos.
Does that make it easy to fix your problems? No, I’m sorry. But it does make it easier, and oddly enough, more fun and meaningful.
The next time you watch or read some fantasy, think about the parallels it is drawing to the human experience and why it is so meaningful to people and yourself.
Live mythically!