Power Of Stories

Rishi Ram Paudyal

Our lives are full of stories. As such, we are always telling stories in one way or the other; in one form or the other. Human beings are conditioned to listening to stories as they hear them since their birth. They hear different stories of different lengths and importance. Therefore, stories can have great impact on humans. 

I don’t clearly remember where and when I heard good things about America in those my childhood days in my small but amazingly beautiful village called Jhaurikuna in Parbat district. But, surprisingly, one night I was flying to America in my dream, though I haven't been there yet. Regardless of whoever I had heard the good story about America from, or whoever had told me the story, because of the good impression I had in my childhood, I still tend to think America is one of the best places on earth.

One should make a visit to this great nation at least once in a lifetime despite the fact that I've read and watched the news of shootings and deadly natural disasters like tornadoes and hurricanes. In this backdrop, a good storyteller cannot only impress and convince the audience but can also have power to control and lead them. As I say this, another incident of my childhood comes to my mind. My paternal cousin and I have only six months’ age difference and, though we were just middle-school pupils, we left our village and school for a few days to visit my sister and brother-in-law at a place called Sanphe which lies south-west of Dulegaunda, Tanahun district. 

In retrospect, I should have woven a good story that was successful in convincing him.  The power of stories can never be underrated. Stories have the power to bind, bond and engage people. They build trust. Before my daughter's marriage, I met my daughter's-would-be-father-in-law, where we exchanged our stories which built trust between us and eventually his son and my daughter got married and now are living happily together. 

One segment of the story I had told him during our meeting over tea and snacks at the beautiful backyard of his house has become kind of mantra for him, which he often recalls and shares with me. I had told him that as fathers he and I had the responsibility to make connections and make arrangements for marriage and the rest they (his son and my daughter) were both highly qualified and able to lead their lives as they desired and aspired. This portion of the story seems to have had the highest impact on him. 

In addition, stories have the power to change people's minds and bring change(s) as the story-tellers desire. Well-woven and well-told stories connect people's minds resulting in the production of oxytocin for both the storyteller and the listeners to enjoy. In this sense, a good story is a source of joy and hope.

If stories are so important parts of our lives, why not try to practise crafting good stories and share them with your family members, friends, relatives and other people for the benefit of both you as the storyteller and the audience? Every story counts, whether they be small or big. And a good story begets a good story.