How Story Shapes Your Reality With Josh Schrei (Emerald Podcast)
Jun 13, 2024
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In this conversation with Josh Schrei, a writer and mythology enthusiast, the power of storytelling takes center stage. They discuss how narratives shape our identities and perceptions, especially in today's information overload. Josh emphasizes the need for discerning between supportive and destructive stories. The duo explores the role of rituals in finding harmony with nature and how they lead to meaningful transformation. They also critique modern materialism while advocating for consistent spiritual practices that connect us with deeper traditions.
Stories fundamentally shape our understanding of reality, influencing our perceptions of success and morality through cultural and personal narratives.
Developing discernment in navigating modern narratives is essential for mental well-being, allowing individuals to differentiate between beneficial and agitating stories.
Deep dives
The Role of Story in Shaping Reality
Stories play a fundamental role in shaping our understanding of reality and ourselves. They are present in personal narratives, familial histories, cultural identities, and even national stories. The narratives that dominate our thoughts and societies influence decisions and behaviors, demonstrating that we are always processing and interpreting our lives through these stories. A powerful example discussed is the contrast between growth-centric economic stories and the cyclical nature of the environment, illustrating how misaligned narratives can lead to societal discord.
Nature as a Barometer for Truth
The natural world serves as the ultimate measuring stick for differentiating between right and wrong stories. Stories that align with the rhythms of nature tend to persist, while those that contradict its laws face obsolescence. For instance, myths that reflect seasonal cycles and the dynamics of nature offer wisdom for navigating our lives, unlike modern tales advocating for unlimited growth. The podcast highlights that understanding nature's cycles can foster harmony and balance in life.
The Importance of Attunement and Discernment
Developing a discerning ability to navigate the myriad of stories presented in contemporary culture is crucial for maintaining one’s mental and emotional well-being. People often find themselves caught in emotionally charged narratives that may not impact their immediate lives, leading to confusion and agitation. Fostering relationships and finding harmony in everyday interactions can act as an anchor against the distracting cacophony of media stories. Discernment involves recognizing the difference between agitating content and beneficial narratives, allowing for a more peaceful engagement with the world.
The Need for Depth in Spiritual Practice
Engaging deeply with spiritual practices through structured traditions provides a firmer foundation for transformation than superficial dabbling. Repetitive and ritualized practices cultivate the necessary 'friction' that fuels personal growth and development. Investigating lineage not only preserves cultural wisdom but also enhances the spiritual journey by instilling discipline. As modern seekers often gravitate towards eclectic practices, grounding in an established tradition can offer depth and meaningful connection to the transformative forces of life.
Once you start to tune into how consciousness works, you realize that you process reality through the information and stories you’ve been exposed to.
Stories about how the world works.
Stories about right and wrong.
Stories about what it means to be successful in our world.
All of these things create a fundamental basis for how we perceive the world.
Now that we live in the information age, there’s more stories than ever.
So the question becomes, how can we discern which stories are supportive (and real)?
I don’t think the way we’re going with A.I. is going to make this any easier…
Today’s guest Josh Schrei is someone I’ve gotten to know through his epic podcast The Emerald. He’s a master storyteller and lifelong student of the mythologies of the world. He also is a teacher and writer.