Think Out Loud Oregon writer Lidia Yuknavitch explores trauma and identity in 'Reading the Waves'
Feb 4, 2025
Lidia Yuknavitch, celebrated Oregon writer known for novels like Thrust and memoirs such as The Chronology of Water, delves into the impact of trauma on identity. She discusses how reframing personal narratives can liberate us from emotional burdens while exploring themes of love, loss, and healing through storytelling. Lidia also introduces the concept of 'femascular' to challenge gender norms, emphasizes the evolution of language in narratives, and reflects on the collaborative nature of adapting her life stories into film.
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Sticking to Your Story
- People sometimes cling tightly to past traumas because it's familiar.
- This "sticking to your story" can hinder personal growth and change.
Conversation with a Seal
- While meditating in the Salmon River, Yuknavitch had a metaphorical conversation with a seal.
- The seal's message about shape-shifting resonated with her, inspiring her to rethink her relationship with her past.
Story as a Verb
- Storytelling is subjective; multiple perspectives exist for any event.
- This multiplicity allows for rearranging and reinterpreting personal narratives, inspired by Virginia Woolf's "put the pieces where you may."
