Human beings are meaning-making machines. In the absence of information or understanding, we tell ourselves stories to fill in the gaps, to create meaning and understanding. Often these stories are based on misconceptions, assumptions, interpretations and misunderstandings. Yet we believe them as if they are the truth. When we tell ourselves the same stories over and over again, they start to live inside of us as the Truth. Our stories influence, impact and even distort our reality and our interactions and relationships with others.

Some experiences in our lives are more difficult and impactful than others. These can land deeply inside of our bodies and hearts, often leaving imprints and scars that affect us for a long time. When new experiences hit these imprints we respond as if the past experience is happening again in this moment. These “habits” of response limit our ability to respond to what is actually happening in front of us from a place of full presence. We often need additional support to unravel these deeper stories, support for the body, the nervous system and the heart. In this series we explore ways to soften the impact of these stories, and to help the body and heart release them.

Once we identify our stories, we can choose to challenge and transform them. When we step back, to witness the “what happened” and the “how I responded to it,” we have a chance to uncouple these two things, and to learn something new and know ourselves in a new way. We have a chance to become free of our stories, to invite a new understanding, and to step into the life that Allah offers us. Letting go of our stories transforms our relationships and gives us powerful new ways of being with ourselves and others.