How Storytelling Can Heal Trauma and Our Divided World | MeiMei Fox | TEDxBocaRaton
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ธ.ค. 2024
- NOTE FROM TED: While some viewers may find this helpful as a complementary approach, please do not look to this talk for mental health advice. This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of the brain, journaling, and healing. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: storage.ted.com...
The Story Curse drives division and hatred. But the Story Cure harnesses the ancient power of storytelling backed by the latest neuroscience research to help us solve problems, heal old wounds, and develop deeper compassion and human connection. MeiMei Fox is the founder and CEO of Your Bestselling Book, a company that offers a la carte support in writing and publishing to founders, entrepreneurs, experts, influencers, survivors, change makers and anyone ready to share their story with the world. Services include an interactive 6-week online course, access to a community of high achievers, ghostwriting, and one-on-one coaching to help you author and publish your book. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
It’s so powerful to think about how stories have been used throughout history to share values and connect people. We've been doing this since the dawn of humanity!
We have! Thank you
It's amazing how she uses storytelling not just for entertainment but as a tool for healing and creating empathy, that's so selfless and honestly what we need right now
Journaling as a way to change your narrative from shame to growth is a really cool idea! Honestly didn't know it could have that kind of impact
I love journaling. It is so healing
MeiMei is a brilliant force, a love explosion, and a genius writer and storyteller. If I could choose one person to teach the world to share their stories, it would ABSOLUTELY be her (or Dolly Parton -- but same thing, honestly). The Story Cure is such a blessing. Thank you, MeiMei!!!
YOU are the best!!!! Wow, thank you!!!
It's kind of crazy that stories can change our brain chemistry. I wouldn't have thought writing and listening could be that powerful
The neuroscience is fascinating!
Never thought about the science behind storytelling. The fact that our brains form new connections when we write our stories is pretty amazing!
The neuroscience is fascinating.
Love how she emphasized that everyone has a story worth sharing. It's easy to think our experiences aren't important, but you never know how your story might impact someone else. Gonna try to be more open about my own journey from now on
Thank you. I am sure you have a story to share that can positively impact someone else's life!
The idea of asking "What's your story?" as a conversation starter is brilliant. Way more endearing and interesting than "What do you do?"
Thank you! I'd love to hear a story of how asking "What's your story" worked out for you
@@MeiMeiFox thank you
Tuan’s story was so touching. It’s incredible how something we experience as a kid can stay with us for decades, and how storytelling can help heal that wound.
Toan Lam is a remarkable human being - and I love his story, too.
This makes me want to be more mindful about spreading positive, connecting narratives rather than divisive ones.
Thank you!
I loved how she wrapped it up with a quote from Mr. Rogers ❤ Such a beautiful reminder that we can learn to love anyone once we know their story.
I love Mr Rogers. Thank you!
@@MeiMeiFox so welcome
I love how she said that every single person has a story to share. It's a good reminder that our personal experiences can be valuable to others.
Her talk made me realize how much I've been bottling up lately. I always thought sharing my struggles would burden others, but maybe it could actually help both me and them.
It forms deep bonds!
The Story Curse vs. Story Cure framework is super helpful for thinking about narratives. It makes me think more deeply on the affect of the stories I consume and share.
Appreciate it!
Storytelling is like an art form and I think she's definitely mastered it... the train story hooked me right away, and Tuan's story was so vivid!
Thank you!
This talk has layer upon layer of rich and thought-provoking messages. It’s reminded me, a lifelong writer, of the power of documenting my own story, listening to others’ stories, and caring about another human to ask, “What’s your story?”
Thank you! Very generous praise
her point about harnessing ancient storytelling traditions in our modern world is fascinating. It's like we're reconnecting with this fundamental human tradition, but with the backing of neuroscience. Makes me feel part of something bigger.
I love the neuroscience behind ancient wisdom - or vice versa!
I agree, instead of just passively consuming stories, we should be actively sharing our own and asking others about theirs.
What's your story?
To me this speaks to the power of being vulnerable with those around us... like the story at the family reunion. You don't know what's going to make a difference in the lives of others
And you don't know what they're really going through!
@@MeiMeiFox this is true...
I really agree with the idea that our toughest experiences often make the best stories. That's where all the interesting stuff happens!
As mythologist Joseph Campbell said, "Where we stumble, there our treasure lies."
Her personal experience with journaling after her divorce really resonated with me. Been through some tough times myself lately, and her stories inspired me to start writing about it. Maybe it'll help me process things and see them in a new light.
I'm so glad to read that. Hope you find journaling healing.
@@MeiMeiFox I am thank you and bless you
The dopamine and oxytocin release when listening to stories explains so much! No wonder we're drawn to movies, books, and even gossip. It's literally making us feel good on a chemical level. Kinda makes me want to listen more attentively when people share.
I agree! If I went back to school for psychology, I'd study the neuroscience for sure.
The bit about storytelling forming new neural connections is crazy. It's like we're literally rewriting our brains when we share our experiences
Right? Neuroscience is so fascinating.
I get what she's saying, when people are open to each other beautiful things can happen
Thank you!
the approach to bridging political divides through shared stories is inspiring. It proves that empathy can transcend partisan politics.
Indeed - when we hear people's stories, we see them as individuals, as humans with their own unique experiences, rather than as "the other" or part of some group
I am in the process of finding new ways to tell a story that brings me a lot of pain after thirty three years! I "stumbled" upon your video while looking for clues to my healing. Thank you very much for being brave and putting yourself out there to inspire us!
Good for you!! Sharing your story is so healing.
Her story about the train in India was hilarious! It really set the tone for the whole talk. Love how she used that to illustrate how our worst experiences often become our best stories.
I really appreciate that! I was fine tuning that story up to an hour or so before the talk, as some people didn't understand the joke of "yesterday's train"! Thank you!
@@MeiMeiFox some people, many people often just dont get a lot of things
The caution about the 'story curse' is crucial. We must be vigilant against narratives that manipulate and divide
It's terrifying how stories can be used to create hatred!
Healing through stories - wonderful presentation on healing and writing!
I appreciate your generous praise!
Gotta admit, I teared up a bit when she talked about Tuan healing his old wound through writing. It's amazing how events from childhood can stick with us for so long. Makes me want to revisit some of my own old stories and see if I can reframe them.
Isn't that a beautiful story? And don't we all have a wounded child within? ALL of us. Thank you for watching!
MeiMei brilliantly delivers an incredible message about the power of storytelling and it really does make you want to ask the question , "what's your story?"
Many thanks!
I liked how she used the example of Tuan thinking he was going to write about interior design but ending up uncovering something much deeper. Shows how storytelling can lead to unexpected discoveries.
It's wild to think that something as simple as writing can help solve complex problems and heal old wounds. Gonna give journaling another shot!
Tuans story about the penny loafers really got to me... I think it shows how childhood experiences can haunt us for decades until we confront them.
It obviously stuck with me, too! Thank you for sharing.
never thought about how writing our stories could help solve complex problems. got some big decisions coming up in my life, thinking maybe journaling about them could help me see things more clearly.
Thank you! I hope it helps you. Daily writing is super valuable.
The concept of the story cure really made me think about how we can use our personal experiences to help others.... maybe we all have a powerful story and it's just a matter of finding the right people to share it with.
Incredibly moving and profound! I was there during the writing exericise with Toan and his story about the glitter shoes. We were all crying as he read out loud and I feel so privleged to have been there and now be a part of this story!
Thank you!
the neuroscience behind storytelling blew my mind. never knew writing could actually form new brain connections! kinda makes me wanna start journaling again, maybe it'll help me figure out some of the stuff i've been struggling with lately.
If I were in school getting a psych degree today (as I did in the 90s), I'd definitely dive into the neuroscience. It is fascinating! Thanks for watching
@@MeiMeiFox thanks for your reply! it was a great talk
I don't know if storytelling can really heal all our divisions, but it's worth a shot. We need something to bring us together.
I appreciate the neuroscience angle, stories really can reshape our brains and it's fascinating to think about how our personal narratives shape our reality.
I had no idea about the neuroscience behind writing our stories until I jumped into it for writing this talk. it's so powerful! Thank you for commenting
@@MeiMeiFox thank you for your reply! I'm so glad you included that part, I found it all very interesting
This is a really wonderful message, I think so often people just don't understand where other people are at in terms of their journeys and evolution, being more open about our experiences and stories would certainly help with that
I truly agree. It's so valuable to learn what's really going on in people's lives. Makes it much harder to judge or dismiss them!
1 in 4 adults dealing with depression or anxiety is insane. It's hopeful to think that storytelling can help with this though, will be on the lookout for opportunities to open up about my own struggles in the hopes it will help my friends and family
It is shocking, isn't it? We're all so disconnected. I truly hope sharing stories can help us find commonalities with one another. Thanks for watching!
Storytelling is the cure!! Thank you MeiMei for your important work
Thank YOU for encouraging such important work in the world as people sharing THEIR stories!
It's true, everyone has a unique perspective that can inspire and connect others and having that as an intention for sharing our stories is really compelling
Thank you. It's amazing how hearing someone's background story can completely change your narrative about them or interpretation of how they behave.
I agree that stories can change our perspectives... if we use them to talk about our experiences are lessons instead of failures that's already a huge step in the right direction
I loooooove this! You are a superstar and a terrific storyteller. It was compelling and heart warming. A gift. Thanks for sharing.
What a wonderful message - thank you!
There isn't anyone we can't learn to love once we know their story ❤ strong message. Thank you. I AM going to ask more people what their story is❤❤❤
I am so glad!
Such a profound and illuminating take on what is a core and everlasting element to humankind - story-telling.
Storytelling is one of the most fundamental human traits!
Its worked since the beginning of language
Indeed! Storytelling is an ancient art and the lifeline of human connection!
This just makes me wonder how my personal narrative has shaped my brain over the years. Might be time for some new, more positive stories!
Reframing your narrative is so powerful.
I agree, there are so many issues in the world that affect a lot of people, and if we were all more honest about our experiences and what was happening in the world and to each other I think a lot of the stigma around sharing our emotions and being vulnerable would ease up
We are all human!
@@MeiMeiFox exactly!
I can relate to what she said about journaling. Sometimes just getting my thoughts out on paper makes all the difference in how I feel.
Wow! Great storytelling and thank you for sharing your experience. I am going to get out my journal right now ;) Thank you for your wonderful message.
Thank you!
Loved this! Thank you for sharing the power of storytelling. It opens the hearts and minds of people for better connection, understanding, and love, and it has a profound healing effect on both the teller and the listener.
As a storyteller who teaches people to share their stories on the stage, you KNOW how profoundly healing this experience is!
This is beautiful... I really believe a huge part of healing is learning how to reframe your narrative in a way that's empowering and this talk really speaks to that.
You have to talk about your trauma to the pack. Listen, support, heal and grow stronger as a pack. 🐺🐺🐺
had no idea that just listening to stories can release dopamine and oxytocin in our brains. Guess it explains why I always feel so connected hearing others’ stories.
If everyone could be cured through stories, the world would be a better place. Beautiful message, MeiMei!
Thank you, Melissa!
So uplifting! Stories are so important. Love your point about how they de-shame experience.
I appreciate your support!
I loved these perspectives, finding strength in adversity is literally the key to evolving as a person.
Thank you!
Wonderful and uplifting Mei Mei!!
I appreciate your support!
Wish she'd gone more into practical tips for sharing our stories effectively. Like, how do you know which parts of your experience are worth telling? And how do you do it without sounding self-centered? Lol this has given me a lot to think about
Thanks for sharing. How to tell great stories: Check out JJ Abram's super popular TED talk :)
Fantastic message! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you!
Fantastic message, so timely and compelling.
Thank you!
Wow, so beautiful, wonderful and powerful MeiMei!!
Thank you for supporting me!
The shoe story is magic! Thank you for putting this message out there in your own special way,
Thank you Toan Lam for letting me share his story!
Today, more than ever, we need this message. Thank you for sharing in such a powerful way!
Thank you!
The part about AI-generated videos using familiar faces to spread misinfo is terrifying. It's like we can't trust anything we see anymore. Thank you, I'm definitely going to be more skeptical of stuff I see online from now on.
Brief and so compelling! This message is needed now more than ever!
Don't we though??
You're so right. Beautiful message, and delivery!
Thank you!
Love the idea that just knowing someone’s story can open hearts. Beautiful talk all around.
I appreciate your support!
Wonderful!
Thank you
this talk has got me thinking about the stories in my family... we've got some old wounds that never get talked about and I wonder if finding a way to share those stories could help us heal and connect better.
I've seen families heal by sharing their stories around the dinner table. For real. Good luck!
This is wonderful!
Thank you, I appreciate that!
Inspiring!
I appreciate your support!
Definitely going try to see the humor in my next travel mishap as it's happening instead of getting all flustered about it
Easier in retrospect that doing it in the moment! But the mantra "The worst experiences make the best stories" definitely helps me through the challenging moments!
@@MeiMeiFox true and I have many of those
Fabulous talk! Inspiring 😊
The part about storytelling potentially bridging political divides was interesting… We're so polarized these days, but maybe if we focused more on our shared human experiences instead of our differences, we could find some common ground
I mean, we are all human, with the same problems and struggles, the same desire for a good life! But it certainly is a difficult time.
This is just making me think of how much negative storytelling there is out there. Bet I'll be seeing it everywhere now that I'm thinking about it
I get what she means, I've heard people tell stories that are objectively so sad or messed up but if the attitude they have towards it is upbeat or focused on the positives you don't think of them as victims or anything
Very true - cant figure out why they put a disclaimer on this talk?
I'm guessing it's because it says "Cure." Of course, one solution is never the be-all, end-all cure for anything, and I use the term "The Story Cure" because it is ONE powerful way to access inner healing and connect with others, but you should still consult a mental health professional if suffering from anxiety/ depression or other challenges.
@@MeiMeiFox i share it, i really like it
sort of like as a kid, when mom would tell me a story after I was hurt or scared.
The "Story Cure" idea is intriguing, but I'm a bit skeptical about it being a cure-all for trauma. Seems like it could be a really helpful tool alongside therapy and other treatments though
Definitely NOT a cure all. The limitations of a 10-minute speech! I concur that it should be used in concert with therapy and possibly meds. Thank you!
My best friend has been trying to get me to journal for months now but it just doesn't feel like it would benefit me... this makes it a lot harder to argue though
While storytelling can heal, I'm skeptical about applying it universally. Some wounds run too deep for their origins to be shared.
Yes it's important to acknowledge limitations to any healing methods or modalities. Thank you.
It can heal the trauma but it can also spread the trauma. You should be very careful who you share things with
I'm not convinced that every personal story is worth sharing. Some should remain private for the sake of personal healing.
It's true people need time to heal, and also everyone has some story worth sharing!
I disagree that storytelling alone can solve complex societal issues like depression or climate change. We need concrete actions, not just narratives.
Absolutely agreed that no one single approach will solve anything!
@@MeiMeiFox cool, appreciate that reply....
@@kylelramsay These massive problems require so many modalities. Thanks for commenting!
Loved the train story and I agree some of my best stories have come from really bad or awkward situations... and getting to laugh about them with friends kind of makes it worth it!