There is an ancient and universal truth that every storyteller knows, perhaps less intellectually than instinctively: that there is a strong organic connection between memory and story.
While reading an image manifested in my mind. On the surface there is this river of lies, judgements, violence, othering, censoring. Maybe this has to happen, maybe it is a cleaning. But underneath that there is this river of connection, of inspiration, of stories, of believing, of love, of accepting. it is like the water under the desert. Sometimes it surfaces and creates an oase. Just to remember that it is there. What we need now are stories in which we remember that second current so that its seeds can blossom again when the dirty river has dried up. Impermanence, the strong inspiration that what ever you do matters because it is a contribution to the future. Even if they would ban the song 'imagine' imagination will grow.
Elif Shafak writes, "Because since time immemorial we have been storytelling animals. This is how we connect, this is how we relate, and this is how we remember." Thank you for this brilliant essay, Elif. As usual you articulate clearly how storytelling is how we are wired and couple that with how easy it can be, too, to spread/respond to lies. We have choices. I love Oliver Sachs but had forgotten about the Alzheimers study that patients responded to music when so much seemed lost. It's also true of dying people. The gorgeous image of the music lesson that opens your piece brings is all together. Lovely image/lovely writing.
I’ve been reflecting a lot about surrender lately. As a surrender to these feeling of anger or hopelessness, I find a glimpse of hope as I relinquish control. There, I find a source of inspiration. Thank you, as always, for your writing.
I immediately thought of the baker who used to give me a chocolate iced brownie when my mother took me there for bread. I hadn't thought of her in years. I came to write late in life, so I think of myself as a story teller, not as a writer. That requires more skill than I believe I have!
Sacks worked with many Alzheimer’s patients who, even when they had forgotten so much of their lives, brightened up upon hearing a song from their childhood. “And the familiar songs will bring back memories…. all this which has been lost in amnesia will come back…”
This reminds me of my grandmother who had dementia but remembered the lines she once spoke in a play after nearly 70 years. She was word perfect x
Thank you so much, because every text I read from you, like today's, is always full of humanism and philosophy. The stories you tell also help me to learn and understand. To understand others who are far away from me ethnically and culturally. It's a real breath of fresh air, a bit like going on a trip to open yourself up to differences. I love history, stories, human diversity and everything that connects us. I'm still waiting for the French translation of your latest novel, which I hope will come.
I don’t accept that inspiration spreads as fast as anger. Anger is like wildfire. It affects our attraction to drama. Even if we oppose the angry person, we still react. Physically.
Inspiration needs to be sought out. It often hides in plain sight. What emotion goes with inspiration? I don’t think it’s as powerful as anger.
While reading an image manifested in my mind. On the surface there is this river of lies, judgements, violence, othering, censoring. Maybe this has to happen, maybe it is a cleaning. But underneath that there is this river of connection, of inspiration, of stories, of believing, of love, of accepting. it is like the water under the desert. Sometimes it surfaces and creates an oase. Just to remember that it is there. What we need now are stories in which we remember that second current so that its seeds can blossom again when the dirty river has dried up. Impermanence, the strong inspiration that what ever you do matters because it is a contribution to the future. Even if they would ban the song 'imagine' imagination will grow.
The thought that something kinder and more vibrant can spread as easily as lies is comforting. Thanks for this perspective.
And your writing inspires me. Thank you for your stories.
Elif Shafak writes, "Because since time immemorial we have been storytelling animals. This is how we connect, this is how we relate, and this is how we remember." Thank you for this brilliant essay, Elif. As usual you articulate clearly how storytelling is how we are wired and couple that with how easy it can be, too, to spread/respond to lies. We have choices. I love Oliver Sachs but had forgotten about the Alzheimers study that patients responded to music when so much seemed lost. It's also true of dying people. The gorgeous image of the music lesson that opens your piece brings is all together. Lovely image/lovely writing.
I’ve been reflecting a lot about surrender lately. As a surrender to these feeling of anger or hopelessness, I find a glimpse of hope as I relinquish control. There, I find a source of inspiration. Thank you, as always, for your writing.
I immediately thought of the baker who used to give me a chocolate iced brownie when my mother took me there for bread. I hadn't thought of her in years. I came to write late in life, so I think of myself as a story teller, not as a writer. That requires more skill than I believe I have!
Sacks worked with many Alzheimer’s patients who, even when they had forgotten so much of their lives, brightened up upon hearing a song from their childhood. “And the familiar songs will bring back memories…. all this which has been lost in amnesia will come back…”
This reminds me of my grandmother who had dementia but remembered the lines she once spoke in a play after nearly 70 years. She was word perfect x
My mother who had forgotten who l was would sing along to songs word perfect. She would hold my hand and her smile was joyous to see 🙏
This is such a sustaining, comforting read. Things we know but need to be reminded of at t his time of astonishing change and uncertainty.
Thank you for this, Elif. It gives one hope.
I think most of times , we are stranger with people who is met by us , day by day . It is heart connection that let us feel comfort with someone.
Thank you Elif for your wise words. You have left me with much to ponder on 🙏
Thank you so much, because every text I read from you, like today's, is always full of humanism and philosophy. The stories you tell also help me to learn and understand. To understand others who are far away from me ethnically and culturally. It's a real breath of fresh air, a bit like going on a trip to open yourself up to differences. I love history, stories, human diversity and everything that connects us. I'm still waiting for the French translation of your latest novel, which I hope will come.
It felt like being wrapped in a soft, warm down shawl :) 🙏
Yes! Yes!Yes! More inspiration , please! So helpful and hopeful…
This is so hopeful.
I don’t accept that inspiration spreads as fast as anger. Anger is like wildfire. It affects our attraction to drama. Even if we oppose the angry person, we still react. Physically.
Inspiration needs to be sought out. It often hides in plain sight. What emotion goes with inspiration? I don’t think it’s as powerful as anger.