Totally mental
The mental framework for story became something of a natural fixture very early in anthropoids and is a feature of our brains that survives in its current day counterparts - meaning us. Put to story, human experiences become more than facts of a day. Research shows that information, when storified, physically “attaches” within our brains through specialized mechanisms driving what we experience as empathic responses and memory among other things. While the research on the subject is worth more than a casual glance perhaps the most evident example of story’s power(s) is the influence that literature and film continues to have on audiences everywhere.
Like many with whom the conversation about the power of story comes up, a standard sleepy “I agree with you” nod is the norm. That’s because because storytime is all around us all the time and the near involuntary impulse to look and listen (and remember) happens no matter who you are.
I have a favorite scene from the last episode of Apple TV's “Shrinking” series where against all odds or intentions, we see the characters Jimmy and Louis unexpectedly meet, challenging them both to come to terms with a profound personal conflict between them. Jimmy looks across the train tracks and asks Louis, “What’s that guy’s story?” An outcome occurs that seems impossible, not because it's impossible but because the scenario made me to "feel" the impossibility given the psychic weight of personal guilt and grief between them. A catch in my throat…cathartic relief…and sudden visceral knowledge that I could be either of these people came over me. “That guy’s story” across the tracks, Jimmy knows, is reconciliation for both of them and an acknowledgment of their individual worst and weakest moments. Still more - their reconciliation rests on this ancient human proclivity to relate to one another in the making and telling of stories weaving their way across the tracks and, indeed, all around them, all the time.
The story above? - a mere drop in a reservoir of stories that have taken up residence in me. You too, I’d hazard a guess. It’s because of bards around us (authors, filmmakers, painters, lyricists, musicians as well as other creative realms that ought to be considered) that we find ourselves situated, somewhat unwittingly, “in” their tales because our marvelous brains willingly identify with common human experience using story as an entry medium.
Coming to an understanding of story’s effects on peoples and cultures is an exciting realization in the business of life science not least because of the rich material available to work with! Sure, there are certain geek sorts whose ears perk up when scientific topics arise, but we’re talking about more than scientific masterminds…we’re talking about armchair or non scientific audiences important to the work of science. Helping those audiences “get” science has importance beyond the knowledge of it, itself; it’s a topic with potential like no other to enrich and inspire and change people in so many positive ways.
The gravity of these truths is more than important - it is fundamental to the success and acceptance of life science realities. Humanity needs it and the most effective way to ensure it lands where it’s needed is by wrapping this amazing sphere into easy to wrap-your-head-around LIFE stories.
We’re a team of storytellers who do the work of reaching audiences delivering digital content where they LIVE day to day...and we're eager to help you tell your story!