Storytelling: The oldest wisdom that is as fresh as ever.
Growing up in India, storytelling was how wisdom, values, and spiritual teachings were passed down. Some of my fondest memories are of sitting in a semi-circle with my siblings and cousins around my ammama (maternal grandmother), who would hand each of us a ball of soft rice dipped in gravy, along with the vegetable of the day, while narrating stories from the epics and other simple yet powerful tales of life.
One of her favorites was the story of Hanuman, the devoted monkey god who flew across lands to find the healing herb that could save Lakshman during the battle of Lanka. Unable to identify which herb it was, Hanuman didn’t hesitate—he lifted the entire mountain and carried it back so the right medicine could be found. That image stayed with me for years: the courage to act even in uncertainty, the willingness to carry the whole mountain for someone you love.
As we waited our turn, obediently holding out our right palms, our minds stayed wide open, fully captivated by the unfolding story.
This tradition was beautifully carried forward by my mother, who transformed subjects like history, language, and even science into meaningful stories that stayed with me long after. I remember lying on colorful woven straw mats called pai on our terrace during warm summer nights, gazing at the sky while listening to her narrate tales of the stars, planets, and the moon.
With a child’s wonder, I loved imagining the mysteries floating through the black hole. These stories sparked my curiosity and gave me a way to understand life through imagination and a deep sense of awe.
Many of my mother’s stories were steeped in philosophy and spirituality passed down through generations. They grounded us in a deeper awareness of who we are and why we’re here.
Years later, I found myself doing the same—writing and narrating stories for children at the Santa Clara Library. One story I often shared was the tale of the Crocodile and the Monkey, a lovely story of wit and wisdom that never failed to spark smiles. Storytelling became my way of connecting experiences, ideas, and emotions.
Now, as a coach, I see how that early exposure to storytelling shaped the way I hold space for clients. In our sessions, stories often become mirrors—tools for reflection, healing, and direction. Every person is living a story that’s still unfolding.
The tradition of storytelling lives on—not just in tales from the past, but in the evolving story each of us courageously writes every day.
Reflection and journaling prompt.
Stories carry wisdom, love, and lessons across generations. They invite us to lean into courage, curiosity, and connection.
What “mountains” have you carried or are ready to carry, even when the path wasn’t clear?
When was the last time you let your imagination roam freely?
What story are you living right now, and what part of it are you ready to rewrite?
Take a moment to write down your thoughts—this is your story, and it’s still unfolding.
