The purpose of this practice it to train you to move between the mythic and naturalistic modes of experiencing the word and cultivate a flexible, integrative self-story. # Practice: Set aside time weekly (or daily) to write three short stories about yourself: ## First story Write about your life, struggles, or dreams through the lens of myth, ritual, or sacred meaning. This is your version of the First Story: ![[First Story]] This is a practice of Mythobiography, which is a form of storytelling that weaves together personal history and myth, blending real-life experiences with symbolic or archetypal narratives. It helps us explore our life's journey through the lens of myth, using stories, metaphors, and archetypes to uncover deeper meaning, connect with universal themes, and illuminate the spiritual or symbolic dimensions of our path. To write a mythobiography, start by reflecting on key moments or turning points in your life. Then, look for patterns, symbols, or recurring themes that echo myths, legends, or folktales. Write your story with these mythic elements in mind, framing your personal experiences as part of a larger, timeless narrative. The goal is not to separate fact from fiction, but to reveal the deeper truth and meaning that myth can bring to our lived experiences. ## Second Story Second Story: Write about the same theme with the lens of science, psychology, or objective fact. This is your Second Story. ![[Second Story]] Your version of this second story should limit itself to the facts as best as you understand them. Add in how you feel and why you felt that way. Dig into your emotions and psychological state as you experienced the event or events, and how you feel about them now. ## Third Story Now, in a third section, reflect on what happens when you hold both narratives together. What feels true? Where do they conflict or enrich each other? What new “story” wants to emerge? This is your third story. ![[Glossary/Third Story|Third Story]] Start with simple Oscillation between the two stories. ![[Oscillation]] As you continue seek the synthesis of the two stories into one story. ![[Glossary/Synthesis]]