The Power Of A Story

This week's Grasshopper Notes essay from John Morgan for the week of June 29th reveals the power of a story.

 Grasshopper Notes are the writings from America's Best Known Hypnotherapist John Morgan. His podcasts contain his most responded to essays and blog posts from the past two decades. 

Find the written versions of these podcasts on John's podcasting site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1628038

"The Grasshopper" is the part of you that whispers pearls of wisdom that  seem to pop into your mind from out of the blue. John's essays and blog posts are his interpretations of these "Nips of Nectar." Others have labeled his writings as timeless wisdom. 

Most of the John's writings revolve around self improvement and self help. They address topics like:

• Mindfulness
• Peace of mind
• Creativity
• How to stay in the present moment
• Spirituality
• Behavior improvement

And stories that transform you to a wider sense of awareness that presents more options. And isn't that what we all want, more options? 

John uploads these podcasts on a regular basis. So check back often to hear these podcasts heard around the world. Who wants to be the next person to change? 

Make sure to order a copy of John's new book: WISDOM OF THE GRASSHOPPER – 21 Days to Creativity. These mini-meditations take you inside where all your creative resources live. And you'll come out not only refreshed but recommitted to creating your future. 

It's only $16.95 and available at BLURB.COM at the link below. https://www.blurb.com/b/10239673-wisd...

Also, download John's FREE book INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change. It's available at John's website  https://GrasshopperNotes.com

Transcript

The Power Of A Story

When we were kids, we were taught not to tell tales out of school.

That was good advice . . . if you were talking about gossip.

But telling stories about life? That's something entirely different.

Stories don't just entertain us. They teach us. They help us understand things that facts and opinions often can't.

That reminds me of something that happened about 10 years ago.

I was about to have a procedure where a doctor would be putting a camera down my throat. Since I make my living with my voice, I wanted him to be especially careful.

I mentioned that to him, and he gave me that look that said, "I'm a professional. I know what I'm doing."

So I asked him, "Have you ever seen a Steven Seagal movie?"

He smiled and said he had.

I told him about a scene in a movie where Seagal's young niece is rushed into an emergency room after a drive-by shooting. As the doctors take over, Seagal tells the surgeon, "Treat her like the President of the United States."

The surgeon replies, "We treat all our patients exactly the same."

Then Seagal steps closer, presses his finger against the doctor's chest, looks him in the eye, and repeats, "Like the President of the United States."

As I delivered that last line, I gently put my finger on my doctor's chest and looked him in the eye.

His whole demeanor changed.

In that moment, I stopped being just another patient on his morning schedule.

That's the power of a story.

Think about the stories that have been around forever – from ancient China, to the Buddha, to Jesus, to Aesop. Even our new favorites from movies and songs stay with us because they tell stories that reveal something true about life.

Rod Stewart even recorded an album called Every Picture Tells a Story.

Stories slip past our defenses. They don't lecture us. They invite us in.

These days, we're surrounded by opinions masquerading as facts. Everyone seems determined to prove they're right.

Stories take a different approach.

They let people discover the truth for themselves.

So if you're trying to reach someone, don't just make your point.

Tell them a story.

All the best,

John