The Universe Spoken into Being: How Words and Stories Shape Our Reality
Have you ever stopped to consider the profound power of a single word? It’s more than just a sound or a squiggle on a page; it’s a key to unlocking existence itself. Our universe, in its most fundamental sense, is built upon the very concept of the word. Without a name, without a label, can something truly exist for us, or at least be something we can grasp?
Think about it: if you can’t name something, you can’t really talk about it, learn about it, or even fully perceive it. The moment we assign a word, we bring it into our shared reality, giving it a tangible form in our minds and conversations. This isn’t just about communication; it’s about conceptualisation. The word gives shape to the shapeless, identity to the unknown. From the smallest atom to the grandest galaxy, each element of our universe is defined and understood through the words we use to describe it. In essence, the word is the primordial force that allows us to build and navigate our understanding of everything around us.
Stories: The Lens Through Which We See the World
If words are the building blocks, then stories are the intricate blueprints that allow us to make sense of the world they construct. Whether you call them stories or iyagi (이야기) as in Korean, these narratives are our primary mode of understanding. We don’t just passively observe; we actively interpret. And that interpretation is always filtered through the lens of a story.
When we observe an object or a scene, our minds immediately begin to construct a narrative around it. This isn’t always a dramatic tale; it can be as simple as “that’s a tree, and it provides shade” or “this coffee mug is hot, so I should be careful.” These stories, often happening at a subconscious level, are profoundly influenced by our past experiences and the information we’ve gathered throughout our lives. Our memories, both conscious and subconscious, provide the context and the characters for these unfolding narratives. They inform our perception, dictate our emotional responses, and ultimately shape the unique reality each of us experiences.
In this way, our individual “story” of the world becomes our personal truth. It’s a dynamic, ever-evolving narrative woven from the words we use and the experiences we’ve had. Understanding this powerful connection between words, stories, and our perception can open up new ways of seeing ourselves and the universe we inhabit.
What stories are you telling yourself about the world today?
Eyagist - Stories of I and U 
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