Shamanic Practice- Storytelling

I ran to the top of the mountain. I couldn’t wait to share the news. To alert everyone. I was so excited to share what I had learned. What I  knew. The experience I had.

Out of breath I reached the top and paused for a moment. Ecstatic energy overwhelmed me and I prepared my voice for the announcement. ‘ I HAVE THE ANSWER’ I called out.

Willing to share with everyone, I told them, I would share with them the wonderful news I have been given. Finally, after so long waiting, I had the answer.

As the people gathered at the foot of the mountain, I descended quickly. Trying to keep my balance but eager with excitement I ran the last few metres.

 Smiling I looked out to the crowds, smiling faces staring back.

 Filled with the light of the sun reflecting from the sky. They all looked at me. I looked back at them. Shared excitement, and nervousness, and a wondering.

What will we do now that we have the answer?

I began my sharing. Informing them all of the answer which I had found. Whilst my excitement continued throughout the announcement, my voice quivered with a mix of emotions.

The crowd continued to watch but slowly disengaged.

Hands used to protect their eyes from the suns blaze began to drop down to their sides. Looks of curiosity turned to looks of doubt. Looks of doubt turned to disappointment. I didn’t understand what was happening.

 I continued to share the answer with them.

Some began to turn away, others started to take steps back, looking in other directions. The crowd was slowly dispersing, and I could not understand what was happening.

As I ended my announcement less then half the people remained.

 I watched the crowds begin to search, looking up, looking down. Looking all around them.

What were they searching for?

I had just told them the answer. I had given them everything they were searching for. I didn’t understand why it was not enough. Why they needed more. Why it did not satisfy their questioning.

For some of them, clearly what I had said, made no sense.

They could not understand. I wondered if I had delivered the message clearly?  Did I say it correctly? I doubted myself, maybe I said it wrong? Or maybe I forgot a part? I would have to check to be certain.

 I made my way back to the source.

When I arrived, I repeated what had happened. How I had been given the answer after much searching. I told how I had announced to everyone that the search was over, and that I had the answer. I told how I ran down the hill to share, only to be met with disappointment. I did not understand.

Why would you give me an answer, that they can not understand?  I asked.

Source began laughing. ‘Because’ Source replied ’ that was your answer’

I paused, uncertain.

‘That was your answer, for you. It has no meaning to anyone else.’ Source continued

Why not? I asked, still a little confused

Because, their answer, is theirs.

Their answer is not yours.

I laughed, suddenly realising my own foolishness. I had thought there was one answer. I thought I had the one answer. I thought my work was to tell everybody, the answer.

It wasn’t.  My work was to find my answer, for myself.

Author: Anna Pedder2026