We must shift our allegiances from fear to curiosity, from attachment to letting go, from control to trust, and from entitlement to humility.
Angeles ArrienRead
In many shamanic societies, if you came to a medicine person complaining of being disheartened, dispirited, or depressed, they would ask one of four questions: 'When did you stop dancing? When did you stop singing? When did you stop being enchanted by stories? When did you stop being comforted by the sweet territory of silence?'
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that our emotional well-being is connected to our engagement with joy and creativity.
Angeles Arrien highlights the importance of creativity, self-expression, and connection to our inner selves in maintaining mental health. In times of distress, reflecting on moments when we ceased to engage with joyous activities like dancing, singing, storytelling, or embracing silence can help us rediscover the sources of our happiness and resilience.
Themes
DanceSingingStoriesSilenceMental HealthCreativityJoy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a mental health awareness event to emphasize the importance of creative expression.
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