It is no mystery that fairy tales encourage our minds and
souls to venture to faraway magical lands where dragons, nymphs, and elves
dwell. Many adults, however, only come into contact with these mystical stories
when reading them to their children before bedtime. Many adults are surprised
to find that the value of fairy tales stretches far beyond childhood, and can
be a guide and metaphor for the trials and challenges of life here in our
modern world.
Consider the character of the Evil Queen. How many of us
have an evil, controlling, powerful person in our lives who we often feel
tricked by and fearful of? What about the good witch character—an unexpected
friend with words of wisdom can be found in this world at times when we most
need help. The list goes on and on: the handsome prince, the damsel in
distress, the power-hungry king, the kind and helpful animal, the joker, the
hero, the wounded child, the judge, the magician, the guide…
How, you might ask, does this apply to you? With a little
investigating a great deal can be learned about oneself through this metaphor.
If you are willing to try an exercise, consider one the following journal
entries:
1) Choose 5 significant relationships in your life
(positive or negative relationships), and see if you can identify each person
with a fairy tale character or archetype. Then create a story with yourself and
these individuals as a fairy tale.
This can be a way to
identify the dynamics of relationships, as well as give you the opportunity to
write your own ending to this story. Take the reins here and allow your
characters to follow the narrative of your choosing.
2) Choose a fairy tale character that you relate
to. Take the opportunity to re-write the way this fairy tale traditionally ends
to encompass your own needs and desires.
For example, if you identify
with Snow White, perhaps when awakened by Prince Charming Snow White thanks him
genuinely and continues on her way to find the best friend she lost many years
ago. They then together travel the world and offer gifts of healing to animals
in faraway lands…
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