Parents, we are the ones with the most power to write a new story for our collective future
because we are the ones raising its future leaders.
It’s arguably our most important work in this lifetime.
We must find a way to cultivate character that isn’t easily tempted by obsessions for pleasure and power.
We must find a way to develop critical, contextual thinking that isn’t easily manipulated or devoid of compassion.
We must find a way to raise a generation that can thrive as individuals but chooses connection and collaboration as their pathway to success because they know how to think, feel, and communicate clearly.
It's up to us, but how?
After seventeen years of parenting and two decades of developing expertise in educating, messaging, storytelling, and personal healing, I've come to believe that STORY IS THE WAY.
It's up to us, but how?
After seventeen years of parenting and two decades of developing expertise in educating, messaging, storytelling, and personal healing, I've come to believe that STORY IS THE WAY.
When Aaron was little, I was physically ill and depressed.
I didn’t have the energy to be a happy, playful mommy.
All I could do most days was snuggle him on the couch and watch movies and cartoons… or nap while he did.
But because I had been classically trained in a Socratic honors program, and knew the power of messaging, story, and critical thinking, I was able to do something that I now realize is one of the most important things I have done as a parent:
I asked my son what he thought and felt about the stories and characters we were watching.
I asked him what he thought the writers were trying to tell us.
I asked questions that helped him become attuned to patterns in plotlines, heroes, and villains.
I asked him what he thought they could have done differently as
characters and writers to craft a better ending.
The result?
Besides the hours of eating our favorite snacks and laughing and crying together...
The result?
Besides the hours of eating our favorite snacks and laughing and crying together...
I got to know my kid’s thoughts, feelings, and dreams.
And he got to know mine.
I discovered ways to nurture his character and strengths.
And he was able to challenge and hone mine.
I was gifted with an opportunity to see stories through a clear, non-traumatized perspective.
And he was able to develop compassion for my old st*ries.
I was able to "get ahead" of his developmental stages and have uncomfortable but important conversations about friendship and redemption,
uncertainty and faith, sex and love, and power and leadership.
But most importantly...
Our engagement with STORY has allowed him to develop a worldview that continues to astonish me.
But most importantly...
Our engagement with STORY has allowed him to develop a worldview that continues to astonish me.
Two years ago, we were driving home from school when he told me that his science teacher had explained how technology might make it possible for his generation to “choose immortality.” When I asked him if he thought he would choose it, he quickly shook his head and replied, “Mom, what have we learned from all of the stories we’ve watched together? It’s not a good idea to work outside the laws of nature. There are cycles to life, and one of them is death. Haven’t all the stories we’ve seen proven that life is sweeter when we are aware that death is certain?”
Ummm... right. I was speechless for a moment, too.
I played devil’s advocate, like I do, for a while. I offered up other possibilities that maybe nature is making it possible for us to evolve and… he wouldn’t have any of it. “No, Mom. I don’t want to mess with nature.”
I shook my head in awe.
To be so aware of such a powerful, timeless truth at sixteen.
How is that awareness going to impact every decision he makes about
work, relationships, and his contribution to the world?
It’s important to me that you understand that this is his belief that was formed through his mindful engagement with stories.
I didn’t have to be his teacher or tell him what I believe is the path of truth and morality.
I haven’t had to insist that he take care of his body because he’s seen what happens when people don’t.
I haven’t had to demand respect because he’s seen what happens to families in which respect and love are not at the core.
I haven’t had to contend with him about being responsible for his words and behaviors because he’s seen what happens to people of all ages who blame the world around them and do nothing to improve their situation.
All it required of me was...
spending time engaging stories with him, and being curious about them with him.
All it required of me was...
spending time engaging stories with him, and being curious about them with him.
As a parent and a trained educator, facilitator, and coach,
I know that the keys to real learning are
CONNECTION, EXPERIENCE, and REFLECTION.
I also know that STORY is the most powerful way to activate these keys with our children (and everyone at any age really).
Stories, with all of their plot twists, character dramas, and sensory details, CONNECT us to ourselves (and each other) by engaging us visually, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually.
They engage our WHOLE PERSON.
When we add the element of REFLECTION with good questions, our children can go beyond unconscious entertainment and really learn valuable life lessons through other peoples’ journeys before they have to learn them on their own.
I don’t know about you, but I’d rather my kid learn from others’ mistakes than go out there and learn in the school of hard knocks like I did.
Plus, they can understand the power of story and narrative and recognize its patterns and potential to be misused and manipulated toward a sinister end.
That knowledge is the way to help our children become impervious to propaganda and attempts to squash their inner and outer freedoms.
Trust me when I say that our conversations about news and politics today
is downright fascinating because of his awareness of all this.
Finally, the bonus is that we, as parents get to:
- know our children better and deepen our connection with them
- know ourselves better and challenge and heal our own “old st*ries”
- make a huge difference in our children’s lives and the future of our culture while laughing, giggling, and eating popcorn and licorice (and dark chocolate for Mom)
STORY is the FUN WAY...
to cultivate character and preserve our freedom.
STORY is the FUN WAY...
to cultivate character and preserve our freedom.
After that conversation about nature, and many others about news and politics with him this year, I realized that I had to share this powerful approach with other parents.
And then I had an idea.
Maybe he and I could collaborate and actually distill our years of story-work into a book that shows people what happens to a young mind and heart when it engages story mindfully and free of someone else’s agenda.
Welcome to
A Religion of Story
This book is a collaborative work with my nineteen-year-old son, Aaron.
You’ll witness the start of some of our most profound conversations around the stories we’ve engaged, and then you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your own thoughts as you read both of our stories and experiences of working through these seven big life lessons.
Of course, our hope is that you will see how powerful this path of Story is, how it’s led both of us to mindfully develop our character and preserve our freedom, and how it might help you and your children to do the same.
A note from Aaron...
Even though it was a pain-in-the-ass when my mom paused the movies we watched so that we could talk about them, the analysis, critical thinking, and communication skills that have been ingrained in me are invaluable. The awareness that stories present hidden lessons and archetypal frameworks is a critical part of how I approach everything I see and hear. Over time, I started to see those lessons, archetypes, and other patterns in the real world, and applied myself to each situation appropriately by remembering what I learned from story. This knowledge has made it possible for me to predict what's about to happen in a movie or tv show, and sometimes, real life. So, in a way, I guess you could say I can see the future now. (LOL) Well, at least I'm more prepared for it.
A note from Aaron...
Even though it was a pain-in-the-ass when my mom paused the movies we watched so that we could talk about them, the analysis, critical thinking, and communication skills that have been ingrained in me are invaluable. The awareness that stories present hidden lessons and archetypal frameworks is a critical part of how I approach everything I see and hear. Over time, I started to see those lessons, archetypes, and other patterns in the real world, and applied myself to each situation appropriately by remembering what I learned from story. This knowledge has made it possible for me to predict what's about to happen in a movie or tv show, and sometimes, real life. So, in a way, I guess you could say I can see the future now. (LOL) Well, at least I'm more prepared for it.
We have two goals as we launch this book...
#1
Of course, we want to get the book into the hands of every parent who is looking
for ways to deepen their connection with their children and tools to help them
develop character and life skills without being dogmatic about it.
#2
But we also want to inspire, empower, and equip YOU to
become a more powerful storyteller in your own life and change agent in the world.
And... to achieve this intention:
We are going to ask you to buy 1, 5, 10, 20, or 50 copies of the book.
What?!? So many? Why would you buy more than one? What would you do with so many books? I know this question well because my son blew my mind with his answer during my first book launch. You could give the books to:
- family and friends who are looking for ways to deepen their connection with their kids
- parents and educators looking for a powerful way to teach important life skills
- change-makers who are concerned about our collective future
And why would you go to all of that trouble?
Well… I am glad you asked!
When you purchase copies of A Religion of Story, you’ll receive at least DOUBLE, and in some cases more than QUADRUPLE, the value of the cost of your purchase with the best of what I can offer you— powerful experiential online workshops, discounted training and retreat opportunities, and even some special bonuses from my dearest mentor, friend, and client who helps people make more money and live blessed lives. And yes, Aaron will help me facilitate some of them.
There are lots of opportunities for everyone...
New Heroes, these programs will help you face, feel, and heal the st*ries that are stopping you from living your best life and become the Co-Author of a new, amazing story. They'll also help you raise children who are empowered to navigate this world with their heads and hearts connected.
New Messengers, these programs will help you heal the st*ries that are sabotaging your efforts to make a difference in this world finally get your unique message on pages and stages.
Returning Hero Messengers, these programs will take the work we’ve already done together to a whole new level of healing, awareness, and impact.
Check Out What Participants are Saying about the 90-Day Quest Built on this Framework
~ Dimple Dhabalia
Founder of Roots in the Clouds
~ Kajal Dhabalia
Design & Creative Services
Whether you are a New Hero, New Messenger,
or Returning Hero Messenger, the steps to take are the same.
Step #1
Decide how deep into the Story and/or Messenger Matrix you want to dive.
[Check out the longer descriptions of the programs below.]
Step #2
Identify the number of books you will commit to purchasing in exchange
for the programs and level of support you want to experience.
Step #3
Fill out the form below with those details.
Step #4
Sign an agreement -- it will be sent to you! -- to participate in the program.
Step #5
Get all of the dates, times, and login information.
Step #6
Enjoy the journey with us!
Step #7
Pay for the books the day of the launch: July 1, 2022!
Don’t worry. We’ll send reminders!
If you want to chat first, you can schedule here.
This way, we can all co-author new,
more exciting stories! I hope you’ll quest with us!
Descriptions of the Programs
New Heroes
F-U to Breakthrough Retreat [In-Person + Virtual]: Think slumber party where, in addition to enjoying the movies, yummy food, and giggles, we also witness each other heal st*ries that have been keeping us from stepping fully and unapologetically into our purpose.
50 Books = $1700 Discount
Journey through Your Religion of Story [Virtual Workshop Series]: In this 7-part experiential workshop series, Aaron and I will discuss the seven themes we are addressing in our upcoming book and give you a powerful opportunity to interact with this content before you begin to mindfully engage story with your own child/ren. We have designed these workshops to be insightful, productive, AND fun!
30 Books
The 90-Day Quest: Write to Right the World [Online Program]: This 90-day quest is designed to help you uncover and rewrite all of the unconscious beliefs that are sabotaging your efforts to change the world and your life. Daily writing prompts and interactions with your allies, combined with theme-focused debriefs and energy balancing sessions, will support you on the journey.
10 Books
Saved by Story Club [Virtual]: It’s like a book club, but we will engage and discuss movies, tv shows, and other storytelling media with the intention of uncovering hidden treasures in the stories that will help us co-author better personal and collective stories in a community where we can experience deeper engagement, accountability, and healing.
5 Books
From F-U to Breakthrough: Craft a Better St*ry Loop [Online Workshop]: If you are tired of facing the same infuriating, exhausting characters and plot twists in your story over and over again, this workshop will help you understand WHY that story is on “repeat” and HOW you can stop looping and start co-writing a new one. It’s time to be the superheroes we know we are here to be, and manage the kryptonite for good.
1 Book
New Messengers
Content Cocoon Program [In-Person + Virtual]: These programs are designed to help you develop and complete one or all of the following: a transformational book, an inspiring signature talk, and a life-changing curriculum/event. It also includes strategy and planning for the next phase of design and launch.
50 Books = $1700 Discount
Your Sacred Contribution [Online Workshop] includes Change the World with Your Sacred Message and From F-U to Breakthrough and these two workshops…
The Down-and-Dirty Truth about Publishing + Monetizing Your Message: If you find yourself hesitating to complete your manuscript because you don’t know what comes next, this workshop will help you get your head around the most important details of publishing and marketing. We will talk about the 3 book and publishing myths; the 3 basic publishing routes available and their pros and cons; the clarity you need before you work with editors, designers, and publishers; and where to start with the marketing and sales of the book…and any other services.
Alchemize Your Story + Expertise [Online Workshop]: If you are struggling to figure out how to craft content [books, talks, and courses] that reaches the hearts and minds of your readers/audiences AND ignites transformation and action in and for them, this workshop will help you uncover: the two roles you must own in order to make your content powerful, the clarity you must have before you get to work, and exactly what makes a message powerful and memorable.
Give Your Message Wings [Recorded Training]: These 5 training audios and assignments will help you see the Universal Messenger Blueprint and extract the information you need to begin to lay a solid foundation for your message. You will begin to clarify your core message and connect it with your purpose, learn how to develop powerful content, and sketch out preliminary plans for Marketing, Monetizing, Publishing, and Promoting your book, as well as navigating the transformational experience of the Mindful Messenger Journey.
Change the World with Your Sacred Message WITHOUT Compromising Your Sanity or Soul [Online Workshop]: If you’ve been unable to get started on that book, signature talk, or curriculum, this experiential workshop will help you get some of the clarity you need very quickly. Together, we uncover the 3 must-have’s to avoid losing tons of time, energy, and money; practice the 2 skills you need to navigate the journey without losing your sanity or your soul; and adapt the approach I used to write my first book in 3 weeks and launch it as a bestseller in less than 2 months.
30 Books + Bring a Friend for Your Sacred Contribution
Returning Hero Messengers
Wing Training, Wind Trusting, and Impact Programs and Services: These services are customized to the need of each messenger, and are only available after they have completed a Content Cocoon Program. These programs are about launching your products or events, creating visibility for your brand, and sharing your message in a way that feels aligned with you.
30 Books - $1020 Credit
Rip Up + Renegotiate Unconscious Contracts: This 3-day online retreat will help you uncover the unconscious contracts that are keeping you stuck in a role or story you want to stop, and rewrite them so you can be unapologetically YOU.
20 Books - $680 Credit
The Greatest Messenger: Get ready to use the power of story to message, market, and mesmerize your audience without disempowering them.
5 Books - $170 Credit
Let’s change the world one message
and story at a time.
A Religion of Story
launches July 1, 2022, BUT the retreats and programs are already filling up.
Commit to Buying Books & Get an Excerpt
[For details on each experience included, see the bottom of this page.]
Check Out What Participants are Saying
about the 90-Day Quest Built on this Framework
~ Alyssa Coelho
Author, Entrepreneur, Founder of The Lionheart Creations Foundation