In the grand narrative of our lives, we often depict ourselves as the central character, or hero of our story. This makes a lot of sense. We are much more aware of our thoughts, feelings, dreams, intentions and actions than we are of others. Most movies that we watch or stories that we read also give the most attention to the hero.
A hero is someone who is living an epic tale, having to navigate through various landscapes and challenges. But have you ever considered what type of story or narrative you are playing out?
Is it a tragedy? Where things started out promisingly, but then everything slowly gets worse until you lose everything and die alone? Or is it a redemptive story? Things haven’t always been easy but you turn things around. You figure out how to live the life you have always wanted.
Let’s delve into the idea of life’s journey through the lens of Western, Eastern, Southern, and Northern storytelling archetypes. Each direction offers a unique perspective on how we perceive our experiences and aspirations.
The Western Story: Quest and Conquest
Western stories are essentially about a quest or a journey toward a goal. Heroes venture into unknown territories. The protagonist is often driven by ambition. They seek personal growth or pursue a dream. They face daunting challenges and ultimately return transformed.
Consider the film “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (1966) or the book “Riders of the Purple Sage” by Zane Grey. In each story, it focuses on a gunslinger. In the film, the hero is competing to find buried treasure. In the book, the hero is fighting against oppressive forces.
If you see your life as a Western story, you view yourself as a trailblazer. You are tackling obstacles and striving toward personal achievements. Your journey is marked by significant milestones, dramatic confrontations, and a sense of progression. The satisfaction comes from overcoming adversity and reaching new heights, much like the heroes who triumph in the end.
In a Western narrative, the police take bold actions to tackle crime. The legal system is adversarial and pursues both personal and societal justice and seeks victory. Officers confront danger and wrongdoing with determination and bravery. The emphasis is on personal freedoms and the right to a fair trial.
The Eastern Story: Harmony and Balance
The emphasis in Eastern stories is on balance, inner peace, and harmony with the universe. These stories are deeply rooted in Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism philosophies. The focus is on understanding one’s place in the world. It also involves finding equilibrium and achieving a state of enlightenment.
Think of the movies “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000) or “Spirited Away” (2001). The first film has themes of honour, balance and inner peace. The second identity, growth and harmony.
If you see your life as resembling an Eastern narrative, you care about maintaining balance. You value inner peace more than chasing external goals. Your journey will involve self-discovery, spiritual growth, and fostering connections with others. The ultimate aim is not necessarily about achieving greatness but about finding harmony and living according to your values.
In an Eastern story, the police and the courts work to prevent conflict. They resolve disputes in ways that preserve societal equilibrium. There is a focus on mediation and reconciliation, rather than winning or punishing offenders. The emphasis is on moral conduct and social harmony. It integrates modern legal principles and structures with traditional wisdom and informal community practices.
The Southern Story: Community and Connection
Southern stories highlight themes of community, tradition, and connection to the land. These narratives are rich with cultural heritage and emphasize the importance of relationships, family, and communal ties. Southern stories showcase the strength found in family or community bonds. They respect traditions passed down through generations.
Two famous examples of a Southern narrative is the movie “Steel Magnolias” (1989) or the book “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. In the movie, a close-knit group of Southern Women support each other through life’s ups and downs. In the book, it explores themes of racial injustice, community and moral growth.
If you view your life through a Southern lens, you emphasize nurturing relationships. You also focus on contributing to your community. Your journey involves staying connected to your roots, supporting others, and finding fulfillment in shared experiences. The narrative here is less about you as an individual. It is more about the impact you have on those around you.
In a Southern narrative, the police are part of the community. They will work closely with residents to help resolve issues and build relationships. Justice is restorative in nature, and focuses on repairing harm and reintegrating offenders into society. The legal system will try to uphold community norms and customs. It can be influenced by local leaders, community elders and informal networks of support.
The Northern Story: Exploration and Self-Reliance
Northern stories are characterized by exploration, resilience, and self-reliance. They involve journeys into harsh or uncharted territories where survival and self-sufficiency are key. These narratives celebrate strength, endurance, and the capacity to thrive in challenging conditions.
Think of the film “The Revenant” (2015), or the movie and book “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer. Both involve people venturing solo into the harsh wilderness. To seek vengeance in “The Revenant”, and to seek meaning and self-reliance in “Into the Wild”.
If you view your life narrative as a Northern, you see yourself as a pioneer facing and overcoming personal trials. You venture into new experiences, embrace challenges head-on, and show resilience in the face of adversity. You focus on personal fortitude and the ability to navigate through difficult circumstances with determination and courage.
In a Northern story, the police are cold and unforgiving. Their emphasis will be on personal responsibility and self-reliance. The legal system will incorporate elements of survival-based justice. It will be both adaptable and resourceful, as conventional approaches are often not possible in isolated areas.
Reflecting on Your Narrative
Understanding which direction your life story aligns with can give you valuable insights into your motivations, values, and aspirations. Your journey could integrate elements from all four directions. It does not have to be just one. Your life can gain from having a rich and complex narrative.
It is possible to pursue goals with a Western sense of adventure while seeking inner peace with an Eastern approach. You can stay connected to your community like in a Southern story, and embrace challenges with Northern resilience.
Ultimately, recognizing your narrative can help you understand your life and journey better. It helps you make conscious choices about how you want to shape your future.
You might be drawn to the quest for greatness. Maybe you are pursuing balance or enjoying the warmth of community. Perhaps you are exploring new horizons. No matter what, your life’s story is uniquely yours. Reflect on your own journey. Embrace the narratives that resonate most with you. Let them guide you toward a fulfilling and meaningful existence.
Dr Damon Ashworth
Clinical Psychologist
Damon Ashworth Psychology 
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