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Dragons are powerful, archetypal creatures that appear in the ancient myths and fairytales of all cultures and peoples around the world. As such, they are enduring symbols in the human imagination as creatures that inspire great fear, awe, respect, and even wisdom. Myths are the projections of the complex and fascinating aspects of our own human nature, mirrored back to us in the form of storytelling. As such, we are encouraged to connect with all of the different characters and creatures in myths as aspects of our own psyches. This is no less true of dragons. Dragons, and other beastly creatures, often symbolize those parts of ourselves that we fear, loathe, are ashamed of or even indifferent to. As such, our initial instinct is to fight or ignore them. Inner peace and reconciliation, however, require from us a very different approach. When we learn how to tame and befriend our own dragons, we stop waging war on ourselves, and we start to listen. Befriending dragons teaches us the art of inner peace and reconciliation, and in turn, we become better equipped to offer this kind of healing to world around us.
About the author
Matthew Markell is a licensed master's level therapist in the State of Washington, residing in the Seattle area. Combining his love of human healing, growth, storytelling, human psychology, and mythology, Matthew integrates storytelling and personal narrative healing into his therapeutic practice. In addition to his private practice, he also conducts day-long journaling-workshop intensives, teaching people how to use the skills of storytelling and personal narratives to contribute toward continued healing and personal growth.
Summary
Dragons are powerful, archetypal creatures that appear in the ancient myths and fairytales of all cultures and peoples around the world. As such, they are enduring symbols in the human imagination as creatures that inspire great fear, awe, respect, and even wisdom. Myths are the projections of the complex and fascinating aspects of our own human nature, mirrored back to us in the form of storytelling. As such, we are encouraged to connect with all of the different characters and creatures in myths as aspects of our own psyches. This is no less true of dragons. Dragons, and other beastly creatures, often symbolize those parts of ourselves that we fear, loathe, are ashamed of or even indifferent to. As such, our initial instinct is to fight or ignore them. Inner peace and reconciliation, however, require from us a very different approach. When we learn how to tame and befriend our own dragons, we stop waging war on ourselves, and we start to listen. Befriending dragons teaches us the art of inner peace and reconciliation, and in turn, we become better equipped to offer this kind of healing to world around us.
