I am re-reading Clarissa Pinkola Estes’ Women Who Run with the Wolves with some colleague-friends. And recently, after a particularly meaningful chat about the power of myth and story, one of the women in the group shared with us the work of Nana Tomova.
Nana is a traditional oral storyteller based in the Highlands of Scotland. She weaves together themes of nature, spirit, wilderness and women’s voices. Her website, turns out, is a treasure trove of stories.
Nana Tomova. Nana is a traditional oral storyteller based in the Highlands of Scotland.
Nana’s work is what she refers to as Story Apothecary. Much like you’d imagine popping into a shop for a tincture of this or a serum of that, she has a collection of stories, tales, and myths that are ‘prescribed’ for the vast array of human experiences. A story for grief, another for intuition, trauma/PTSD, coming of age, regret, or female power… the list goes on.
In each ‘prescription’ is an audio retelling of a story that connects to theme you’ve selected, as well as a short written summary.
I most recently listened to her re-telling of Vasalisa and Baba Yaga (Story #34). I popped in my earbuds, took a long walk and listened to her story while out in nature on a solo walk. Immersed in the smells, sights and textures of wind and ocean, I entered the world of story as a way to connect and be inspired toward greater connection to wisdom, intuition and befriending one’s wild nature.
As a therapist, I of course value the relational work of speaking, listening, hearing and reflecting together. There’s also something to be said for quiet, personal moments of deep synergy with women and storytellers of the past. Helping us to better understand our place in the world.
I hope you enjoy these stories alone, with a loved one, or in community around a campfire. Stories of our lives, turn out, are medicine too.
” A story is like water
that you heat for your bath.
It takes messages between the fire
and your skin. It lets them meet,
and it cleans you!
Very few can sit down
in the middle of the fire itself “
~Rumi~
Leanna Immel, LMFT, blends somatic and relationally-oriented therapies into her practice. Welcoming adults, teens and couples of all identities who are ready and eager to break cycles and start their therapeutic journey. If you’re ready to dive into the choppy waters of therapy, and find some relief, reach out today.
