storytelling for self-direction 

Parallel Narratives

The Surreal

The Folkloric Imagination

The Fantastic

“It made me realize my imagination did not die. It simply needed to be gently kissed AGAIN to rise from the grave I had put it into.” 
IMAGINE A PROCESS THAT INVITES YOU TO SPIN A TRANSFORMATIVE SPELL OF A STORY TO DEFY OUR CURRENT DYSTOPIAN NARRATIVE.
WITH THIS DEFIANCE YOU BECOME A TRANSLATOR OF THE REAL; AN ALCHEMIST OF LIVED & DREAMED EXPERIENCE; A MASTER OF YOUR PAST & PRESENT DESIRES.
PARALLEL NARRATIVES TEACH US TO RESIST THE STORIES IMPOSED ON US; TO ACCEPT THAT WISDOM THROUGH FOLLY IS PART OF THE PATH; TO CREATE VISIONS OF POSSIBILITY.
THIS IS NOT THE WRITTEN WORD. IN PARALLEL NARRATIVES YOU WILL TELL IT.
IT TAKES A VOICE TO MAKE A REALITY.

What is Parallel Narratives?

Shared in the oral storytelling tradition, Parallel Narratives are fantastical tales translated from short oral histories. Borrowing from surrealism, folklore, and mythology, the tales adhere to neither the rules of literature nor the rules of reality.

Ways to Experience the Process

Experience a variety of courses or private sessions that guide you through a creative story-making process. Through dialogue, collaboration, and improvisation, you will generate new narratives to describe your lived or dreamed experience.

Schedule a Course or Session

Sessions can be experienced remotely via video conferencing. Use the online scheduler to set up an initial session, mid process check-in, or final reflective visit. Sessions are a mix of collaborative, creative exercises and exploratory dialogue.

A Deep Listen 

Hosted by Eric Garza, a participant in Parallel Narratives, this podcast is an in depth discussion with the creators of the project. Topics covered are the role of folklore in contemporary society, how stories shape our lives, and whether imagination can be a tool for real world change.