The stories of Siddhartha and Captain Tom: Lifetimes apart but connecting us together

ABSTRACT

This chapter will explore how stories during the Covid-19 pandemic offered the potential to help us re-connect with our human nature. Through the lens of a biblical parable and the story of the Buddha the author draws out parallels with the story of 'Captain Tom' and why this story during the pandemic crisis seemed to capture the imagination of the world. The chapter explores how personal stories can give readers strength because of their imaginative capacity to help to connect with others, conveying a truth that story can make accessible. It considers how story can help bring balance to an over-emphasis on the intellect alone and restore us to emotional health through connecting with existential nature and vulnerability. In the spirit of storytelling, the author begins by sharing a story and parable from the bible to set the scene of this chapter. The Covid-19 story helps to get in touch with our lost vulnerability, particularly those of us living in the western world who can immerse ourselves in consumerism, creating the illusion we are in control of our lives. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)