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Alive Quote by Stephen Mitchell

“Children understand that 'once upon a time' refers not only--not even primarily--to the past, but to the impalpable regions of the present, the deeper places inside us where princes and dragons, wizards and talking birds, impassable roads, impossible tasks, and happy endings have always existed…” quote by Stephen Mitchell
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“Children understand that 'once upon a time' refers not only--not even primarily--to the past, but to the impalpable regions of the present, the deeper places inside us where princes and dragons, wizards and talking birds, impassable roads, impossible tasks, and happy endings have always existed, alive and bursting with psychic power.”

Stephen Mitchell

About This Quote

Source Book: The Secret Language of Flowers by Stephen Mitchell, 2002

Stories tap into timeless inner archetypes, linking past narratives to present inner landscapes, granting psychic energy.

In simple terms: Stories connect past myths to present inner life.

Key Takeaway

Embrace the power of imagination.

Themes

imagination myth psychic power inner child

Mood

wonderful inspired reflective

Type

literary philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • creative writing
  • therapy
  • personal growth
  • teaching children

Key Concepts

archetypes symbolism psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you let stories shape your present?
  • What inner archetype resonates most with you?
A Different Perspective

Overreliance on fantasy can hinder practical action.

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