Can We Be Free of Our Stories?

Why do the stories we tell ourselves create so much suffering? And if stories are central to creativity and self-expression, is it possible to be free without abandoning them? Rupert says: ‘I don’t recommend trying to liberate yourself from stories. This is not a path of renunciation. Leave the stories – they are the raw material of your creative work – but don’t derive your identity from them. Repeatedly return to the simple fact of being and recognise that it is already free of every narrative. ‘As understanding deepens, artists often discover that their vision has outgrown the forms through which they once expressed themselves. It takes courage to break the shell of an old identity and discover a new form that reflects a deeper understanding. If you don’t, your art may lose its vitality – but if you do, creativity can become a true expression of freedom.’ *This video is from one of Rupert’s in-person retreats at the Garrison Institute, 5–12 October 2025. For more information on upcoming retreats (many of which can be attended online via livestream) go to: ▸ https://rupertspira.com/events Timestamps: 0:00 Emotionality 1:15 Stories and Suffering 2:04 Freedom From Stories 3:17 Returning to Being 4:27 Creating Without Identity 6:12 The Artist’s Dilemma 7:25 When Vision Outgrows Form 9:20 Breaking the Creative Shell –– ACCESS FULL VIDEO ARCHIVE You can watch or listen to 1000s of hours of teachings, guided meditations and answers in Rupert's full video archive here: ▸ https://rupertspira.com/subscriptions –– RETREATS (Weekend & 7-day) Rupert holds regular retreats, roughly once per month, either in-person and online. Many in-person retreats can also be attended from the comfort of your home via livestream. ONLINE RETREAT SCHEDULE ▸ https://rupertspira.com/events/retreats-at-home IN-PERSON RETREATS SCHEDULE (UK, EU and US) (Also Available to Join Online via Live Stream) ▸ https://rupertspira.com/events –– WEEKLY WEBINARS (2 hours) Rupert's webinars tak