I was blessed to meet Miguel at Speakers Collective Southern Summit. After the workshop I gave we got talking. As a Photojournalist & Filmmaker & Psychotherapist Miguel’s work deeply resonated. One phrase he shared stayed with me
"Through my work I give a voice to the voiceless."
It immediately connected with my own mission helping people to tell their story being true to themselves both on the inside and the outside
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After our initial conversation we followed up with a phone call and it felt right to invite Miguel onto the podcast and create an episode together
Our discussion unfolded naturally touching on themes that are at the core of both our passions storytelling and the courage to express who you are
Here are some of the insights we shared:
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Capturing the true moment - Finding the balance between being in the moment and resisting the temptation to over-edit or script it. Authenticity is key don’t get too caught up in making it “perfect” or capturing what you “think” people want to see
The danger of over-scripting - as soon as you start over-scripting the moment is lost instead read the environment and connect with the person you’re with letting the story unfold organically
The stories are already inside you - instead of relying on a script which could feel forced or repetitive feel the moment choosing the stories to share in that moment
The purpose of a story - The essence of a story is connection and relating to people with the same storylines even if the circumstances are different
The power of sharing stories - if you are alone with your demons they are more powerful sharing those stories with others allows you to connect with people who have faced similar challenges and together explore how to deal with those storylines weakening the power of those struggles bouncing forward
The mind as a library of stories - Seeing the inside of your mind like a library. Walking through the aisles bringing stories out as and when you need them rather than relying on automatic pre-scripted stories
Let go of old stories - to grow you must let go of old narratives. Like a snake sheding it’s old skin you must shed old stories that no longer serve you to become stronger and evolve
The courage to use your own voice - it’s easy to follow the loudest voice but it takes courage to speak with your own trusting to connect with others with your truth
Sharing trigger moments - a single trigger moment can feel scary or sad or even cause anger but that can also be the start of a powerful story. It isn’t about having everything figured out sharing the raw beginnings with others can guide it into a more powerful direction
Release what drags you down - sometimes it’s difficult to let go of the parts of you that are holding you back but letting go of what no longer serves you so you can move forward with greater clarity and strength
The power of language - creative language that could be used for something destructive could also be used for something constructive. Changing something that is a weapon of destruction into a weapon of creation. Freeing the creative energy inside of you into a piece of value
Steps in the creative process - by dividing the creative process into smaller steps points of connection are created that could be used to connect with others who share your creative process or teach someone else something valuable bursting open the journey to creation with rich opportunities
The trap of overthinking - it is easy to get stuck in your own thoughts. It’s essential to act and not just think
Allowing yourself to express and capturing the truth - At the heart of storytelling is the ability to express your truth. Giving a voice to the voiceless means allowing yourself and others to speak freely without fear of judgment
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Thank you Miguel it was an honour to connect about storytelling and the power of letting your true self shine through giving voice outside to the you inside of you
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Learn more about Miguel Amortegui → miguelamortegui.com
