Narrating embodied experience: sharing stories of trauma and recovery

Abstract

In this paper, we explore our use of a dialogical storytelling approach to alleviate some of the tensions involved in researching another person's embodied experience. These tensions concern the problems of (a) how to access another's embodied experience and (b) how to represent that experience. We consider these issues through sharing creative nonfiction stories, alongside theoretical reflections, drawn from our research into the meaning and value of an adapted sport and inclusive adventurous training course for military personnel who have experienced serious injury and/or trauma. In terms of accessing another's embodied experience, we observe how co-experienced physical movement seemed to allow taboo tales to be shared. In moments like these, there is a sense of ‘doing together’ that supports story sharing—embodied interaction is the medium that allows it to happen. We suggest that evocative stories of personal embodied experience are unlikely to be shared or witnessed without an immersive embodied interaction. In terms of representation, we propose that faithful portrayals of embodied experience are most likely to be achieved through particular writing strategies. Because another's embodied experience can only be glimpsed tangentially, through a physical–emotional sensibility, it needs to be evoked, implied or rendered through aesthetic forms. We have found storytelling to be one way of writing that allows us to express and communicate complex and sometimes ambiguous forms of embodied knowledge, understanding and wisdom that we may not yet have fully grasped ourselves.

Keywords:

• Adapted Sport
• Adventurous Training
• Creative Non-fiction
• Fieldwork
• Military
• Narrative
• Representation
• Story
• Trauma

Acknowledgements

We thank Josh, and the other participants in our research, for sharing their stories with us. We also thank the coaching team, military and all other staff at the Battle Back Centre Lilleshall for their support. Finally, we thank the anonymous reviewers for their supportive and constructive responses.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. It is widely recognised that narrative research comprises an array of philosophies, theories and methodologies, and that a single definition is not possible or desirable. Briefly, our own position broadly aligns with Crossley (2000) who sees narrative research as ‘an attempt to study the language, stories and narratives which constitute selves and the implications and permutations of those narratives for individuals and societies’ (p. 21).

Additional information

Funding

The research on which this article is based was funded by The Royal British Legion as part of their commitment to helping the recovery of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and servicewomen.