Bonding and Understanding through Storytelling.-Marguerite Theophil
Story does not only entertain us ; it helps us construct identities for ourselves and our communities to learn , to grow , to find options and meanings , to heal , and to understand our world-its environment , creatures and its different kinds of people.
Story pitches us into a space of multiple realities ."Once upon a time ", or "Long , long ago, when animals used to speak to men and men to animals , and both to god" -such ' beginnings ' toss us into another , more receptive space than the defined one we live and work in.
Unlike in this 'reality' where everything must fit and make sense , story offers us other realities , allowing for the unexpected , the magical , for awakenings and insights , clarity and direction , and sometimes for the persistently inexplicable to stay just that way.
Story delights and teaches people of all ages , children and adults .Story is a great medium for educators , managers , therapists, clergy and business people regardless of age groups.
Story communicates through images .Among storytellers , it is a know fact that stories are received image by image , not word by word.Our most enduring learnings happen through thoughts , feelings and connections generated by images .My favourite anecdote is of the story of a young boy , who when asked if he liked the TV or audio version of the same programme replied "The audio tapes -the pictures were much better "
Story helps us in meaning -making .Story -whether about animals , fairies or humans connect us with our humanness and links past , [resent and future by teaching us to anticipate the possible consequences of our actions.
While listening to story or reading for sheer joy is wonderful , sometimes we feel drawn to go deeper, to make a story our ally in meaning-making or healing.It's good to remember that while a particular story can open us all to a general lesson , really responding to a story is an extremely personal process.Each one Will connect to different aspects of a story responding according to a current 'nurturance need'-taking from a story what he needs at that particular time.
Story is 'healing medicine' .Not only traditional stories , but alsop personal narrative can be inspiring and healing, and can be a powerful basis for personal ,professional or organisational development.Exploring and sharing true stories is valuable for self help or self improvement , even organisational understanding nd bonding for team improvement , and to stimulate creativity.
Story generates true community ."An individual , an organisation , or a society that encourages and engages in story sharing invites others in.Ignoring or withholding stories keeps us ignorant and isolated; it is neither practical nor wise" says Dolly Berthelot , a storyteller.
Since the time we gathered around campfires , or later collected in village squares , stories have helped teach , influence and bind people.Stories have fostered the understanding of self , of others , and of life-which is so important for creating healthy community.This understanding is deeply needed today , as we battle divisive forces , within and without .We can recover the wisdom and power of story to help us live and work together in healthy communities.
So , Tell me a story , tell me Your story.
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