We live in a universe of stories, familiar, heard or hidden. Starting the workshop with a traditional tale as a scaffolding for reflection and learning about how a story functions in its dynamic engagement, we will use images from the tale to jump start a potent personal narrative. The stories of our lives influence how we engage with ourselves and the world. They support and nurture our lives, or become the source of conflict or obstacle. Through the guided process of creating the personal story we can harvest our stories to bring benefit to ourselves and others and turn memory into mythic memoir. Discussion and excavation will illumine the power of telling stories, whether true life or traditional, as a compassionate act that releases us from the burden of opinion or limiting ideas. Everyone is to bring a journal or note paper, and dress casually.
Suggested reading: OUR SECRET TERRITORY: The Essence of Storytelling (sentient books) by Laura Simms. There will be handouts with other readings, a suggested bibliography and worksheets so what we do can be repeated and deepened on one’s own.
