Traditionally, the storyteller was the person in the community who raised three questions for the group to consider: Who are we? Why are we here? And How shall we live? Elaine brings people together in a circle to listen to a few of her stories and then she guides the group in sharing their own stories with each other. It is fun! It is a learning experience. It is an experience of authenticity for all who participate.
Stories invite others to listen with respect and empathy. Stories invite us to imagine. We learn to trust our own truth and the truth that others have to share by valuing time spent in storytelling.
The healing and inspiring story circle invites participants to share simple stories like “The Story of Your Name,” which allows participants to tell who chose their given name, what it meant to the chooser and if the name with its meaning still fits them today. Another story that encourages humor and connection is “The Story My Mother Loves/Loved to Tell About Me.”
Each story builds on the connection made by the previous story and strengthens the group bond. When we risk sharing our stories with each other, we are rewarded with more understanding and patience for each other. Storytelling has the power to bring peace and safety wherever people are brave enough to give it a chance.