For many indigenous peoples, “medicine” is anything that heals the body, mind, emotions, or spirit. Beyond the herbs and drugs to heal the physical body, this expanded definition of “medicine” includes the healing power of stories to change our hearts, inspire our spirits, and move our minds past limiting beliefs. When we release our raw …Read More
Blog
Telling the Difficult Story
“We know from the testimony of both victims and perpetrators that silence makes abuse possible.” ~Loren Neimi and Elizabeth Ellis, Inviting the Wolf In: Thinking About Difficult Stories We tell our difficult stories to make the world a better place. In therapy or therapeutic safe space, sharing our raw stories allows us to process emotions, …Read More
I absorbed the stories
We live in a multimedia world of sound and images moving across screens. It takes a lot to hold attention these days. Or so it seems? The first time that I unknowingly walked into a live performance of a twenty-minute story, I was surprised. One person, front of the room, one voice, no multimedia, no …Read More
“Doc, will you help me die?”
It was my first day on service at the hospital ward. I had a list of patients already admitted from the previous doctor. For the next week, I would be responsible for their care. I read over the electronic charts of the first three patients. Then, with white coat, stethoscope, and a few notes, I …Read More
I absorbed the stories
We live in a multimedia world of sound and images moving across screens. It takes a lot to hold attention these days. Or so it seems? The first time that I unknowingly walked into a live performance of a twenty-minute story, I was surprised. One person, front of the room, one voice, no multimedia, no fancy props. …Read More
Brandon Leake brings Spoken Word to AGT
Emotions bottled up can lead to explosions. Young men are often not allowed to have their range of emotions. The tears of sadness are ridiculed. Toxic shame hides under the bravado. There is no place for fear. Anger masquerades as strength holding back the pain of bottled up sadness and shame. This leaves two acceptable …Read More
May the Road Rise Up to Meet You
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. ~ Irish Blessing, Author Unknown Today’s inspiration is from …Read More
Choctaw Irish Connections, an act of generosity
In 1830, the Indian Removal Act was signed in law by U.S. President Andrew Jackson. This began the Trail of Tears that forced many Native American tribes from their lands. The Choctaw people were the first to be relocated in a process where thousands and thousands would die. Those who survived continued to live in …Read More
Story triggers
“Now that would make a good story!” When I first started telling stories, the biggest problem was finding the ideas to turn into a good story. Everyone else had these interesting lives and interesting things to talk about. In comparison, my life was just so boring. I sought out mentors and started to listen to …Read More
Leaving a Legacy
“I’d like to tell you and your brother about how I grew up so that you can learn about my life,” said my dad a few weeks ago. My dad is a man of few words. Over the years, he has told few stories about his growing up. The memories are not all pleasant, and …Read More