I believe in the power of story and poetry to change the world.
Story and poetry are among the things in this world that really should take our breath away.
Watch Clint Smith on How to Raise a Black Son in America. (< 4 minutes)
Interpreting Story
The storytelling artist simply delivers an experience through story. You add that experience to the richness of your life; you decide what is truth; you decide what it means for you; and you integrate that experience into your life. In its purest form, story does not ask us to agree; story asks us to understand. Instead of listening with just our ears waiting for our turn to speak, story simply asks us to pause and listen with our minds and hearts.
Story is meant to create an emotional response. Those with an agenda – politicians, preachers, parents, speakers, marketers, business leaders – will often use stories in their speeches. Sometimes it is hard to figure out where the story ends and the speech begins. Are they sharing an experience (story) or are they telling me what to think or do (speech)?
When I hear a story, when I feel my emotions moved, I stop for a moment and think: How do I interpret this story in the context of my own life experience? When I understand you, even empathize with you, I still have to decide whether to agree with you. Do I agree? What can I learn from your story?
Tell Your Story, Change Your Life
When we learn to tell our own stories, we apply the lens of the present moment to look at our past. Even as I empathize with my younger self, I will often wonder: Do I agree? Maybe my younger self had it all wrong? Maybe my future self should stop repeating that pattern?
Get more information on storytelling content and courses with Dr. Joel Ying.
.