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. It was simple, yet I was captivated. I can still remember the vivid images of that story.

I said to myself, “I want to be able to do that.” I began on the journey to uncover the secrets of this ancient art of telling stories.

Soon after, a friend took me to the National Storytelling Festival for the first time, and a strange thing happened.

I absorbed the stories! 

My mind opened up to the frame of story. Somehow after listening to stories for a whole weekend, I could easily remember stories (at least, the ones that I liked). My subconscious had absorbed the techniques of story, and my telling improved.

While the journey continues to consciously understand the art and craft of storytelling, I honor a simple truth. You cannot become a storyteller without becoming a story-listener.

The National Storytelling Festival is online in 2020. Oct 2 – 4. Check it out.
https://www.storytellingcenter.net/festival/

Check out more story-listening opportunities on the online calendar: http://storytellingtimes.org/

One thought on “I absorbed the stories

  1. Rhonda!! says:

    I read it all! The patient story was very touching and yes how easily people jump to false conclusions.
    Your newsletter always worth reading!!
    Thank you , Joel!

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