Storytelling is the art and tradition of passing folk tales, family history, morals and values, and sometimes, vital information from one generation to the other. From all that we know about human history, we have been telling each other stories since the very beginning.
Humans are naturally predisposed to hear, remember, and tell stories. For thousand of years people have passed along their wisdom and knowledge and built on the past and moved forward into the future telling each other stories.
And what about storytelling in the midst of the information age? Today we have an enormous database of memory artifacts, pictures, sounds, holograms, and reconstructions of events. A constantly growing matrix of technology enables us to exchange untold messages all around the globe in many different ways.
You might think that the ancient art of storytelling, the simple face-face speaking of a tale, would have all but faded away. On the contrary! Storytelling is enjoying a glorious revival.
For children, storytelling is more important now than ever before. So many forms of entertainment are interactive; all the images and sounds are provided and no imagination is required.
Storytelling develops the imagination, enriches the use of language, offers ethics and values, and provokes thinking. And the best part is, telling stories is great fun!
Intrinsic to the storytelling is the sacred space the storyteller commands. By declaring "Once upon a time," or "Do you remember when…" the teller lets all those who are in earshot know they are about to enter a special place of memory and meaning. This is where the magic happens.
Our stories have themes: family history, births, deaths, education, food and recipes, grandparents, journeys, romance, and military (war) stories. There is something about stories that enables us to learn from each other and make connections between our hearts and our heads; to make meaning of our heritage, our personal history, and the events of our lives.
Storytelling enriches our lives. It adds meaning to life events that may otherwise go unnoticed or not be remembered. When we tell our story, we create a cumulative sequence of remembrances and information that become cherished memories for future generations.
Looking back and sharing special memories is not only rewarding and entertaining, it offers us the opportunity to appreciate the richness of our lives, the people who have been important to us, and the experiences that have influenced us. We deepen our experience of ourselves and the events of our lives when we recognize where we have come from…what and who has made us who we are.
To preserve our life stories is to honor our individual lives, our experience, and our relationships. Sharing these stories celebrates our family history, our individual triumphs and struggles, and the simple joy of favorite memories.
Remember, only YOU can make it happen!
Copyright Dr. Jackie Black 1999-2005
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Dr. Jackie is an internationally recognized relationship expert, educator and coach. Advice and coaching about personal relationships is Dr. Jackie's passion. Her goal is to inspire and support single men, single women and couples through the challenges and pitfalls of dating, loving and building lasting, committed relationships in today's fast-paced world. Dr. Jackie's Relationship Coaching Programs and Groups, her Blog, downloadable PodCasts and her Internet streaming radio show are jam-packed with valuable dating tips and strategies. Check out Dr. Jackie's Podcasts here: http://www.relationshiptalkpodcast.com Check out Dr. Jackie's Blog here: http://www.askdrjackie.com 1.866.419.5928 |
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