storytelling

Tue Jul 31 07:49:32 PDT 2001

Raffi,
a good source to look at in terms of understanding the healing power of
stories and story telling is Angeles Arrien's work documented in The Four
Fold Way (and if you ever get the chance to treat yourself to one of her
workshops, I highly recommend it). Stories are a healing balm in all
cultures, amongst all peoples, from the beginning of recorded time. I always
find it amusing when something of ancient wisdom is seen as "new age" as an
attempt to dismiss its power.

As for the grief cycle, stories assist to do the work of memories. Harrison
has done a wonderful job of highlighting this in all of his books. However,
please remember that no one can be forced through the cycle of doing
griefwork, which is a healing cycle and part of the cycle of transformative
change. We can simply provide opportunities, such as storytelling times, for
people to do their work of memories at their own pace, should they choose to
do so. Being in shock/anger requires being listened to, understood, and
accepted unconditionally if there is to be any movement forward. Space for
storytelling is valuable. Time is needed. There can be no rushing of this
healing work. One evening before an OST meeting is definitely not enough.

I cannot access my database at the moment, but I hope Glory Ressler will pop
in here and invite you to look at her website and the work she is doing with
story. I believe there are a number of people on this list whose primary
work passion is story and they devote much learning to the art and healing
power of stories. I hope they will share their learnings.

Blessings,
Birgitt

-----Original Message-----
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU]On Behalf Of Raffi
Aftandelian
Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2001 9:19 AM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: storytelling

Dear friends,
I recall learning at Birgitt's OS training in Novosibirsk that
storytelling is used as a form of OS meeting pre-work, a preparation for
OS itself. Unfortunately, time constraints prevented us from delving
much into this issue.

And I have several questions:
1. What are different forms of storytelling, i.e. storytelling
technologies to use before an OS? Can you describe them to me or point
to online (preferably) or print resources?

2. Since I am new to OS, what might be some considerations in presenting
storytelling to the sponsor? How might I explain its necessity? What has
been people's experiences in using storytelling?

Here in Russia I have found that time here passes twice or three times
as quickly as in the West. People may breathlessly agree to try out
something new like OS without thinking through what it is all about and
I feel a need to say "slow down" and try to convince them that there is
some pre-work that needs to happen. Storytelling as a pre-conference
activity may sound, well, hokey or new agey...How can I present
storytelling as a highly desirable pre-work activity?

3. Storytelling as a pre-OS meeting technology was presented at the
Novosibirsk, Russia training in the context of the organization's grief
cycle and in terms of the people in the organization and the facilitator
developing an awareness as to where they are at before doing OS.

I am curious as to how effective OS can be (or has been) in working with
organizations in shock or in other "heavy" states. Your stories would be
welcome.

thanks much,
ding!
Raffi Aftandelian (13 days till i get my own tibetan bells)

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-----Original Message-----
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU]On Behalf Of Raffi
Aftandelian
Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2001 9:19 AM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: storytelling