Saffron Storytelling
“Growing up, I was convinced that I was an alien.”
“I was chased by a hippo in Africa.”
These personal reveals emerged during a dinner party that I hosted some 10+ years ago. We were a close group of friends – all yoga teachers and their partners – who gathered regularly. But I’ve always loved silly party games, particularly those that ask you to disclose something about yourself that even your close friends don’t know, so I asked everyone to write down one of these things – and then we all guessed at who authored each.
It’s one of my fondest memories.
I could explain why in a couple different ways, but in brief, there was reflection, vulnerability, suspense, intimacy, and of a lot of full belly laughing.
Storytelling also has this way of eliciting emotion, empathy and meaningful connection. A ‘no-brainer’ Saffron community-building Experience, right?
During Saffron’s October Friendship storytelling afternoon in the barn, we heard from Leland about an unlikely, possibly lifesaving friendship that developed in Somalia; were reminded of the kismet of friendship by Lorna; and inspired by Audrey’s encapsulation – and animation – of ‘The eight different types of friends,’ several of whom were in the audience.
And then a few days prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, we met on the patio at Cuver Brewing in Windsor to listen to stories of Gratitude. Henrik shared his family’s beer making legacy, from Belgium to Sonoma County; Aoka explained how her mother’s various personal awakenings inspired her; and Earl described a life-and-death situation that inspired his firefighting career.
I revel in the post-storytelling time, when we get to reconnect, and to say, “I looovvved your story!,” “I had a similar experience,” “Maybe I’ll tell a story next time…”.
Be sure to let us know if you’d like to join our next Storytelling gathering, whether to just be inspired and entertained, or to tell us your story. Either way, expect a great time!
"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." – Maya Angelou
"Great stories happen to those who can tell them." – Ira Glass
Tips on Sharing Stories with Family and Loved Ones
1.) Create a comfortable space for a group of people to sit in. Everyone should have a comfortable place to sit. Circles are welcoming.
2.) Create a comforting fire or light a candle.
3.) Create a safe space: Sharing a personal story is a risk and the last thing someone wants to feel is is to feel cut off or interrupted. Its important that everyone supports the storyteller and allows that person to talk uninterrupted and that the stories stay in the circle. Having a supportive environment to share your memory is as important as recalling the memory.
4.) Find a prompt to help unlock a personal story. Richard Stone, founder of Story Work Internt’l suggests using a single word that evokes a strong memory such as fire or water or snow. Or maybe it’s “ a first” or a time you did something memorable in elementary school or high school. The goal here is focus on a word that everyone can relate to regardless of circumstance. Closing your eyes can help the mind focus.
5.) Once the memory is recalled, spend a couple of moments replaying the memory as if you were watching a home movie. Allow at least 5 minutes for this exercise.
5.). Agree on a general length of time each person can share their story. Use a bell or musical note to reming people they are nearing the end of their story time.