Stories

Intention:

Throughout history and across cultures, human beings have created and told stories to communicate real and imaginary experiences of individuals and groups. Stories are often used in education and psychotherapy. Our favorite stories may reveal something important about who we are. And when we make up stories, their content and form are influenced by past, current, desired, feared, or longed for experiences. Even if a story is based on well-known characters, legends, or tales, the fact that a given story is preferred conveys that it resonates with and carry meaning for the person. We recommend experiencing this exercise ourselves before trying it with other people.

Instruction:

In a private and comfortable place, think about and write an original short story.

An alternative is to create a story specifically about your significant others, including yourself among the characters.

On your own or if you are doing the exercise with someone else, the story should include:

Title

Place and Time

Main characters

Plot

Ending

Moral or lesson (if any)

Write the story. Note impressions and reactions, referring to the elements of the story that provoked these. We offer some reflection questions below.

Inspection:

·       How was it for you to create or listen to someone else tell an original story?

·       What did you learn about yourself or about the storyteller through this exercise?

·       Was there something about the story (theme, plot, tone, ending) that impressed or surprised you?

·       What thoughts and emotions were elicited in you and in the storyteller?

·       How is the made-up story related to your favorite stories, and to your real-life experiences?