I share stories old enough to rescue our imagination.
It’s a communal thing, storytelling. It works best when it's more of a gathering than a monologue. The experience is for everyone to learn from and enjoy, and when done right, it brings people closer together.I personally think we could all do with a little more of that these days. A reminder or two about where we've been and how our struggles are not unique to us couldn't hurt, either.Here's a little more on how and why I share stories, and what they have to remind us when we circle up to hear them:
How I share stories
The story's the thing, of course, and so we'll always start there. Forgoing Powerpoints, notes and multimedia, we’ll do this in the old way: in a circle, with my voice and your imagination.If there's time, I like to have a discussion afterward to compare notes on where we’ve been and what we saw. I'll spend about an hour if I can, but some of the most compelling stories take only twenty minutes.
Saints & Wonder
Saints’ stories can rekindle our sense of wonder like none other. When given proper attention, they can show us how faith and imagination are supposed to work and play together. When telling these stories, I also talk about the difference between story and history, and what both can help us discover.
Myth & Ecology
Displacement is big in today’s culture. We feel disconnected from our past, the places that brought us up—heck, where our food comes from is often a mystery. Myths are an old way to reconnect—to the land, our ancestry and our shared story. I have a few I like to share that have helped me see these relationships in a new light. I think they might help you do the same.
Old stories for modern problems
Modern life is never lacking for new challenges, is it? Fortunately, most are nothing new. Old stories from the past have a lot to teach us about how to appraise our present, what separates our advocates from our adversaries, and how they can help put to rest any notion that our problems are unique. I have a couple I’d like to walk you through that have helped me do just that.
About me
I was born in Western Maryland and spent my childhood either on skis or on a bike. At James Madison University, I studied and obtained a B.S. in Environmental Science. Later, at the University of Technology, Sydney, I completed a Master of Arts in Creative Writing. I am also a member of the Voices of the Glen storytelling group and the National Storytelling Network.