The Inherent Humanness of Storytelling

For thousands of years, telling stories has been a fundamental part of human culture. We have always been enthralled by the power of stories, whether in prehistoric cave drawings or contemporary books and films. Whether it's a traditional tale passed down verbally through the centuries or a brand-new narrative created by a modern screenwriter for a movie, storytelling has the capacity to take us to other places and give us a profound understanding of what it means to be human.

Empathy is one of the key components of good storytelling. We are able to place ourselves in other characters' situations when we resonate with a narrative, feeling their emotions and going through their trials as if they were our own. This makes it possible for us to comprehend and relate to the human experience on a level that is challenging to accomplish without the empathic connection. Because of this, storytelling has been employed for ages as a method of healing and personal development.

The capacity for storytelling to inspire is another crucial benefit. Stories have the power to motivate us to be our best selves, whether they are true or made-up tales of people who overcame great obstacles. Stories inspire us to act and have a positive influence on the world. Amidst the information-overload of today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd and have an impact. Stories enable us to more deeply engage and connect with others and often leave a lasting impression. Weaving compelling stories in settings like the council circle can foster powerful, relatable and memorable experiences of connection and commonality. 

Storytelling amuses, motivates and unites people - and has done so for centuries. It is a useful tool to have in your toolbox and helps you share your perspective authentically, while reinforcing your ability to listen and understand others more deeply and carefully, both in personal as well as professional contexts. The proliferation of new technology has increased the number of ways there are to tell and share stories, expanding the opportunities for stories to impact our lives and the lives of others. Storytelling has an immense impact in today’s hyper-connected world, just as it has for thousands of years. Council offers an opportunity to engage in storytelling as both a listener and a teller - and it can be a laboratory for developing skills to more effectively tell and listen to stories. 

Join our next Social Connection Circle here: https://www.centerforcouncil.org/social-connection-councils.html
Or attend a Council Training: https://www.centerforcouncil.org/in-person-council-workshops.html


“We have been given the gift of Indaba by the keepers of the stories.  We are asked to hold the spaces for the retelling of these stories and to invite each person to share the story they carry within their soul. Indaba is a Zulu word and tradition that means “I have something important to tell you.” The circle is called to guide the children to the dreamtime and to honor the Elders and Ancestors by retelling how they lived and died.  The circle is a way in which community is made and remade and through which investments of initiatory knowledge are shared for strengthening social agreements and engagements.  Each person is considered the beginning and end of the circle and holds the task of asking for the highest truth for the wellbeing of the community.  The Sacred Center is home, the place of belonging or Spirit. Indaba.”
Orland Bishop, Legacy Holder and Teacher of African Gnosis