What did we learn

After the 13 weeks of working with stories, playing games, singing, dancing and enjoying the wonderful work, we were asked to say in few words what we learned from the course.
Here is the result:

I have learned that storytelling is a deep process
but at the same time light and colourful

I have learned to speak from my heart and believe that when I do,
it can be a great gift to somebody

I have learned that storytelling is playful
and has true direction

I have learned to follow my personal pathway

I have learned how to get out of my own way

I have learned that a journey in storytelling
is a voyage in life

I have learned to serve the story
of becoming a human being

I have learned that storytelling is like a delicious box of chocolates,
with so many tasty and nourishing choices inside;
each centre being unique and different.

We have learned that storylights shine!

Our last performance was called Story lights.
And that is what stories do, They light!
 
And there are many more courses to join at The International School of Storytelling

13 weeks gone

After 13 weeks in a storytelling environment it is quite strange to be back home.
Enjoyable though.

I have not been writing as often as I thought I would. The experience at The International School of storytelling meant that there was a lot of homework, and we spent a lot of time swopping stories, preparing for storytelling evenings and for the final performance.

What did I get out of staying there for The Now of Storytelling?
Welll, a lot!
I learned many new stories.
I practiced performing in English.
I learned a lot about training and playing.
I had wonderful teachers.
I met a group of wonderful people whom I wish to stay in contact with.
I learned to set intentions and that sometimes the question is the answer! Thank you Roi.

I decided to tell the wondertale 'Jorinda and Joringel' for my final performance.
I struggled with it a lot, but it turned out alright.
I changed some things in the story, added a little of what I've learned from life, and that helped me.

In the beginning one of our teachers, Ashley Ramsden, said something like: You never know where or when during this course you'll hear a sentence, a word or a conversation, where you'll find the whole meaning of your stay here.

I had that experience two days before I left.
In telling my story I added something about the pain one can feel when missing somebody.
Next day I talked to a listener who told me, that exactly that had been a healing gift to her.
That kind of feedback is very important.
So I learned that when I truly speak from my heart the story can be a great gift.
Gifts are needed in the world, and I am looking forward to continue my work with storytelling as a healing art.

I am going back to the International School of Storytelling for more courses in spring 2011.
I have resigned from my job as a teacher, and I will from now on work full time on telling stories, help people in counselling through the gift of stories and continue to be available for whomever need help from my experience as a storyteller, counsellor and therapist.

With this I wish all readers a merry holiday season.
Comments are welcome.