Celebrations often are a place where stories are told- that feature, even mythologize, the accomplishments of individuals and/or the group. Celebrations may themselves become part of the groups' ongoing narrative. --Sue (Tom agrees)
Use the arts and story as a means for bridging difference and helping people bring their history and context into the group. (Agree. - Tom)
"What's the story here?" and "What's your story?" are two of the most archetypal and useful inquiries. -- Tom
Briefly tell participants the story of how the gathering came about, putting their work in context of a larger Trajectory. -- Tom [Alternately, inviting folks to tell their story (relevant to the group gathered) is a fabulous way to connect and focus and begin to engage. --Sue]
Story is an especially dynamic way of shifting time perspective --Sue
Everyone has stories that compellingly present the sources and texture of their perspective on life. Calling forth and listening to those stories Shifts us into each other's Viewpoints. We can also help other people Shift by weaving our Viewpoint into a Story. -- Tom
If you want to have people hear you with compassion, tell your experience as a story. A facilitator can invite participants to tell stories, which will help people in the group to hear each other with compassion. -- Tom (edited statement from the consensus, which he wrote)
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