Awakened Heart: Stories to Build Strong and Healthy Communities

Description

This weekend-intensive course will explore the power of stories to shape and change the world.  We will learn to use the ancient art of storytelling to build bridges, generate healing across differences, and create community.  As we listen for the elements of oral narrative in everyday events, we will learn to interpret experiences and frame narratives that heal and nourish ourselves, our relationships, and our communities.  We will examine ways that the media and political and social structures use stories to shape popular consciousness. We will trace the development of narrative technologies through speech, print, and modern digital media. Participants will practice and refine a story for oral performance and will each focus on an in-depth exploration of the forms, strengths, and uses of storytelling as a practical art for transformative leadership, healing, and learning.  This intensive course is for those with an interest in education, political discourse, administration, medical and healing arts, public and human services, political and environmental activism, counseling and psychology, public advocacy, folklore, communication, and the arts.