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OneGrassRoot

(22,920 posts)
Tue Jan 1, 2013, 12:46 PM Jan 2013

Inspired by Ric's Charles Eisenstein post

EDIT TO ADD: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!




Please read Ricochet's post here if you haven't already:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1220&pid=13060

I would LOVE to have a conversation here with you kind, brilliant souls about something.

Visionary storytelling has been in my awareness for several years. There are so many creative souls here, souls who share a similar worldview, that I've always felt this group -- anyone who stumbles upon this post and resonates -- is where the storytelling can begin.

Over the last few years I kept getting messages about visionary storytelling, but I don't think the messages were about me and me alone. Whether it's Wishadoo itself or telling stories via Wishadoo, I still believe it's not for me and me alone to do. The others meant to be involved haven't gathered as yet...

Last week I was quite contemplative and called forth guidance about my path and my focus, and how to be of service in the coming year. While I often receive guidance in dreams, I had a very unusual dream right after asking this very specific question.

Several children from Sandy Hook were in the dream, and one in particular was speaking to me. Interestingly, it was Grace (McDonnell) -- her name in and of itself is a likely message.

Her very strong message was about believing in humanity. I've always had faith in humanity, but she was joyful and emphatic about believing in and having faith in humanity.

The other part of the message, which has been confirmed in many ways in the ensuing days, is something about TRANSFORMATIVE STORYTELLING.

The Charles Eisenstein blog post shared by Ric reminds me of this, and I was hoping to engage some of you in fleshing this out further.

Regarding my desire to engage in visionary storytelling, this excerpt of the Eisenstein piece speaks to that:

What about a world where we know that our daily activities contribute to the healing of the biosphere and the well-being of other people? We need a Story of the People that includes all of those things – and that doesn’t feel like a fantasy.


Yes, that's precisely what I've said in trying to engage others to tell such stories, stories which can provide a blueprint for our future.

However, it makes sense that visionary storytelling must wait until the transformative stories can be shared. We can't see the "how's" of moving forward...not in a clear, unified, PRACTICAL way which inspires us to join together en masse. We're in between stories, as Charles wrote. Our new stories are being rewritten within.

Yet TRANSFORMATIVE storytelling can open hearts and minds, and provide a way to connect in a profound, human/humane way. As collective transformation takes hold, we can then begin to envision the future and our way forward -- as individuals and as a society -- more clearly.

I feel compelled to make Transformative Stories part of Wishadoo in 2013. I've never interviewed people before and don't know that I have the skills to do that effectively, but I'm thinking one way to move forward with this is to interview people around the world about their transformative stories...people who were profoundly changed by something or someone in a positive way, and their story can contribute to the collective opening of hearts and minds.

I'm not sure that I actually have a transformative story, per se. Well, that's not true, now that I think about it. I've always been empathic and acutely aware of others' suffering, so unlike Charles, who said he felt the world was fine and would be fine during his childhood, I was aware of the suffering and disconnect all around as early as I can remember, which was a VERY early age.

There was one pivotal moment in the 4th grade, involving racism and degradation of another child, which I witnessed up close and personal. That singular event kicked my empathy and desire to have others wake up to have more respect for human beings and life in general into high gear.

Maybe I should write about that as my first transformative story?

Maybe that is how I should frame this Transformative Storytelling Project:

What stories do you have to share which opened your heart and mind, and could help others do the same?


Do you have any thoughts? Is this something you'd like to be a part of, creating blog posts at Wishadoo to share your stories? We can trust that those who are meant to see the stories, will, and knowing that our intentions are imbued with love, it will have a loving effect.

I'm thinking stories which accompany Wishlist posts would help that tool gain momentum and humanize the various needs, wishes, hopes and dreams shared there.

It seems Occupy stories are part of this as well...that I should reach out to the various Occupy networks regarding this project. Speaking of which, check out www.occupycompassion.com



Sharing any thoughts that come to mind as you read this would be most appreciated.


Thanks much.




[link:http://www.wishadoo.org|
]
10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Inspired by Ric's Charles Eisenstein post (Original Post) OneGrassRoot Jan 2013 OP
MUST-SEE VIDEO (thanks to kookaburra!!!) OneGrassRoot Jan 2013 #1
I think that this a wonderful idea Tumbulu Jan 2013 #2
Ooooh, that makes me so happy!!! OneGrassRoot Jan 2013 #3
These stories don't have to be via the written word... OneGrassRoot Jan 2013 #4
Would this help? Kookaburra Jan 2013 #5
I would think so! OneGrassRoot Jan 2013 #6
Hi OGR! findrskeep Jan 2013 #7
... OneGrassRoot Jan 2013 #9
An educational narrative regarding better ways to live is imperative. Fire Walk With Me Jan 2013 #8
Thank you for that suggestion, FWWM... OneGrassRoot Jan 2013 #10

OneGrassRoot

(22,920 posts)
1. MUST-SEE VIDEO (thanks to kookaburra!!!)
Tue Jan 1, 2013, 02:06 PM
Jan 2013

Last edited Tue Jan 1, 2013, 02:55 PM - Edit history (1)

I'm only halfway through, but it's pulling several threads and puzzle pieces together for me related to the OP.

Enjoy.




Tumbulu

(6,278 posts)
2. I think that this a wonderful idea
Tue Jan 1, 2013, 02:19 PM
Jan 2013

and I for one, would like to practice my writing skills in this way- sharing transformational stories. My mother walked the world telling stories so magnificently that she would have strangers weeping - up until a few days before she died at 89! Her stories built a path for me to travel upon and I hope that perhaps if I get better at writing, since the actual dramatic telling does not seem to be in the works for me right now, that new stories will come to us all through the tales of my current life's path.

Happy New Year's OneGrassRoot



OneGrassRoot

(22,920 posts)
3. Ooooh, that makes me so happy!!!
Tue Jan 1, 2013, 02:23 PM
Jan 2013

Thank you, Tumbulu.



It would be so wonderful to gather a core group of 13 souls to begin this process. I'm putting that "out there"; let's see what happens.

I will most definitely be in touch.

Happy New Year to you as well... .

OneGrassRoot

(22,920 posts)
4. These stories don't have to be via the written word...
Tue Jan 1, 2013, 02:24 PM
Jan 2013

Transformative (and visionary) stories told via art and music are important and can be included as well.

Just sayin'.

Kookaburra

(2,649 posts)
5. Would this help?
Tue Jan 1, 2013, 04:52 PM
Jan 2013

I could share my experience caring for disabled relatives? There's not much I can do, but I CAN write.

OneGrassRoot

(22,920 posts)
6. I would think so!
Tue Jan 1, 2013, 04:54 PM
Jan 2013

Caregivers are such an under-appreciated segment of our society.

No doubt it has transformed you, Kookaburra.

If it could help you in some way to write about it, I'm sure it will help others to read about it.

findrskeep

(713 posts)
7. Hi OGR!
Tue Jan 1, 2013, 10:48 PM
Jan 2013

What a great idea! So I just spent a couple hours listening to an old reading that I had about 6 months ago but I remembered it had some pertinent information regarding some upcoming dates in 2013. And during that couple of hours, I think the person mentioned that "You should write" about 15 times, at least. Talk about synchronicity! And more importantly, I have a bunch or great stories too! I'd love to hear more about this project!

 

Fire Walk With Me

(38,893 posts)
8. An educational narrative regarding better ways to live is imperative.
Wed Jan 2, 2013, 03:10 PM
Jan 2013

I fully agree and honor your direction. The First Nations are arising with the Shift (search Twitter for #IdleNoMore) and offer that they are mankind's chance for redemption. We must honor them and learn the lessons they have to teach regarding how to live with the Earth as her caretakers, to balance her and love her well. You may find some powerful works and connections here. We have broken the contract of life and must bring about a way of living which again honors it. Peace!

OneGrassRoot

(22,920 posts)
10. Thank you for that suggestion, FWWM...
Thu Jan 3, 2013, 03:03 PM
Jan 2013

I've seen the posts/tweets regarding Idle No More recently. What a wonderful idea to pursue those connections.

Thank you again!



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