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Why is understanding story so important?

Most people believe that stories live in the pages of books, but the most important stories in the world are hidden. They live inside us. They are created through the meaning we make of our experiences. Day by day. Moment by moment.

The stories we hold are our lens on the world. They frame what we see and who we can be as a result. They determine our agency -- our ability to take action and make impact.

Whether you see possibilities or problems, competition or potential colleagues depends on your story. Most people aren't even aware their story is in the driver's seat and they are being taken for a ride, all the while wishing desperately to go down a different road.

This happens both for individuals and systemically.

Here's the thing: We live in a story and that means we can change it.

Changing your personal story is the first step towards living the future you want. When you claim your story, you learn to trust yourself and your impact expands. You shine brighter and the world will beat a path to your door.

When we change the stories we live in collectively, at work and in the spheres we are part of -- when they are more positive and generative -- life gets better for everyone. Work becomes more fulfilling, community becomes more connected and everyone benefits.

The power of transformation lies in the stories we choose to activate. In life, at work, in society: It's time to tell a better story.
Story is all about agency -- your ability to take action. Have a listen...
 

The aspects of great storymaking

Telling a better story is about more than technique. If you want to lead with story, you need more than a simple list of elements. SOAR works with five core aspects to bring story to life within individuals and systems.

Together these aspects form a potent strategy. When you work with your own stories, you build personal and interpersonal capacity. When we work with stories together -- as leaders in work and life -- we increase our capacity for collective wise action.

Whatever the change you're seeking, your story -- and how you host it into life -- is the key. 
What is Story Activism?
 
 
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November: Rediscover & reclaim the power of your AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP


 

 Too many of us have been putting on a brave face, wondering where our power disappeared to and what we can do to get it back. Does this sound like you...

  • You have so much to offer, but you stop short, even self-sabotage. 
  • You feel discouraged by the leadership you see around you and long for less focus on competition and scarcity and more collaborative models.

  • You've been tapped for leadership but you're hesitating because you wonder what else you'll have to give up.

  • You feel unrecognized, even silenced, or burned out and overwhelmed. You're  wondering what it would take to claim your powerful seat at the table.

Find out more & register!

There is a way for you to reclaim your authentic power so you step into the world with joy and meet challenges with confidence! We start on November 7.

What if you could change how the world sees you?

New online workshop starts September 7th 

There are five SIGNIFICANT STORIES you need to be able to tell to answer your call in life. 

How you tell them makes all the difference. 

That's right -- out of all the thousands of stories that make up your life, just five are so key that they are the foundation for your future.

Join Story Activist Mary Alice Arthur & online host extraordinare Amy Lenzo to shape the stories that shape your future.

More about SIGNFICANT STORIES
GET THE BOOK

Longing for a larger, more authentic life? Let 365 ALIVE! be your guide.

What's the most important story in the world? It's the one you tell yourself.

Click for more information on the book & free downloads.

More about 365 ALIVE!
 
JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us at the fire & bring your story to life

THE STORY DOJO is an online community for exploring, ideating and practicing all aspects of story.

Take the 365 ALIVE! journey and see what's coming up.

More about THE STORY DOJO

Read the book

What's the most important story in the world? It's the one you tell yourself.

The stories  alive inside you influence whether you feel powerless or powerful, color your success and happiness, underpin every action you take. When you wake up to the stories at work in your life, you suddenly step into the position of power. Story stops being what defines you and becomes your ally.

If you're longing for a larger, more authentic life, let 365 ALIVE! be your guide.

Receive a free shot of weekly inspiration
Find out more & download a free chapter

Join the Community

THE STORY DOJO is  a community for exploring, ideating and practicing all aspects of story. Whether you are a new story enthusiast or a seasoned practitioner, we have something for you. Let us host your story to life!

We offer:

  • • Vibrant conversation
  • • Hosted exploration of how story works
  • • A safe space for your story to grow & change
  • • Digital Learning Library
  •  • Worldwide Community

 

 Everyone is welcome -- come and check us out! 

Find out more & join us!

I'm Mary Alice & I'm a Story Activist 

I've been travelling the world and going in and out of organizations, systems, communities and cultures for decades. In working with both individuals and groups, I realized STORY is the secret superpower of humanity. The stories we tell are creating the world we're living in. Every moment. Every day. Story by story.

YOUR STORY IS YOUR FOUNDATION & YOUR KEY TO THE FUTURE -- the roadmap for enabling your purpose in the world.

Your story acts as a beacon lighting the way. What most people don't realize is that you aren't stuck with the current situation -- you can make the choice to activate a better story.

I guide people longing to live a larger and more authentic life to uncover and craft the story that compels them to live that life. And I work with groups to find the stories that will bring their vision and potential into focus and action.

 JUST FINDING YOUR STORY IS NOT ENOUGH, YOU NEED TO BRING IT TO LIFE -- especially if the story involves others.  

Taking action to live your own story -- and working with others to help a new story take root in the world -- is vital. And there are so many stories that need changing now!  I'm a great storyteller, but I'm even better at coaching people to hone the capacity to activate and empower stories to life.

How you take action, especially with others, matters. And with a story and skill, anyone can make change in themselves and in this world!

My book, my story community, the programs I offer and how I work as a Story Activist are the ways I'm making my contribution to grow our individual and collective futures.

More about me
See my TEDX

I just love working with groups! Here's Brian Tarallo's harvest of my workshop "Change Your Story, Change the World" at the Power of Visuals Week-a-thon. CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO EXPAND IT

Isn't it time to bring a new Story to life? 

Check for timings

Play a Flow Game

The beginning of the year is a perfect moment for self reflection, deep listening and being in a circle of generous hearts. It's a great time to get the wisdom to put your best foot forward in 2024.

Flow Game is a playful way to talk about what really matters. Let's face it -- we could all use more fun while we move in the direction of our dreams!

Take time for YOU & step into the next moment with clarity 

I'm offering Flow Games with a variety of timings. No matter where you are in the world, one of them should suit you.

It's the best 2.5 hours you could invest in yourself!

Come and play a Flow Game with me!

Interested in becoming a Flow Game Host?

I'm co-hosting an onsite training in Denmark October 18 - 20 with Flow Game creator Toke Møller. Places are still available. 

Learn more & Register
March 16

How do we practice community in times of chaos & change?

If there was ever a time to be both a competent practitioner and a conscious human being, it is now. This is an invitation to come together with practitioners around the world to talk about how we stay in conscious practice and deepen our connection in times like these.

How do we extend and deepen the personal practices that keep us grounded, awake and helpful? How do we practice together in conscious, humane community? How do we connect -- and stay connected -- sharing our capacity and resources to help others stay together to make wiser decisions during times like these?

If you are a changemaker, facilitator, group process person, visual practitioner, graphic recorder, participatory process enthusiast, coach, group leader, community member or someone who wants to be part of conversations that really matter and make transformative change, then this is for YOU!

Inspired by the Art of Hosting practice, this FREE event offers the opportunity to share practice stories and practical applications, follow the inquiry that calls you and deepen your practice. 

Open to all

Free & online

Find out more & register
April 18 - 20

Art of Participatory Leadership training

The world we live in is no longer the same. The ways in which we used to work don’t feel fit for purpose anymore. The future we want – one of truly collaborative effort towards the greater good, and an awareness that the world needs each of us to engage more deeply – is not just incrementally different from today but rather, requires a fundamental shift in how we imagine and effect change… it is a radical transformation.

How can we grow our individual and collective capacity as changemakers to co-create spaces of transformation in these times of complexity and disruption?

Building the capacity to collaborate well with a diversity of others lies in being able to meet the moment in such a way that people stay together to create transformation.

The Art of Participatory Leadership is three day onsite training where you learn to blend and tailor a combination of methods. You deepen your practice as a changemaker with an understanding of underlying patterns of process design.

You are warmly invited to join us!

Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Find out more & register

Download your free chapter!

Wondering how story can impact democracy and governance?

The Routledge Handbook of Collective Intelligence for Democracy and Governance has now been published!
 
Every one of the 43 chapters -- including mine, Chapter 28: "To Transform the Community, Change the Story" -- is FREE to download thanks to the generous support of Porticus, Stiftung Mercator GmbH and Dreamocracy - Collective Creativity for the Common Good. Get your free copy here.
 

There's so much more to learn about story!

Amazing self-paced learning experiences are waiting for you right now in the digital library! 

Learn at your own pace, when and where you want.

Ideal both for those beginning their story journey and advanced practitioners.

Our offerings include:

  • IMAGINE is the support kit you need to create your greatest year ever. Take the step-by-step journey into your new future.
  • FREEDOM invites you to recognize that freedom is not a matter of state, but of mindset. It offers potent and mind expanding steps towards creating more freedom in your life. 
  • STORY THE FUTURE & 65 ALIVE! together include 50+ hours of self-paced learning about story with interviews  from over 80 international speakers.
  • Download "The 10 Practices of Story Activism" e-book
  • More content on the way!
See all digital offerings
Available now

A simple way to kickstart your storytelling

It's been a tough couple of years. It would be easy to think we're living in story of despair or breakdown, but what if we want it to be different?

If our stories create our future, then let's start with the stories that will make a difference. 

Stories remind us of good times we've had, memories we've gathered, and what we've learned through the tough times.

We CAN change the world. One love story at a time…

It's simple and easy. Every day for 28 days, you'll receive a digital postcard with a short prompt.

Use it to think about a memory, a story or an appreciation. Write it down and send it to someone you care about. There's no better time then now for us to remind each other who we can be together.

P.S. This is also a quick and easy way to begin to work with your own stories and unleash your creativity!

Join the Love Stories Team
Online from September 12 

Beyond Facilitation 2023

Keys for joyful practice in transformational times

It's time to master the essence of extraordinary hosting! 

Four crucial online sessions with experienced hosts and stewards Amy Lenzo (World Cafe) & Mary Alice Arthur (Art of Hosting). Join us as we explore one of the most invaluable gifts from the Art of Hosting Community -- The Fourfold Practice.

The Fourfold Practice offers an incredible map for personal, organisational and systemic work.

Along the way, we will discover how mastering it can become the cornerstone to your life and work.

  • September 12 – Mastering the Fourfold Practice (where we’ll be joined by Toke Møller, the co-creator of the FourFold Practice!). 
  • September 19 – Personal Practice Makes All the Difference 
  • September 26 – Real Results in the Real World 
  • October 3 – Taking a Systemic View 

Online September 12, 19, 26 & October 3

Learn more & Register
All January & February 

Join THE STORY DOJO for the Foundation Member's price

THE STORY DOJO is a vibrant online community dedicated to supporting you to find your compelling story and bring it to life.

A comprehensive step-by-step journey, each month we take a different look at the power of stories and storytelling following my book 365 ALIVE! Find your voice. Claim your story. Live your brilliant life. Membership includes two live meetings per month, personal coaching, a digital library and much more.

Membership is usually $27 per month and $270 annually, but during January and February you can join us for the Foundation Member's price of $20 per month (more details HERE) or $200 annually (more details HERE).

Learn more about THE STORY DOJO
Online February 12

Open House in THE STORY DOJO

It's Open House at THE STORY DOJO this month and we invite everyone to join us for our Fireside Conversation on Monday January 8.

Our guest this month is Leanne Babcock a Transformation Coach with years of experience shaking up and waking up heart, mind and soul. We're focusing on the question: "What stories are shaping your stance in the world?"

Leanne is creating a powerful journey for us during our time together. She'll give us a hands-on experience of the power of working on our narrative together.

Our 90 minute conversation takes place on Monday, January 8 starting at 10:00 Pacific / 1:00 pm Eastern / 19:00 CET.

Everyone who joins us will receive a copy of Mary Alice's book as a special gift.

Click the button to find out more and receive the Zoom link.

I want to attend THE STORY DOJO

Fire up your future with IGNITE

Are you at the point where you know there's more, but you don't know how to get there?

A mastermind is a fast and effective way to get traction on the stories you're living in and so you can step into your most successful future. A Mastermind  group can support you put the finger on exactly how to make story your ally to ignite your dreams.

Experience:

  • Personal attention from Mary Alice
  • The weekly Hotseat where we focus on pouring wisdom and targeted practical advice into each participant in turn
  • Deep connection and community to support you in taking the next steps with confidence
  • Weekly personal inspiration to meet you where you are and lift you into the future you desire

Wise coaching. Expert advice. Group wisdom. Personal attention. 

Learn more about IGNITE
Online December 28 & 29 

THRIVE!

“I know it’s time to think bigger, to step into my power, to rise to the next level. I want 2024 to be my year, but I don’t know how!”

Something is calling for change. The old ways of being and working just aren't working anymore.

Maybe it's the job that doesn't fit. Maybe it's an outworn identity that's too small and no longer serving.

Take time for YOU & step into the new year with clarity 

 Join us online and take a time of retreat and focus for yourself. 

Using the powerful building blocks of personal story, potent questions and wisdom council, Thrive! offers you the gift of considering who you want to be, what that looks like and how you can get there. 

Come and be hosted in a time of deep reflection, breakthrough conversations and taking the next elegant step.

You will come away with a deep sense of commitment to your next significant steps into your vibrant future, as well as a network of others to support you.

THRIVE! is a workshop for people who want to live their power.

28 & 29 December Online 

Learn more & Register
Online January 1 - 7

By The Fireside

Shape the story of who you want to be in 2024 together with a community that will help you bring your vision to life

If you want to meet the world with courage and strength, the most positive thing you can give to yourself is the gift of mastering your own story. Being at home in yourself means the past can offer up wisdom, the present can be an opportunity and the future can present unexpected gifts.

Join me at the fire in the first days of the new year for a deeply personal journey into your own story.

Knowing where you are in your story is the first step to beginning to see, appreciate and change the landscape of your life. 

We will support you to turn your story from what defines you into your ally and creative companion for success.

You'll discover the support of new friends from all over the world in our circle.

Find the gold in your stories and let them help you to soar. It's time to find your voice, claim your story and start living your brilliant life!

Register NOW

Play THE FLOW GAME

A playful way to take action on what really matters

Give yourself -- and the people who matter most -- the gift of a powerful future. Playing a Flow Game is exactly the support you need to put the foundation under your next steps.

The Flow Game is a combination of stimulating questions, wise coaching and deep reflection. Focusing on what matters most to you right now, your questions become the the entrée into a fun and easy tool that creates wise council for your burning issues.

Now is the perfect time!

A Flow Game is ideal for:

  • Colleagues who want to innovate together
  • A team needing wise council on a current or planned initiative
  • Anyone seeking personal inspiration and a lift into their desired future 
  • A group or event where sparking out-of-the-box thinking is key

Find out what others say about their experience... 

Contact Mary Alice if you are interested in becoming a Flow Game Host.

Learn more

"I turned to Mary Alice for support in a critical time in my work to successfully navigate a difficult merger and rebuild the team. I consider the coaching and support key factors in the success of this project. Her warm and wise presence by my side empowered me and impacted the entire organization with lasting results."

..........

Nora Ganescu

Consultant & coach, Slovakia

 

 

 

 

"Mary Alice has been a guide on our journey of service transformation  in different ways over seven years. She brings crisp clarity, sharp focus, deep wisdom and a collection of stories that create space for potent conversations and insights."

..........

Penny Hamilton

Fromer Strategic Partnerships Manager, Uniting Care, Queensland, Australia

"Mary Alice has the sort of grounded presence that can hold a group of any size. I experienced her leading one of the best conferences I've attended. Many people are competent and skilled. Mary Alice has that extra spark that makes her truly inspirational."

..........

David Sibbet

Founder, The Grove Consultants International, USA

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