Love & Freeedom about stories crafting stories life stories stories from the journey story as a map Feb 17, 2024

When I was around 16 my mother asked me if I'd like to meet Rob. My mother was a Guidance Counselor at the High School and Rob was the son of her colleague.

Rob had just returned from being an exchange student in Japan. Now you need to know that in the 1970s there was no such thing as sushi...

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Why love is a journey crafting stories life stories stories from the journey story as a map Feb 17, 2024

I'd already been in New Zealand for more than 10 years when I complained to another storyteller friend about the incessant question: "Where are you from?"

I called it "my graciousness question." when I was feeling gracious I knew it was a question that helped people make connection, and...

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Today I want to tell you a love story... about stories crafting stories life stories stories from the journey story as a map Feb 14, 2024

But first, a small but potent memory...

I remember someone long ago who, after regarding me thoughtfully for some time, said: "If you were to have had the ordinary life, you would have had it by now!"

Still, it felt like it started ordinary enough. On this day -- February 14 -- we celebrated...

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What you can learn from getting stuck in the mud... life stories stories from the journey story as the map Dec 23, 2023

I've often found that the things truly worth experiencing challenge you to see if you are really committed. That happened to us in my last week in Africa, on the way to Mana Pools -- a UNESCO Heritage site which is a haven to all kinds of wild animals. 

Mana Pools is in the north of...

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SOAR
Cleaning up in the House of the Senses
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Cleaning up in the House of the Senses future story life stories listening makes me think practice Sep 22, 2023

Have you ever thought much about your senses?

They are the main way we meet the world in this physical body. Sight, sound, smell, taste, touch all help us to interpret the world. 

But often we get into a routine with the sensory realm and we respond to the world through habit. Working...

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Getting clear on your significant stories about stories crafting stories life stories story as a map Jul 26, 2022

Have you ever stepped inside an elevator with others from a group or conference and found you needed to introduce yourself? What about that moment as your speech begins and the person introducing you has read out your professional bio, but you want to make a real connection to the audience?

We're...

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Why Spring could be your perfect story season life stories makingadifference reflection story as a map Apr 17, 2022

Last night while celebrating Passover at a Seder dinner with friends, one of them told me Spring is his favourite season. Is it any wonder so many of the major religions take this time for celebration and remembrance?

What once appeared cut down and dead is now blossoming with new life....

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Harnessing the power of listening for collective intelligence collective story harvest collective wisdom life stories Apr 08, 2022

How often have you heard people bemoan the obvious potential that lies within a person, group or system that seems stagnant or stuck? Often those with the most potential find it easy to coach and support others, but seem blind to their own gifts and talents.

Yikes! That statement feels too close...

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The Spirit of Story -- How the past fuels the future: Day 4 of 65 ALIVE! 65 alive about stories life stories makes me think Feb 04, 2022
The Spirit of Story: How the past fuels the future This was our theme for Day 4 of 65 ALIVE!
Here's what our participant circle said:
  • The spirit of story is change, emotional connection, the arc of meaning, and resonance
  • Sharing our stories to promote connection and touch our hearts
  • ...
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ATTENTION! Holiday time = practice time! about stories crafting stories learning edge life stories makes me think practice Nov 23, 2021

 I remember laughing out loud at hearing Pema Chödrön once say: "If you think you're enlightened, go home to your family."

 She has a good point.

 If you think you're a good leader / facilitator / conflict resolution coach / mediation specialist / meditator / process...

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Mothers tell stories that change the world leadership life stories makes me think makingadifference May 08, 2021
Today I’m celebrating my Mom, Alice, and the only mother left in our immediate circle, my sister Sarah. It has been a challenging time for mothers over the past year, as they work even harder to juggle family, work, relationships and community responsibilities as well as keeping the home...
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Imagining 2019 about stories crafting stories inner work learning edge life stories practice reflection storymaking transformation Jan 05, 2019

This is traditionally the time of year when people take a pause to reflect, reset and renew. It is a time for new year’s resolutions, a time when hope springs eternal about the potential and possibility of the new.  

And small wonder. In the Northern Hemisphere, December equinox marks...

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