Storytelling: What is your story?

National Public Radio (NPR) has a program that I find fascinating called StoryCorps.  The program consists of people going to StoryBooths in Grand Central Terminal in New York or to a traveling booth to interview someone important in their life.  In fact, a book called Listening is an Act of Love has been published of some of the more interesting interviews.  If I miss the interview which is usually played on NPR on Fridays, I download the podcast because the stories are so moving. 

The reason I am blogging about this is to reinforce the value of stories and the significance of listening.  This program reminds us that everybody's story matters and every life is important.  StoryCorps tells us to make time to talk and listen to the people who matter the most to us.  NPR has developed a How-to Kit for hosting a listening party.

Why would we need to even think about hosting a "listening party?"  Why has listening become a lost art?  It seems in a 24/7 world, that people would rather walk around with things in their ears (ear buds, earphones, earplugs) rather than listening to powerful stories. 

Take time to listen to the people most important in your life.  I plan to do the same. 

Comments

[Larry Lehmer]

A timely post, Jann. Did you know that the State Historical Society of Iowa and Two Rivers Story Spinners are co-sponsoring an evening of sharing life stories as part of the International Day for Sharing Life Stories beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 16, in the Building 6 theater on the Ankeny campus of Des Moines Area Community College? It's a great opportunity for people to share a 5-minute story about their or someone else's life within a small group. There will also be an open mic session for those who want to share with a larger audience. And, best of all, it's free!