Getting To Your Essence
A new course begins by connecting your oldest stories-- to your newest
Greetings Wonderful Human,
We were hiking up a steep mountain when Steve, our guide for this Wilderness Leadership course asked, "Does one bad egg spoil the basket?"
He was really asking as he grappled with that we had a student in our class whose behavior was getting in the way of our class having a positive learning experience.
I didn't think before answering. "No Way. One bad egg can't spoil the basket."
That was optimism and inexperience speaking.
(more on that at the bottom of this email. But first— I hope you don’t mind— I want to tell you about a new program storytelling program that begins this Tuesday.
This program alchemizes the oldest stories of our planet, with the oldest stories of your lineage, with guest teachers such as Christina guide you through a process of connecting to your ancestors, to learning the lost stories from Amy, an indigenous storyteller committed to keeping the almost lost stories alive. to Kim Weitkamp who will teach you skills and techniques to become a better storytellers.
This is the kind of course to help you become better—-
at how you tell stories,
and how you live the story of your life. WE BEGIN IN 2 DAYS
The future ancestors of this planet
may look back on this time and say,
There was a time when stories ruled the earth.
You are the keepers,
the creators,
the carriers
and the healers
of these stories.
If you are wondering if THE ALCHEMY OF STORY PROGRAM is for you:
Schedule a 20 minute Discovery Session
where we can explore if this program is for you.
If you are wanting support others in using story as tool for healing
check out the Certification Program.
We Begin With ESSENCE:
a 6 week Creative Intensive that guides you into
the roots of the oldest stories,
so you can bring more fruit to your life.
What makes this unique?
This course offers a unique alchemy of teachers who will support you in connecting with your ancestors, learn indigenous stories, and develop the technical skills to become a better storyteller.
Stories are not about facts and information.
Storytelling is a liberation
from the linear mind
as we create spaciousness for meaning making--
and for expressing-- all the things we can,
and may not have opportunity
to express in our day to day lives.
This is a place to explore and express your ESSENCE.
A well meaning ally recently said, "Leah, your program is a good fit for people who like journaling."
I reflected on current students of The Alchemy of Story and alumni.
I thought about Vyana, who balances her role as a lawyer with fully embodying the mermaid/creatrix archetype. Her creativity is impressive—she founded an organization for women who have been assaulted to share their stories, has written three books since joining this community, and is an endless fountain of inspiration.
I thought of Michelle, who is deep in her journey of refining her role as a guide, integrating storytelling into her work as an end-of-life doula.
I think of Ana, who read the storyteller’s prayer before presenting a policy paper at the parliament in Portugal.
I thought of Fred, an elder in our community who teaches his unique method of string storytelling in the school system.
I thought of Carrie, who integrates storytelling into her therapy practice and is developing her own creativity program.
And Neesa, who, after taking The Story of Money intro class, decided to take the lead and foster a space for our community to dive deeper into this powerful story and how it lives through us.
I thought of Mark, who designed the portfolios and, in his retirement, is a sculptor, storyteller, mentor, and so much more. And Theo, who, along with being a video editor, storyteller, works with youth in nature.
I think of our alumni, Maria who is telling stories on the stage in Chicago, Angele who is a professional singer on talented facilitator, and Carey who is taking the stage by storm in northern California, and Katie who sings and talks stories in Montana.
When I think of what these people have in common,
journaling isn’t what comes to mind.
Saying YES to
Playing an active role in Life
Learning powerful tools for connection
Enhancing communication styles and techniques
Developing leadership skills
Clearing blocks and barriers
Creating a vehicle where their gifts, genius, and wisdom can be shared
...is what comes to mind.
I have nothing against journaling -- this supportive ally's comment provided the opportunity to see-- these people aren't just reflecting on their lives-- they are taking action on embodying new roles in their lives.
If you are story curious,
Back to the story about can one egg spoil the basket. After years of guiding for Outward Bound and facilitating courses and retreats, I’ve come to understand the nature of a "bad egg" in the basket.
The truth is—rot spreads. That’s the nature of decomposition, and the metaphor tells us everything. When we know how to listen to old stories, and how the spirit of wisdom communicates through metaphor and allegory, we have more tools to call upon in those challenging moments.
In the certification program, we explore how to handle the more challenging aspects of holding space—how to have clear agreements, and strong boundaries, so people can do the work they came for. We don't have all the answers, but come alive in the questions, and have ample opportunities to practice.
May you have great metaphors to call upon in the most challenging of moments,
Leah
PS: Here is that link to Schedule a 20 minute Discovery Session where we can explore if this program is for you.