OUTCOME
To knowing one’s own story and how to engage with people’s stories.
To learn how to be more intentional.
To be heard, seen and known.
To enter into people’s stories so people feel known, heard and loved. Increased empathy for people who might not be like you.
WHY
“The Truth About Stories is That’s All We Are”
-Thomas King
Storytelling is healing and galvanizing. As we share our stories, we feel heard, seen and known. Those things connect us more to who we are and God's presence in our lives. When we create space for people to share stories with us, we participate in God's redemptive mission as we give them an opportunity to experience healing by feeling heard, seen and known.
Content
4 Steps for Effective Listening
Active Listening
Listening is an active process that requires your participation
Listening with Empathy
Simply knowing that everyone is trying to survive
“This is hard to hear, but it’s another human being trying to live.”
3. Listening with Openness
Hear the whole statement, the entire communication before judging.
4. Listening with Awareness
Compare what is being said to your own knowledge of history, people, and the way things are
Without judgment, simply making note of how a communication fits with known facts
Hear and observe congruence
Does the person’s tone of voice, emphasis, facial expression and posture fit the content of his/her communication? If not you’re getting an incomplete message
Activity
Choose at least one of the following to do and practice effective listening
Exchange stories!
Answer these prompts: favorite childhood memory, Ratatouille moment, most embarrassing moment, first heartbreak, last time you cried
Cooking time
Come up with a dish you would like to recreate (preferably one with easily accessible ingredients and materials)
Gather and send out a list of ingredients and materials needed
Start your cooking!
As you eat, share:
Memories the food brings up, how it may be different than how it was growing up, the role food played in your family and community
Watch a documentary, movie, or tv show
Abominable
Always Be My Maybe
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Bao (Short Film)
Crazy Rich Asians
The Half of It
Jackie Chan Adventures
Joy Luck Club
Linsanity
Never Have I Ever
Discussion Questions
What parts of the story resonated with you?
What was something new you learned?
What is the history behind ________?
What challenges were faced in the stories shared?
What did you value/appreciate about a person's story?
Further Resources
Empathy by Brené Brown