It seems that the ancient Medicine Men understood that listening to another’s story somehow gives us the strength of example to carry on, as well as showing us aspects of ourselves we can’t easily see. For listening to the stories of others – not to their precautions or personal commandments – is a kind of water that breaks the fever of our isolation. If we listen closely enough, we are soothed into remembering our common name.
~ from The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo
In reading Mark Nepo’s quote I’m reminded once again that the act of listening to another’s story benefits not only the story teller but also me, the listener. One of the great benefits of story gathering is that we become more profoundly aware of our interconnectedness - joined as we are by our common humanity.
Photo by Josh Schwartzman
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