Why Stories?
Stories are fundamental to how humans connect. Our approach is based on the joy of creating and sharing stories. Our goal is to make telling stories as enjoyable and delightful as possible.
As our culture becomes more informed about mental health, scientists and researchers are starting to quantify the benefits for both storytellers and listeners. “Storytelling is an inherently social practice, one that fosters intimacy and connection with others. Research has consistently shown that relationships are good for us and social isolation is bad — clearly linked to earlier cognitive and physical decline and increased mortality.” say Harvard University researchers
NPR’s Ailsa Chang spoke with Wall Street Journal columnist Sue Shellenbarger about her column, “The Secret Benefits of Retelling Family Stories.” They talk about a woman who was inspired by family history to go on to find a new career by going to college and becoming a social worker at age 60.
‘The story is told eye to eye, mind to mind and heart to heart.’ is a Scottish proverb that speaks to the ability of a story to bring people together writes Christine Hennebury. “When those emotions, fears and hopes are presented to us as part of a personal story, a folktale or a myth, they create a connection between the listener, the characters and the teller. That connection, the one that recognizes the ways that we’re the same and promotes understanding despite our differences, is the foundation of building stronger communities.”
We hope to bring these benefits to our storytellers and their audiences!