Telling

We are all living up in our heads. Thinking, judging, weighing choices, beating ourselves up about what we said, what we didn’t say, what we did, what we didn’t do, how we should look, what we should eat, how we will eat. It’s constant. We are always thinking.

Before you shepherd your own story, take a minute and breathe deeply. Now, continue to breathe.

While you are breathing, let the story you want to shepherd take form in your memory. It doesn’t have to be “the soul story” or the story of your trauma. Just a story of something that happened.

Where are you in the memory?

What do are surrounded by?

Who, if anyone, is with you?

What objects do you see in this place?

What is the light like? Is the sun out? Is there darkness?

What do you smell?

What textures are present?

Is it warm or cold? What is causing these temperatures?

What sounds do you hear?

Allow this memory to develop, knowing that you are safe, knowing you are supported by the people with you in this room in the present.

Allow more details to fill in this memory.

Some emotions will come up. Allow them to. You are safe. You are surrounded with support and love.

It is normal to feel nervous when we are about to shepherd our own stories and share them. We have been told our stories don’t matter. We have been told that we don’t matter. Right now, know that you and your stories matter a lot.

Sit with your memory for a minute. See if you can locate it’s beginning. How do you want to begin?

Sometimes it helps to know the end before you sort out the middle. How does this story end?

Now, fill in the middle. Invite your five senses to help you move your story forward.

A story doesn’t have to be exciting. It can be a quiet story. Those are some of the best kinds. You don’t have to entertain anybody. We will hold whatever story you want to tell.

We want to know you. You are worth being known.

When you feel ready to shepherd your story out loud, we will listen .