Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/a-manner-of-speaking/5023688/
I have become a receiver of stories. A listener. Stories are given to me with profound generosity. The reasons for their telling vary, each story unique, and through each story I come to a better understanding of a person, an idea, a journey. But whatever the intention of the storyteller, through the telling we, the storyteller and I, the listener, become connected.
In Crow and Weasel by Barry Lopez (copyright 1990 North Point Press,) Badger shares thoughts about the storyteller.
“I would ask you to remember only this one thing,” said Badger.
“The stories people tell have a way of taking care of them. If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away where they are needed. Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive. That is why we put these stories in each other’s memory.
This is how people care for themselves. One day you will be good storytellers. Never forget these obligations.”
But what of the responsibilities of the listener? My woodworking friend in New Salem, Massachusetts, Sam Scherer, creates beautiful bowls from stumps and burls and as he hands you his creation he says, “A bowl is like opening up your heart.” ...