New Story Challenge
Starts Feb 1, 2021!
Every culture has a story -- a weaving of narratives, symbols, and agreements that help us define and navigate the world. Today's dominant culture tells a story of separation, where we are separate from nature; entrenched in competition; where generosity and trust are exemplars rather than norms. However, with a growing awareness of ecology's interdependence, complexity theory's power of emergence, and neuroscience of intrinsic kindness, we are ripe to pluck an ancient chord of recognition and tell a new story of connection and compassion!
We invite elders (of all ages!) to join this 21-day challenge to share stories of lived experience. Every day you will receive a prompt like -- What was an accident that shaped your life? When did you learn about the power of imperfection? An act of kindness you'll never forget? What advice would you give to your younger self? Describe a moment when you encountered unexpected fear -- how would respond to it now? Along your journey of generosity, what moment showed you the importance of receiving? Who offered you the most compelling lesson on humility? What helped you discover the power of bridges across barriers? Who taught you to find the sacred in the mundane?
As you submit your reflections each day, you will also get to read other people's stories and interact in wide-ranging ways. In addition, we will host a few group calls throughout our time together -- orientation call to start, guest speaker calls (like Brian Conroy, a storyteller for 30 years!), and closing call -- to weave a collective tapestry of our heart's deepest wisdom. The challenge is being co-hosted by the inspired volunteers of Sage-Ing International.
Join the challenge to not only share your story, but to help others discover and tell theirs. As a Native American proverb says, "It takes a thousand voices to tell a single story." And as Pavi's poem reads: "the edges of things are always deceptive. because we are taught to believe in endings and beginnings. but what i want to know is simple: who settled the sky on top of the mountain and who drew the restless margins of the sea? everything flows into everything else. like a picture drawn without once lifting pencil from paper; this world. now tell me the story of your life (whoever you are). go on, i Double Dare you! tell me the story of your life without once touching mine."
We start the challenge on February 1st, as a way to embrace 2021 with a New Story! Each day will invite you to share one story -- so we anticipate a time commitment of less than an hour each day.
To join, simply fill out the form below. The circle host will follow-up with a welcome email that details the next steps.