As I’ve been traveling, I’ve been trying my best to ask questions and listen. Listen to the stories people have inside them. The way they show up on their face and in their body. How the land they live on can shape those stories, and how culture, history, and family dynamics can inform those stories.
I’ve always been drawn to people’s stories and to honoring my own. That’s probably why I’ve been journaling pages almost every day for ten years.
I decided I would start to gather and write stories of my own and of those who graciously share pieces of their life with me along the way.
Stories on death, transition, loss, growth, life, plants, and the earth. Our connection to it all.
I believe we all have profound stories inside of us. Inside of our hearts. Inside of our bones.
Story medicine.
When witnessed and shared, it can serve as a thick and soothing balm for everyone involved.
Knowing the power of this, I realized it was time (and kept getting the nudge) to hold space for people - not only in person but online as well. Even as I travel and move through my own transition. The message was clear.
As a global community, we are all going through transition on top of transition right now. It’s a lot and we all could use as much support as possible to walk each other through it, hand in hand, keeping our hearts open.
It can feel vulnerable to share our lived experiences and oftentimes can feel like it doesn’t matter to the person on the receiving end. Or that there isn’t any value in sharing. You may feel like you don’t even know what you would say.
A few signs that signal to me that I need support can include frantic energy or feeling unable to focus, reaching for distractions, feeling numb, tightness in the body, etc.
Noticing these signs in myself recently, I was reminded to take my own advice and I reached out to a dear friend and teacher for some support when I found myself in a moment of fullness, struggling to ground.
The simple act of speaking and having someone witness me through the lens of love shifted everything into focus again.
Someone said to me recently, “The story heals itself” And I think in a lot of ways it’s true. When we share it, it can take on a life of its own and have space to breathe and transform. The energy of the one sharing and the energy of the one listening creates a healing atmosphere.
This atmosphere is a gift I have been lucky enough to receive countless times on my journey, and I deeply believe in its power.
If you have a story in your heart that’s waiting to get out and breathe, reach out — I’m here to listen. I am here to support you in your process and in your power.
The space is open for stories to flow as a no-cost offering.
Now more than ever is the time to speak, feel supported, and stay in our hearts.
Sending you so much love.
Email me at belovedgateway@gmail.com to schedule a story session.
My gift to you. <3
Adoring the new photo Lisa!
Yes, sharing stories can be a path for healing. Thank you for teaching others the value.
Conversely, not being allowed to share, to have the story dismissed or treated as not valid is a crushing blow.