Since the beginning of time, beings have found creative ways of
recording their experiences, their history really. For some that “record” has come in the way of
story-telling or passing along wisdom and experiences through spoken
words. For many indigenous peoples (and
Gnomes), that’s still the way that information is passed from generation to
generation. In that way, when a story is
told, we the listener can enter into it too through our inner self or
imagination.
In ancient times, stories were recorded in stone, first through
drawings and then in symbols or words.
Like the stories passed on through verbal story-telling, many of these
records have withstood the test of time and the elements. They are an incredible testament to
the importance of keeping these records for all who come after us.
Sometimes stories are recorded in the form of prayers, dance,
songs or art. For centuries people have
also created written records of their experiences and in more modern times people
often document moments in time with photographs.
Why is this important?
For one, stories carry the hard-won wisdom of those who have
gone before us. Even in our own lives we
can look at past experiences and use what we’ve learned in present situations,
if we remember. Often times we are
offered opportunities to re-learn a lesson when we forget to practice what we
learned the first time around. A record
of some sort can help us to remember and perhaps avoid those lessons that come
back time and time again.
Stories can help us to make sense of experiences and give us
glimpses of how others have embraced opportunities or overcome adversities. They can offer us a new way of seeing the
world, a different perspective. Through
stories we can find encouragement, inspiration, guidance, wisdom, delight. In many ways, they have the ability to help us
heal, to find within ourselves a place of balance and harmony.
Keeping such records of our experiences also helps us to
preserve our personal and family history.
It’s important to know where we came from as this history offers us an
opportunity to understand something about ourselves.
For me, stories are like food.
They nourish my body, mind and spirit.
For years to come, when I tell the story of the red bird or look at the
photograph I will be transported back to the moment he appeared as I was sitting
with my friend. My heart will well-up with
joy, wonder and gratitude and for that moment my friend will be present with me
even if she is far away. And in sharing the
photo or story with you, you may one day see a red bird yourself and be
reminded of the photo and smile to yourself.
Stories connect us with one another and help us recognize our
One-ness. We are more alike than
different.
Take time to record what you experience today and tomorrow and
for all time to come ~ tell your story~ draw, paint, photograph, sing, dance, pray,
write down your insights, thoughts, feelings….
Share what you’re learning….Reveal the beauty
you see….
Spread
Joy!
Love,
Peder and the Gnomes
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