We all have stories to tell. On June 22, friends and neighbors came together at the Huss Project to talk, share stories, and eat way too much dessert. Our brave host kicked the night off by introducing the event with a story of his own—one down. Then we’d exchange glances, nudging our friends, mouthing an encouraging “you’re next” to shaking heads across the room. When someone finally stood, we all exhaled our breath as they held in theirs. The new storyteller would begin seeking the phrases that would invite the audience to explore their own personal cavern of memories. A final slow exhale, and then another new story. We watched and listened as our friends and neighbors shared their firsthand stories that related to the theme of the evening: “Play”. Many told humorous accounts of embarrassing childhood memories of falling bricks and calloused feet. Some played instruments they learned as children that sparked into the careers they work today. We sat entranced when friends tried to figure out where the disconnect occurred between being the geniuses of play they were as kids to a complete unknowing of how to incorporate play as an adult, and we shared in the struggle of learning to do the same.
When we come together to share stories from our lives and the lessons we’ve learned along the way, we offer a space for others to hear and share in the experiences. Sharing creates an opportunity for listening and learning together. We all have stories to share.
Our next Storytelling Night—with the theme of “Roots”—is this Thursday, July 13, at 8:00pm. Come share your story!