Gifts from the Stories I have Heard By Anna Blocher-Rubin

I began my journey with storytelling when I was in college. I took a mythology class and my teacher taught using a story format. He was so awesome with his delivery. It was as if he was an Entertainment Tonight newscaster, telling the class about the latest drama in the world of Greek and Roman mythology. I don't know where my teacher is, or if he teaches any longer. If I could, I would tell him how he planted a seed within, that would bloom 20 years later and be applied in my life through stories I tell my family, friends, and students.

I love storytelling and all that it has to offer. Going to class, or storytelling events are like going to a buffet and each story is a dish to sample. I don't always know what selection of stories will be offered to the audience, but it’s a positive anticipation to be open to. Some stories have touched me deeply, bringing me to tears. I’ve heard a storyteller craft his story so well that I felt I was in the story, as I heard the words come out of his mouth. Some tellers have been so descriptive with a dancing pace, that the story became a movie that played out before my eyes, as I listened. Laughter is medicine that heals the soul, and I have heard storytellers who were quick to share stories, using humor to connect and heal.

I love the diversity of stories told through a mic, and the individuals that share a part of themselves through witnessing events, telling stories of myths, or sharing their insights on life. For me, stories are life's gifts left for the audience to take with them in exchange for a connection of being human.

The image at the top can be found here.

8 responses to “Gifts from the Stories I have Heard By Anna Blocher-Rubin”

  1. Rhonda Brewer Avatar

    As a retired teacher, I would be so thankful to have a student contact me years later to tell me I made a real difference in their life. Please consider trying to find him.

  2. Kate C Avatar

    I too think stories are such amazing gifts! I am convinced if we can all share more stories and really feel heard (which means we all have to listen too) we could heal the world’s hurt.

  3. Marian Nance Avatar

    Yes Storytelling is a free gift for every purpose one can imagine. I enjoy hearing stories and retelling the for the appropriate situation.

  4. Mindytarquini Avatar

    Like Christmas morning to go to an event. I don’t know what stories will be shared, how they will be shared, nor how they will speak to me. And they always speak to me. In some way. I think it’s the human contact. The face to face, or face to audience. The dynamic nature, the interaction.

  5. Rhonda Brewer Avatar

    I love the “buffet of stories” analogy. I too love arriving at the table each week looking forward to the inventive, delicious, and very satisfying dishes I know will be served.

  6. Gloria S Avatar

    We are so fortunate, are we not, to have discovered the world of Storytelling? I am so excited every time I go to class for the simple reason that I will get to hear stories. I am always MOST excited when I can be a listener and not have to think about telling a story, but I don’t think I can get credit for just walking in and listening for 16 weeks! 🙂

  7. Elizabeth Wunsch Avatar

    Wonderful words about the different gifts each teller brings to the table. We would be lost without the lush diversity in the styles and tales that are told.

  8. Gretchen Avatar

    Yes, you’re right, listening to stories is very like participating in a buffet! There is such a wide selection to choose from… from the rolls and butter to the dessert. And like the buffet, the wide selection in stories contributes to their deliciousness!

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