The Stories We Tell
Guided Meditation and Dharma Talk
with Marylouise Kelley
Story-telling is a way of making meaning in our lives, of understanding where we’ve been and how we see the world. Our stories can offer insight into how we have been conditioned to respond to the world, and give us the freedom to see things more clearly. In difficult times, Bishop Desmond Tutu, suggests that we begin by Telling the Story and by creating space to listen to our hearts and to one another, without judgement. The wisdom we gain from our stories can help us to create more generous narratives in which we see ourselves and others with more understanding and compassion. We will explore what we can learn from Buddhist teachings and the natural world about holding space to allow wisdom to emerge as we hold one another in patience, kindness and generosity.
“Today we have gathered and when we look upon the faces around us we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, let us bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as People.”
Excerpt from the Thanksgiving Address in Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer