“We can use the power of spoken word as an art form to reshape or change the language, which enhances our personal power and our inner beauty and strength is allowed to shine. Ancient and traditional stories tap into century old themes which can build a platform for exploration and healing. Spoken word stories can trigger thoughts & physical responses which can promote healing. When a person not only understands but believes in a healing or physical process, their bodies will often respond. The right healing story & setting can safely initiate & support this process.”

The Breathe Network hosted the teleseminar “Weaving a Spoken Word Tapestry: The Power of Storytelling for Healing” as part of our monthly series of educational trainings designed to enhance trauma-sensitivity for healing arts practitioners, empower survivors by sharing a range of insights about healing, and increase our societal understandings of the layered impacts of sexual trauma and insights into resilience.

Our February teleseminar provided a uniquely creative and experiential opportunity to learn about the power of stories with Rivka Willick. Our presenter explored the power and playfulness of spoken word stories for personal growth and healing. She also looked at ways our stories can define us, limit or empower us, and offer new insights and possibilities. Different types of stories, (traditional, personal, original, and literary) were included as part of the discussion of how to listen and ways to tell. Prepare for intentional remembering, reflecting and exploring the power of organic storytelling – as well as developing tools and approaches that can support your journey of healing, meaning-making and reclaiming your voice.

Topics included:

*Identify your ‘bully stories’: those stories that control or define us
*Use storytelling to transform stories of victimhood into story of survival
*Playful ways to tell personal and original tales
*Create a new language through stories by replacing words and images that may act as triggers
*Hear, tell, and create transformational tales