Narrative reauthoring

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I was wholly seeped into this structure in our Studio and walked out with a vivid story that had elements from different dreams embedded in it. Dreams I hadn’t dared to face as things I yearned for.

In practice

I’m curious to try journaling with Lynda Barry’s invitation that inspired this structure, using the video she’s published for it to be a self-serve activity.

The application in my professional context is harder to imagine. Narrative reauthoring would be a beautiful experience to host at a retreat but that kind of gathering is maybe one out of ten workshops that I run.

But the concept is so seductive. I could see it being developed into an incredibly powerful pattern — something to think about after a few more experiences!

Facilitation notes

A note to my future self that may facilitate this -

Having your story read out loud by someone is a touching experience. After being in a meditative state with the facilitator’s tone as the sole aural signal, you hear a new voice read the words that you just pulled together from your imagination. Words that have never been spoken before.

My partner did that, unexpectedly, and I’m grateful for it. I did the same, and found that forming her text in my mouth and listening to the sounds myself brought a different appreciation than I might have if I had just read them on the screen.

I would make this part of the instructions.

This entry is part of Liberating Structures Field Notes, my collection of stories and reflections from the field. It's written for people who already know LS and are deepening their practice. If you're just getting started and looking for activity instructions, you'll find them at liberatingstructures.com..