The stories that hold us together
Everything is held together with stories. That is all that is holding us together, stories and compassion. Barry Lopez
Crow and Weasel by Barry Lopez is a wonderful series of books, inspired by the North American Plains people. As the characters journey on their quest from youth to maturity, the lessons they learn are timeless and transcultural: to be truthful, to acknowledge the Ones Above, to value friendship, to express gratitude, to seek knowledge.
Through the character of Badger, Lopez teaches us that “the stories people tell have a way of taking care of them. If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away where they are needed. Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive. That is why we put these stories in each other’s memories. This is how people care for themselves. ”
I find this image very beautiful and it illustrates for me again the concept of the wounded storyteller, which I have written about before. We tell our stories in order to heal; in listening to the stories of how others have walked the path, our own journey of discovery and healing can be enriched. So for this reason, I love to hear the stories of women who have inspired me in their journey with cancer, and when these stories come to me, as Lopez says, I give them away to you, where they may be needed. So please continue to share your stories here. It unites us in our sisterhood and holds us together, “these stories and compassion”.
Related Post: Breast Cancer and the Wounded Storyteller
I really loved this blog post and the whole concept of the wounded storyteller was really something to ponder.
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Marie,
Our stories are our salvation. Unbeknownst, we are brought up on them and if we take the time to look inward, we will all find our favourite story for each stages of our life.
Stories are inherently endowed with magical effects. Stories, in any form makes a wonderful pastime and company. It helps a kid sleep, yet it also rouses a youth with courage and inspiration. It at once becomes a great medium of imparting real-life education and learning tool, and an easy way of being creative and imaginative.
Stories are the threads by which we tie our pasts to our future. Thus, everyone is tied together with stories.
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Thank you for this Marie, for reminding us how essential stories are to our survival. Stories are threads the link all of us together. And thanks too, for reminding me of the brilliancy writer Barry Lopez. His “Arctic Dreams” was one of those wonderful books with the power to educate, inspire and inform. He is fabulous.
love,
Jody
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Thank you for this Marie, for reminding us how essential stories are to our survival. Stories are threads the link all of us together. And thanks too, for reminding me of the brilliant writer Barry Lopez. His “Arctic Dreams” was one of those wonderful books with the power to educate, inspire and inform. He is fabulous.
love,
Jody
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Wow..I thought the post was good, but then I read Somnath and Jody’s comments – amazing!
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Our stories are our salvation – love that line!
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Beautiful, Marie. ~C
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