POWER OF STORIES & ROOTS: START GATHERING

“Remember only this one thing,” said Badger. “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 memory."

From Crow and the Weasel by Barry Lopez

Stories were freely, lovingly shared at the National Assn. for Interpretation's Spring Training Workshop, Reveal the Untold Stories: Interpreting Sacred Places and Native Peoples in Hawaii.

Stories of those who went before. Stories of families - in other lands and other times.

Stories to enchant us and leave us wanting more. . .

Vibrant stories from that event linger with me today - inspiring a return to a piece I wrote for NAI's The Traveler newsletter. Lush memories that nourished body, mind, and spirit.

In his moving STW keynote, revered Native American musician, R. Carlos Nakai not only played native flutes for us, but also implored us to share our rich, family stories with our children, nieces, nephews, etc. All to foster a much greater sense of connection.

Nakai traced the disconnect of many kids today to the fact they don't know their roots.

He urged us to teach them about their ancestors - sacred roots. Share often formidable struggles, setbacks, uncertainties, and obstacles they overcame - so we could be here today. Finally, he urged us to be mindful of the powerful responsibility we bear today.

The responsibility to live our lives - to best honor those ancestors' sacrifices, lessons learned, and hallowed memories. Standing on examples they set, lives they turned around, cultures they embraced, and roles they modeled. Each in their own way - however imperfectly and maybe messy at times. . ..

What Are YOUR Family Stories

Have you lovingly, freely shared your family's favorite stories? Stories of love, loss, hardships, dreams, discoveries, insights, regrets, triumphs, and more. Stories laced with laughter, tears, strengths, weaknesses, promises, and possibilities.

Consider: Has an ancestor's dream, yearning, or promise come to life in your generation? Has one trait carried through many generations to make you who you are today?

A Couple of My Family Stories

I treasure stories of my great-grandma, Augusta Wilke who, just 11 years old, sailed to the U.S. from Germany in 1867. Her sister died on that rough voyage and at one point, a whale surfaced by their boat. Terrified, passengers dropped to their knees, praying to be spared.

I love the story of her working as a young house girl in one of the grand St. Paul, MN Summit Ave. mansions. Asked to serve Baked Alaska for dinner one night, and having never seen that icy dessert before, she promptly popped it in the oven to bake - as long as a regular cake! Imagine the dismay of that family - and maybe guests!

When my paternal great-grandpa, Nels Christensen, left his whole family back in Norway to immigrate to WI, he decided that, yah sure, there were too many Christensens around. Proudly honoring his own father, Soren, our family’s new last name became Sorenson.

Now, Share Your Stories

So, I’ve shared a couple family stories here. Did they whet your appetite to explore your own family's stories and roots? Hope so, as now, it’s your turn to do just that.

Hungry to learn more? Who's the keeper of your family sagas? Contact them. Bet they'll be thrilled to know of your interest and happily share family lore.

If you don't have a designated keeper, step up to the plate. Offer your services. I believe your life will be greatly enriched - and maybe those for generations to come. If you're at a loss for keepers or are keen for more root connections, check out myriad genealogy sources online (like ancestry.com). Explore your local history center.

Pause now andwrite a quick memory or story. Now. What did this activity bring up for you?

Play with a fresh viewpoint. Another stirring STW workshop keynoter, Aboriginal culture expert Evelyn Crawford, told us Aborigines ask each other “Where do you belong?” instead of “Where are you from?” All because of their culture's great emphasis on the land.

Think about it: Where do you belong? Consider your family's story from that viewpoint.

Ready, Set, Share. . .

What a great way to get to know each other through vibrant family stories! What a heartfelt gift to share your history, stories, roots and yourself with someone special.

People are hungry for authentic stories to connect one another in this speeded-up, jangly world. How will you add your voice, your stories, and roots to help pave the way for others today - and for generations to come?

In the next blog post, I'll offer creative, artful ways to share your rich stories. So you all live more mindfully and with greater dedication responsibility to those who have gone before.

Yes, as Barry Lopez wisely reminds us in that beautiful Crow and Weasel passage, care for your stories, memories, and roots. Your story may very well be the very thing a special person in your life needs - today.

(Now, dive directly into Part 2 of Power of Stories HERE.)

[Photo by Linda Sorenson at Pu'uhonaua o Honaunau National Historic Park on the Big Island.

Linda Sorenson helps people, projects, and causes make a positive impact. As a writer, editor, and consultant, she draws on her unique global experiences at pivotal moments in time to make a joyful difference through all she creates. Learn more at her website and then connect with her. Take flight together today!

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