You're writing and support of so many others (like me) as we pour our hearts and ideas out onto the page creates the same feeling as the $100 tip you left the guitar player. And having seen video of your own comedic waiter routine and your 12 ft. unicycle stunts, you were creating stories with a whole room of unwitting collaborators. Brillinatly done on all counts!
Thank you Chris, that's very encouraging, and yes, commenting on one another's work is such a simple and helpful way to turn the spotlight on what matters and boost the best in our attention. As you know, it's a pleasure to do so.
I love hearing the impact of the large tips you left. I can imagine those men shared that experience with others many times.
It’s now striking me as odd how I never understood the power of story a long time ago and why it’s not common knowledge, though in some households or cultures, no doubt it is. Did you grow up hearing and telling stories? Have you written about your first realizations of how powerful storytelling it is?
Better late than never.
I genuinely love this:
Those who become master storytellers earn the last job title they will ever need, because there is nothing you can’t have or create when you develop mastery of story.
What a great question Kathy. I remember writing and sharing a story at a school assembly when I was in 5th grade and the lightbulb went off for me when the whole auditorium, teachers and kids, got quiet because they wanted to follow the tale. Our narratives are always the master.
Highly recommended: "The Storytelling Edge," by Shane Snow and Joe Lazauskas. Although it's about leveraging storytelling for benefit, their discussion of the power of story itself is really interesting.
Rick, what I found most valuable about this piece – along with your discussion about the power of story – is the importance of reflecting on the nuances of the given experience *after* the story itself is recorded: "... what you might have been feeling at the time, what was happening for those around you, and what corners of the experience might hold value for others."
This is a great reminder to add a key step to the storytelling process: just wait. Just wait and see what other elements emerge, particularly (worth repeating) "...what corners of the experience might hold value for others."
By the way, I'm certain that the waiter (he of the accidentally generous tip) and the guitar player (the deliberate and extraordinary tip) will have a story to tell from their experiences.
Thank you for this post. It was uplifting. This quote moves me as well…
“Who we believe is human, who we don’t believe is human, what policies we believe should be in the world, which policies we don’t, are actually shaped largely by writing and the stories we tell.”
"Good storytellers are like generous tippers, using the resources they have to highlight ordinary moments that matter."
I love how you wove a story of your life as a street performer, highlighting tension and inviting attention, into the first "tipping" story. And also how the tip wasn't just important to the waiter, but also to how you now see that whole interaction.
I see you using your own resources of insight and perspective to feed conversations that matter here. Thank you Nica for tipping me with your attention.
Hah, Rick. I was trying to figure out how to bring in your mantra around reading/commenting as a form of tipping. I'm struck by how that seemingly small bit of attention makes such a huge difference.
Gosh yes. We are starved for attention these days, and when you have enough presence to be able to generously share your attention with someone else, you indeed have a tremendous force for good on your hands.
I encourage any of you reading this who are the tiniest bit interested in shaping stories to help you share your message, in a supportive group to check out our Write Hearted community. See the link in the post.
You're writing and support of so many others (like me) as we pour our hearts and ideas out onto the page creates the same feeling as the $100 tip you left the guitar player. And having seen video of your own comedic waiter routine and your 12 ft. unicycle stunts, you were creating stories with a whole room of unwitting collaborators. Brillinatly done on all counts!
Thank you Chris, that's very encouraging, and yes, commenting on one another's work is such a simple and helpful way to turn the spotlight on what matters and boost the best in our attention. As you know, it's a pleasure to do so.
I love hearing the impact of the large tips you left. I can imagine those men shared that experience with others many times.
It’s now striking me as odd how I never understood the power of story a long time ago and why it’s not common knowledge, though in some households or cultures, no doubt it is. Did you grow up hearing and telling stories? Have you written about your first realizations of how powerful storytelling it is?
Better late than never.
I genuinely love this:
Those who become master storytellers earn the last job title they will ever need, because there is nothing you can’t have or create when you develop mastery of story.
What a great question Kathy. I remember writing and sharing a story at a school assembly when I was in 5th grade and the lightbulb went off for me when the whole auditorium, teachers and kids, got quiet because they wanted to follow the tale. Our narratives are always the master.
I agree completely, Kathy.
Highly recommended: "The Storytelling Edge," by Shane Snow and Joe Lazauskas. Although it's about leveraging storytelling for benefit, their discussion of the power of story itself is really interesting.
Thanks for mentioning those resources Larry. They're great.
Rick, what I found most valuable about this piece – along with your discussion about the power of story – is the importance of reflecting on the nuances of the given experience *after* the story itself is recorded: "... what you might have been feeling at the time, what was happening for those around you, and what corners of the experience might hold value for others."
This is a great reminder to add a key step to the storytelling process: just wait. Just wait and see what other elements emerge, particularly (worth repeating) "...what corners of the experience might hold value for others."
By the way, I'm certain that the waiter (he of the accidentally generous tip) and the guitar player (the deliberate and extraordinary tip) will have a story to tell from their experiences.
". . . just wait . . ." oh yes, oh yes. well added
Thank you for this post. It was uplifting. This quote moves me as well…
“Who we believe is human, who we don’t believe is human, what policies we believe should be in the world, which policies we don’t, are actually shaped largely by writing and the stories we tell.”
Ta-Nehisi Coates
That's a wonderful quote Gloria. Thanks for sharing it.
"Good storytellers are like generous tippers, using the resources they have to highlight ordinary moments that matter."
I love how you wove a story of your life as a street performer, highlighting tension and inviting attention, into the first "tipping" story. And also how the tip wasn't just important to the waiter, but also to how you now see that whole interaction.
I see you using your own resources of insight and perspective to feed conversations that matter here. Thank you Nica for tipping me with your attention.
Hah, Rick. I was trying to figure out how to bring in your mantra around reading/commenting as a form of tipping. I'm struck by how that seemingly small bit of attention makes such a huge difference.
Gosh yes. We are starved for attention these days, and when you have enough presence to be able to generously share your attention with someone else, you indeed have a tremendous force for good on your hands.
Yes indeed. It's like love pouring down on us. So why not share that with others?
I encourage any of you reading this who are the tiniest bit interested in shaping stories to help you share your message, in a supportive group to check out our Write Hearted community. See the link in the post.
Thank you Linda for making the invitation, and for showing up in the community.