It was moving and thought-provoking to share our thoughts on the value of friendship. As you read on, you’ll see how some of us were inspired to express our feelings through poetry or prose. There are celebrations of, and tributes to, individual friends. Some tell of specific moments and some describe longstanding friendships. Then follow thoughtful reflections on the roles played by different types of friendships, the varied impacts they may have upon us or we have on them as we grow and change.
Continue reading “The value of friendship”Photography and memorable photographs
Photographs are tangible records of past moments, precious in so many ways. In our meeting, we shared our thoughts about photographs special to us, the powerful memories they stir and the pleasure we get from taking them. We’re pleased now to share our words and images with you.
Continue reading “Photography and memorable photographs”Family and Family Histories
This month’s storytelling sessions on family and history struck an emotional chord with me. The key words of ‘Quiet,’ ‘Missing People,’ ‘Resilience,’ and ‘Regrets of not Listening’ were especially evocative and stirring. It made me reflect on my own family’s narratives and how they’ve shaped my outlook.
Continue reading “Family and Family Histories”Pets and other animals
So many interesting themes emerged as we talked about pets. The discussion prompted thoughts on the contradictory relationship humans can have with animals, and how our attitudes and behaviours towards animals are often shaped by our experiences, culture and background. Afterwards, some of us wrote up our responses to the theme in poetry or in prose. We hope you enjoy reading our memories and reflections.
Continue reading “Pets and other animals”Movement and Exercise
We had two brilliant discussions about movement this month, one on Zoom and one in person, where we incorporated a walk-and-talking section, as well as a ride-and-talking for some happy passengers! Thanks to Sheila of the trishaw ride service from Chorlton Bike Deliveries.
The power of language
“Wow! What an amazing, and interesting session with Stories of Our lives” said Pauline Omoboye. “It felt good to welcome some new members to the group, including Yaron Matras, a retired professor of linguistics interested in people’s experiences of multilingualism.
We discussed the power of language and how it gives us an insight into our identity. There are many forms of communication and I believe all languages are equal. During the session in our breakout rooms we discussed what language meant to us. I chose to talk about ‘patois/creole’ also known as ‘broken English’. I spoke about my parents who are from Jamaica.”
Continue reading “The power of language”Significant buildings
Jolene asked us to relax, close our eyes and picture a building which held a special meaning for us. “Step inside“, she said, “how does it feel? what can you see? how does it smell? what memories come back to you?” Such a variety of thoughts and emotions were stirred by this exercise! Listen to a recording of some of our responses.
Read on to discover the poetry and prose inspired by our online and in-person meetings.
Continue reading “Significant buildings”Events that have shaped us
Both sessions this month were particularly enjoyable, as someone leading the session seeing the group and the relationships within it grow, but also as a participant, hearing other’s relatable, moving stories, and getting to share my own. In the online session, there was a small group of us. Gathering in a cosy cluster lent itself to a wonderfully open, supportive and joyful conversation about the situations, people and moments which have shaped us. One participant said that it felt “safe” and “like an extended family” to be in this group, connecting the way we do.
In the other in-person session we did later that month on the same theme, there were lots more participants but just as much trust. For me, the golden thread that united us during both sessions was that everyone has learned and grown from the often challenging things they have been through, which reminded me of this quote I shared with the group.
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”
― Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning
Read on to accompany the writers on their journeys of change, as shaped by key events in their lives.
Continue reading “Events that have shaped us”Community
Community, what it means and when it helps us to thrive, is a source of fascination for me. So, during the past two sessions, I asked the in-person and then online gathering the same question, “What does community mean to you and when have you felt a sense of it in your lives?”
Here are some voice clips I recorded during a meeting, followed by some written pieces we came up with on the topic. We would love to read your thoughts too in the comments below.
Creativity
I picture creativity as a constant companion we all have, one who can always be relied on, even though how they appear is sometimes not as we expect or want them to be.
An example of this is worry. Sometimes I have found myself catastrophising over terrible things that might befall me or my loved ones, and the detail has been so vivid that I have had a physical reaction; heart racing, clenched stomach, tension in the shoulders and given enough time, tiredness. As much as I don’t enjoy these side effects, I acknowledge and welcome the creativity that caused them as a loyal friend. It is doing exactly what my brain requested it to, painting pictures in my head, so well that I believed them for a minute. I also embrace this form of creativity because it has a conjoined twin who, guided by intention, brings me the ability to visualise positive possibilities for myself and others. When I combine this form of imagination with the energy of hope, I can turn what I have pictured into moments that bring intentions to life.
Continue reading “Creativity”
The Stories of Our Lives 