Through stories we share ourselves with others. Our stories are deep, personal, and sacred and must be protected.
Photo by Mike Erskine on Unsplash
Unfortunately, we are often so disconnected from our own story we fail to realize the sacredness of sharing stories with each other.
Sharing facts and information is not the same as sharing a heartfelt story. Consider the difference between reading a textbook and reading a novel or watching a good movie.
Information feeds our minds while stories feed our souls.
And many men are more comfortable sharing facts than sharing their soul.
Facts are safe and objective. There’s generally nothing here to protect per se, and so we often handle this information casually.
On the other hand, our stories reveal something personal about us and they are not something we share with just anyone. Because stories expose our heart and vulnerabilities they must be protected.
How have you handled your own story? Do you engage it with curiosity and wonder? Do you consider it sacred?
Protecting its sacredness is not keeping it hidden or secret. We need to share our stories, but only with those who will honor and respect the personal and heart-exposed nature of our stories.
How do you handle the stories of others? Do you engage it with curiosity and wonder? Do you consider it sacred?
Treating it as sacred means not handling it casually, sharing it indiscriminately like mere objective facts. It is holding a space for another to freely share without fear – to trust their story will be held with value and significance whether they are present or not.
Start by getting in touch with your own story. You have a story worth sharing and it is sacred.
Then become the man who will protect and honor the stories of others. Let your life and presence communicate you can be trusted with its sacredness.
When our stories are honored and protected, we strengthen our bonds of connection and allow a deeper presence to grow in each other’s lives.
