Module 8: Finding Ourselves in Fairy Tales

Introduction

• Final module of the course.
• Focus on new techniques and ways to work with fairy tales.

Learning Objectives

• Plan to use techniques to deepen understanding of personal life stories.
• Acquire storytelling techniques for informal settings.

Main Methods Covered

1. Written Practices
2. Creating an Inner Imaginarium
3. Active Imagination
4. Storytelling Techniques

Written Practices

• Letter Writing: Write a letter to a character or yourself.
• Journaling: Reflective practice, ongoing through fairy tale work.
• Poetry: Create poetry based on fairy tales. Inspired by authors like Anne Sexton.
• Scripts/Plays: Transform prose into scripts to explore dialogue.
• Monologues/Soliloquies: Write what a character is thinking.
• Diary Entries: For characters in stories.
• Interviews with Characters: Ask questions and imagine responses.
• Post-story Exploration: Consider characters' lives beyond the story.
• Emails/Telephone Scripts: Explore dialogue through different mediums.
• Blurb Writing: Summarize life/thematic stories to reveal meanings.

Creating Your Inner Imaginarium

• Concept of mythic imagination.
• Collect images and objects that resonate personally.
• Identify recurring themes and characters.
• Engage creatively: paint, draw, sew, etc.

Active Imagination

• Inspired by Jung's method post-crisis with Freud.
• Inspection: Visualize and engage with an image until it feels alive.
• Confrontation: Dialogue with the image or character.
• Dreamweaving Technique: Combines relaxation and focused attention.
  • Journey involves progressive relaxation and entering the imaginal world.
  • Engage with characters or landscapes in fairy tales.
• Henri Corbin's concept of the imaginal world.

Storytelling

• Informal storytelling around friends, family, and social gatherings.
• Choosing a Story: Story with a theme or idea important to you.
• Story Structure: Remember key points (6-9 plot points).
• Opening and Ending: Simple, memorable.
• Story Circles: Share stories around common themes.
  • Can focus on folklore or personal stories.
  • Structured or open sessions.
  • Need skilled facilitation.
• Discussion Questions: Used to prompt and conclude storytelling circles.

Conclusion

• Aim to apply techniques to personal and therapeutic settings.
• Explore ways of working with fairy tales not covered.
• Forum question: How will you use these techniques to deepen your understanding of your life story?