“Not only is your story worth telling, but it can be told in words so painstakingly eloquent that it becomes a song.” ~ Gloria Naylor
In recent weeks, I’ve been telling the story of Compass Yoga to new audiences who are just beginning to hear about it – partner organizations, potential business partners, and yoga students and teachers. Eventually each conversation leads to asking what sparked the idea. I tell them my own personal story and my family’s story of grappling with mental and physical illness and the powerful role that yoga and meditation have played in helping me to feel well and whole. I talk about paying the gift forward and the joy of being able to do so. It really has become a song of sorts that stays with people.
I think that’s what happens when your story is filled with a lot of heart – it develops its own independent rhythm. Somehow it crafts its own life in its own right. People can identify with it, connect to it, and fit themselves into it in some way. Seeing stories just as they begin to weave together is a beautiful act to witness. It makes me teary-eyed with anticipation at the amazing story that’s about to be wrought by joining forces. Our story, to fully come alive, needs the story of others, just like food needs seasoning and melody needs harmony. We are stronger together.
Christa Avampato 