Resuming Fall, 2021
What is this program?
The Transformational Storytelling training program is dedicated to developing your skills and spiritual depth as a transformational storyteller: someone who inspires others to change through stories and spiritual guidance.
The program has foundations in the Jewish tradition of maggidut: the art and practice of being a spiritual storyteller. However, it emphasizes the requirement that we encounter inspiration and spirituality from a multitude of perspectives, not a solitary point of view.
Who is it for?
The program is designed for anyone ready to use stories to inspire and transform others – and themselves. My students have included clergy, teachers, doctors, lawyers, educators: simply anyone who recognizes the power of story, and wants to become a skilled storyteller.
Recognizing the need for a multi-tradition approach, I have regular guest faculty from a variety of religions – you can read some of their biographies here.
Jewish students who desire s’micha, or ordination as a Maggid / Maggidah, can make special arrangements to pursue that worthy goal as part of this program. S’micha is never the default, but any Jewish student who wishes to follow this path and applies effort can be successful.
What does the program assume?
Each of us experiences spirituality in a “language” across a range from universal to particular: we recognize both the common values that underpin all faith traditions and the variety of practices and forms that are unique to each tradition. It has been our consistent experience that the more someone opens up to different – especially unfamiliar – expressions of faith and spirituality, the more they can deepen their own spirituality and faith traditions.
This is noble, challenging, and ultimately deeply transformative work, both for the “tellers” and the audience. As such, it requires facility in and knowledge of one’s own tradition, other traditions, and the art and science of spiritual storytelling. Additionally, development of these skills requires and results in personal spiritual transformation.
How does it work?
To accomplish this, Transformational Storytelling is a two-year experience divided into four semesters. You can find the contents of each semester here and the overall schedule here. You may request more information here or enroll here.
There are four themes which are explored throughout the program:
- Storytelling
- Multifaith foundations
- Spirituality
- Jewish foundations
There are two semesters a year. Each semester is made up of ten classes – approximately every other week – which is followed by an optional (but highly recommended) weekend of face-to-face study and public performance. These weekends are located to meet student needs.
Additionally, spiritual direction takes place in private one-to-one calls, once per month. Students typically pursue this with me (at no extra charge) to further integrate the deeper work that must be done.
Important Links:
Please contact me with any questions at JimBrule@TransformationalStorytelling.org!