Why 'Real Talk' speaks volumes.

On Thursday the 28th of February 2019 I popped into 'Real Talk' at the Scottish Story Telling Center for a two hour long event. Addressing well being in the context of mental health through story telling is an interesting concept and the event was one of many with the next being held on 23rd of May.

What struck me initially on entering the event room was the atmosphere which was relaxed with an informal table arrangement - encouraging interaction but not enforcing it with access to refreshments. Candles on each table added to the sense of everyone being involved and the event was not a case of the story tellers being the performers separate from the audience but rather a large mix of individuals with a common interest: Mental health.

If the audience members felt anticipation for the event ahead which I certainly did - they were right to do so as the event not only delivered powerful stories relating to mental health but communicated an abundance of feelings, emotions and courage from the story tellers. The individual journeys of the speakers were told with an honesty and rawness and tears were shed but they also spoke of hope, recovery and and acceptance.

Is story telling an art? After witnessing the story tellers at work I feel there is an art to it but not an exact art - rather a wonderful mixture of splats, varying brush strokes, dark hidden colors and bright surprising masterpieces where you least expect them. The individuals contrasted and varied with their techniques and this is what made the evening interesting, informative and even almost hypnotic to a degree. Story strategies included metaphor, imagery and reading. Words and sentences floated around with the impression of wanting to be understood but mostly wanting to reach others in terms of meaning, impact and experience.

The host was present throughout - coordinating the evening yet with a discretion and upmost respect to the story tellers which eased the flow of the event which comprised of a discussion and also and Q and A. There were discussion prompts on the tables which provoked a lot of debate and chatter - at the table where I was seated the discussion was centered around labels, diagnosis and medical intervention.

It is clear that an area such as mental health could be the subject of many hours of debate and conversation but equally it is an all important and relevant issue which through the means of story telling adds a different dimension and atmosphere. It is a reminder to us all that we each have a story if we so wish to tell/write it. I feel there is a sense of freedom in this knowledge that 'Real Talk' helps to reveal and nurture in this safe and rather intimate setting.

Personally I feel full of admiration for the story tellers and had a memorable evening which caused much reflection.

Next event from 'Real Talk'

23rd of May at 19.30pm at The Scottish Storytelling Center

social media contact - facebook.com/realtalkstorytelling

https://www.realtalkproject.org/

Real Talk Community 5 Rose Street Edinburgh

Midlothian Madam

thank 'Real Talk' for their kind

invitation to this wonderful

evening which was full of

inspiration.