Story in the Sand - How to Bridge Reality & Story
The following story practice is an example of The Storytelling Loop. It is intended to bring calm and comfort into you and your child’s life.
Fill a small bowl with sand, either from the playground, the hardware store, or wherever. Put your hands in it and let your child feel it as you tell the following story.
Imagine that you and your child are walking along an empty shoreline. Sand of intricate colors is at your feet, which feels warm and comforting. Describe it to your child, even the little details. You hear the sound of the waves, patient, rhythmic, giving you both a sense of stability. Whatever you see in your mind's eye (a bird, the sun) describe it. Let it be your story.
Suddenly, as you're walking over a rise in the sand you see something unexpected on the other side. What is it? Describe it and give it character. Maybe there is something you need to do? Maybe there is something to explore? Let your imagination lead the way. Your voice follows in its footsteps.
As the story comes to a close, notice if you or your child have a new relationship to the sand in your hands.
Each practice we offer is based on a method we call The Storytelling Loop. Don't worry about the details. You can always change the story. The important thing is to learn the method – start with reality, tell a story, then end up with a new reality.
