Dr. Lewis Thomas, physician, author, poet, researcher quipped that human-beings are a narrative species.  We can’t help ourselves. We tell stories all the time through dialogue, songs, art, dance, plays, jokes, writing and speaking. Every story has a purpose whether for entertainment, edification, fun or any other reason. The motives for telling stories are countless: to explain or justify an issue, to ease a heartache, to describe an experience of beauty or expound on something that intrigued us, and so on. Storytelling allows us to create imagery, and in so doing, recreate our sense of self. Stories can keep family histories alive, especially from generation to generation. How many of us regret not asking our grandparents, great grandparents, and other elder relatives questions about our family that we will never know the answers to now?
When adults tell children stories, and when children tell their own stories, it helps them expand their emotional intelligence and spark their creativity. It is also a way to teach them about morality without being didactic or punitive. For example, take Aesop’s Fables which are great little stories about animals packed with subtle lessons for people. Think of these valuable catalysts for growth:

Important Life Lessons From Aesop’s Fables:

• The Tortoise and the Hare: Slow & steady wins the race!…
• The Ant and the Grasshopper: Work Hard and Play Hard! … 7
• The Dog and the Shadow: Be happy With What You Have. …
• The Crow and the Pitcher: There’s always a way! …
• The Bell and the Cat: Ideas Are Good, But Execution Is Better!…
• The Lion, The Ass, and the Fox Learn from the failure of others!…
• The Dog and his Shadow Be happy with what you have!…
• The Two Crabs  Set an example

What story have you heard recently that stuck with you?  Contemplate the purpose behind the story and why it was so meaningful.