We Are the Storytellers

One of my spiritual teachers, a Buddhist psychotherapist, Ralph De La Rosa recently

passed away at the age of 47. I took an online training from him a few months ago and

found out that he left the earth just a few weeks after I completed the course.

What hit me while processing his surprising death was not only the grief of the loss and

that I would not be able to learn from him anymore, but that he was the same age that I

am. It brought up some existential worry about my own time on the earth and how our

days are all limited.

Through my own spiritual studies and Buddhist teachings I don’t dread death and do

have a level of acceptance of it. However, it brought forth the feeling that as my

teachers become elders and begin to depart this earth, it is now time for my generation

to step into that role. Ralph’s early departure encouraged me to recognize my own

mortality and made me think about the legacy that I’d like to leave behind.

Throughout my life I’ve always been a student, and sometimes a teacher. I love sharing

the gems of knowledge and healing practices I’ve learned from the amazing people I

have had the privilege of studying with. What I’m coming to realize is that I, too, can be

both a teacher and storyteller. That in doing so I am honoring the passage of teachings and teachers that have come before me.

At times I’ve wondered if the ego is driving the desire to be in a role of teacher. While

there certainly have been times in the past that my ego has driven me to want validation

and accolades, I’m now settling into a desire to simply be a conduit to continue to pass

on what has been so generously offered to me.

The stories that I’ve had the privilege to hear and be a part of have taught me how to

show up in my life with compassion, grace and curiosity. By sharing our stories with one

another we normalize the ups and downs of life. We connect with each other through

our stories. We learn about the world, cultures, different perspectives and become more

open to possibility through stories.

We all have stories to tell. The more challenging part is to have the courage to share. To

let go of the shame or limiting beliefs we hold on to that keep us from allowing ourselves to be fully seen. It is through our sharing of experiences that we get to move beyond what we thought might be possible and step into the unknown.

In my therapy practice I have the privilege of sitting with people every day while they

bravely share their life stories with me. Each and every day I am moved by the

resilience of spirit that they show and their courageousness in allowing themselves to

be seen in a vulnerable way. It is through my clients stories that I learn how to sit

compassionately with someone and hold space for their own healing and awakening.

What stories have you been holding on to that are ready to be released?

How might telling your stories help others as they move through the world?

What legacy do you want to leave as a teacher, student, friend and family member?