I learned in a two-day session that storytelling is a powerful tool for expressing ideas. It relates to daily life, culture, past experiences, and beliefs. We discussed the difference between ‘bhava’ and ‘ras’, and engaged in activities and role play to express different emotions. The next day, we talked about projective interpretation. It was a fun learning experience that made us more aware of the details of theater.
“The storytelling sessions were truly captivating. They offered a refreshing perspective on films, allowing us to appreciate them in a whole new light. The creative activities provided invaluable insight into the behind-the-scenes craftsmanship of dramas and movies. Both days were exceptionally engaging and inspiring, leaving a lasting impact.”
It is a bag ith full of surprises and joy. On day 3 and 4, we had a few activities which made us to understand the technical aspects like 45 degree angle, breaking the fourth wall, and etc. In addition to that, we also learnt how to express different emotions and how expressing emotions can leave an impression on the audience. By following the structure of storytelling, we were able to achieve another milestone of storytelling journey. I also learned how non verbal communication also plays an important role in storytelling. Looking forward to many more learnings.
“Hum itne akele nahi….jitna hum sochte hai!!…”
these beautiful lines picked up from a monolog by Helly Shah; during Storytelling session taken up by Sagar Sir.
Amazing 2 enlightening days where we talked about the importance of 5 W’s in a story, elements of a story, its structure [begining, rising action, climax, falling action, conclusion] and few more things.
Knowing about breaking the 4th wall; which is an invisible wall between you and your audience was something we consciously pondered upon. Visuals are blessings!! Having said that we enacted a play which we made up by just connecting each sentence from participants and out of no where, who knew that it could lead to something magical!! Finally, watching the movie “Tamasha” gave more insights on the topic.
Those happy 2 days which kept me thinking about:
“Listen to your own voice…find a quite corner in your mind and spend some time. You will figure out so
many things..”
Critical thinking has profoundly shaped my understanding of life’s complexities, allowing me to approach each situation with a deeper level of insight. By examining issues from multiple perspectives, I’ve learned to question assumptions, analyze information critically, and identify underlying patterns. This process has helped to look through different lenses using System 1 and 2; also not only sharpened my decision-making but also enabled me to appreciate the different aspects of life—whether personal, professional, or societal. Viewing challenges through diverse lenses has expanded my mindset, fostering a more balanced, open, and thoughtful approach to navigating life’s uncertainties.
Introduction: I recently attended a life class on critical thinking that changed how I approach daily decisions and understand the world around me. We explored the importance of asking different types of questions, how politics shapes our lives, and the concept of System 1 and System 2 thinking, which shows how we make quick or slow decisions.
Understanding System 1 and System 2 Thinking: The session introduced us to the idea of System 1 (fast, instinctive thinking) and System 2 (slow, thoughtful thinking). Before the class, I often made quick decisions based on gut feelings. But now, I take a moment to think carefully, especially for important choices. For instance, when offered an extra project at work, I paused and thought it through. I realized it would add to my workload and might not benefit me in the long run, so I decided to decline.
Seeing Problems from New Angles: We learned the value of using different perspectives when approaching problems. Watching The Yogi movie, which touched on political themes, showed how much politics can affect our lives. This made me realize how often I let my biases or influences shape my views. Now, I ask myself questions like: Am I missing another side of the story? This habit has helped me understand situations more deeply.
Politics’ Subtle Influence: Politics plays a bigger role in our everyday decisions than we realize. From policies that affect our jobs to the news we consume, political messages shape our thinking. This session helped me become more aware of how political views can influence my opinions. I now question not just what I think but why I think that way.
Conclusion: The critical thinking class gave me practical tools to make smarter decisions and see issues from new perspectives. It also made me more aware of how politics influences my thoughts. Overall, it has helped me become more thoughtful and intentional in how I approach everyday life.
7 Habits of Love and Life,” a profound and enlightening session wherein we delved into three pivotal habits: being proactive, beginning with the end in mind and put first things first.
Habit 1 : Be Proactive :
A. Respond, Don’t React: One of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of being proactive is learning to respond thoughtfully rather than reacting on impulse. This involves pausing to consider the best course of action, which can lead to more positive outcomes in our decisions. B. Circle of Influence : Understanding and identifying our circle of influence is crucial. This means focusing on the things we can control and influence rather than wasting energy on external factors beyond our control. C. Change Your Paradigm: Adopting a proactive mindset requires a shift in paradigm. It’s about accepting that change is constant and necessary for growth.
Habit 2 : Begin with the end in mind
Be clear about your GOALS and start with achievable steps. Knowing exactly what we want to achieve allows us to create a roadmap to reach our destination. It’s important to start with actions that are within our control and manageable. These small victories build confidence as we progress towards our larger goals.
Habit 3: Put first things first : Identifying and scheduling the priorities, learning to say no and maintaining balance and being flexible is also important. Effective planning and prioritizing tasks that contribute significantly to our goals while avoiding unnecessary stress and overwork, is the key to steady progress and avoiding burnout.
The workshop provided deep insights into how all the habits are interwoven and essential for personal / professional growth and effective living. The journey towards self-improvement and success begins with small, deliberate steps and a clear vision of our goals.
We have started with the storytelling sessions and found them incredibly engaging. One of the highlights was the interesting activity where we created our own stories in groups and presented them as dramas. This made the learning process enjoyable.
We also delved into the structure and elements of stories, which provided a solid foundation for understanding what makes a compelling narrative. The first two sessions were captivating, and there was no moment where I felt my attention waver or bored.
I am eagerly looking forward to the remaining sessions and am excited to see what other insights and activities they will bring. Overall, it has been a fantastic experience so far.
On the first day, our facilitator narrated his own story through a drama, which helped us all get into the storytelling mindset. We then created an instant story on day 1 and enacted in groups on day two. The sessions included sharing our childhood memories, watching short inspiring videos, and a movie. Overall, it was a well-designed, interactive experience. I am excited for more stories to be created and brought to life in future sessions.
We have successfully completed the first two captivating sessions of our storytelling class, and what a delightful journey it has been! We thoroughly enjoyed the creative process of crafting and writing our stories, bringing them to life through performances, and exploring the art of storytelling. Additionally, we had the opportunity to watch a short film and a movie, which enabled us to make meaningful connections with the technical and creative aspects of storytelling. Through these experiences, we gained a deeper understanding of the craft and technicalities involved in weaving compelling narratives.
#storytelling