Storytelling- Day 5 & 6

We started the session with some interesting stories of vacation.We were literally engrossed into it as per the narration done by each participants.After it we added light on a few topics like types of Abhinaya, Story ideas etc. Abhinaya means to carry towards in sanskrit. Carrying ideas and emotions towards the audience. Types of Abhinaya are Angika Abhinaya : The art of conveying emotions through physical gestures and postures.2. Vachika Abhinaya : The use of voice and speech to express emotions and tell stories.3. Aharya Abhinaya : The employment of costumes, makeup, and accessories to enhance the storytelling experience.4. Satvika Abhinaya : The expression of emotions through internal feelings and emotional states.Our Facilitators provided great insights about each topic and also showed videos related to each type of Abhinaya which enabled us to understand it better.

Now after learning Abhinaya related topic properly.We went to explore story ideas through an activity where we were supposed to get 5 story theme’s but finally work on one story.Once story was developed on basic frame of Beginning, Middle part and End of the story, We were supposed to share the story with other participants and get feedback on the same.Facilitators shared their works and added individual attention that we are on right track towards making of stories. Thank you to both Sagar sir and Nayan sir for an engaging and enlightening session. 

Days 1 and 2 of the Critical Thinking Session: A Shift in Perspective

The first two days of our Critical Thinking session have been nothing short of transformative, reshaping how I approach everyday problems and decision-making. With the guidance of insightful facilitators, we delved into the complexities of brain development and engaged with thought-provoking questions that emphasized the power of perspective. I realized how viewing situations from different angles can significantly change the decisions we make.

One of the most impactful topics we explored was the concept of System 1 and System 2 thinking. System 1 is our quick, intuitive mode of thought. It’s always active, helping us respond instantly to simple tasks—like recognizing faces, interpreting familiar situations, or reacting to sudden events. On the other hand, System 2 is our slower, more analytical side. It’s engaged when we need to think critically, analyze complex problems, or make deliberate decisions. It’s a reminder to pause and engage System 2 for more balanced and well-considered choices.

The session also deepened my awareness of subtle social and political influences on our thoughts and decisions. I hadn’t fully realized how much external factors shape our worldview. Now, I find myself questioning certain ideas I’ve taken for granted and examining my own biases more closely.

Overall, this experience has sparked a more nuanced approach to daily challenges. It’s shown me that the first reaction isn’t always the best one, and that stepping back to think critically can lead to more balanced and effective solutions.

Day 3 and 4- Critical Thinking

Day 3 and 4 of our Critical Thinking class were incredibly engaging and thought-provoking, filled with activities that challenged us to question our choices and the biases that shape them.

One of the standout exercises was an activity where we each chose a product we are loyal to—one we use regularly without ever considering an alternative brand. Once we selected our “dear” product, we were asked to do something unthinkable: “murder” it. We had to find alternative products, research them, and identify any disadvantages of the product we were so attached to. This was no easy task, but as we delved into the research, we discovered that there are often many options out there that could rival or even outperform the products we habitually use. This sparked a new awareness in us, prompting us to examine how easily we become attached to brands, often due to influences like media, culture, or familiarity.

This exercise led to deeper reflection about how our choices are shaped by biases we might not even be aware of. We also realized how critical it is to question and rethink the decisions we make, even the ones we assume to be entirely our own.

Another stimulating activity involved debating controversial topics. We were tasked with defending both sides of an argument, which made us confront our biases head-on. Whether rooted in personal emotions, cultural perspectives, or societal influences, our biases emerged and became visible. This exercise helped us understand how biases can sway our perspectives without us realizing it, especially in areas that we feel strongly about.

In short, these days were a deep dive into the power of critical thinking. They reminded us of the importance of questioning our assumptions, considering alternative viewpoints, and examining the underlying reasons for our choices. We left with a renewed sense of curiosity about the world and the ways our minds work, eager to continue this journey of discovery.

Storytelling

I really enjoyed the past two days of the Life Class.

The 5th and 6th sessions on Storytelling were engaging and went very well. The facilitator did an excellent job teaching us how to write a story. Their communication and explanation skills were impressive, and their guidance on vachika, angika, aharya, and satvika aspects of storytelling was truly commendable. The movie we watched was also fantastic.

Storytelling day 5-6

The storytelling sessions 5 and 6 have been like a transformative journey, offering new insights into the art of narrative construction. Through a deep dive into the four types of abhinayas—Angika, Vachika, Aharya, and Satvika—we learned how these elements can dramatically shift the emotional depth and tone of a story. One of the most striking moments was when we explored how these expressive tools could enrich a narrative, with the film Rockstar serving as a powerful illustration of the protagonist’s evolution through each type of abhinaya. This real-world example allowed us to understand how emotional intensity and character development can be communicated through physical gesture, dialogue, attire, and emotional states. Sagar Sir’s approach to blending these elements into our storytelling exercises encouraged us to experiment and refine our own creations. It was a truly inspiring experience to see how these elements could be woven together to craft a story that feels both vivid and dynamic. The ability to breathe life into our narratives, using these tools, has left a lasting impression, reminding us that storytelling is not just about what is told, but how it is expressed.

#storytelling

story telling day 5&6

In the storytelling sessions on days 5 and 6, we had the opportunity to dive deeply into essential storytelling elements, such as story structure and character development. We learned how to build a story that flows logically according to a structured framework. This process helped us understand the importance of organizing a story from beginning to end, ensuring that it captivates the audience and moves seamlessly.

A major focus was on crafting compelling characters and establishing their goals, motivations, and conflicts. These elements help bring the story to life, allowing readers to connect with the characters and become invested in their journey. Additionally, we discussed how to create focus in our stories by centering on key moments or conflicts, which adds intensity and purpose to the narrative.

The sessions were engaging and well-structured, and they gave us the freedom to use our creativity to prepare our own stories. Working with my own ideas allowed me to apply the techniques we learned and enjoy the process of bringing my story to life. Overall, these sessions were incredibly enriching, and I felt motivated and inspired to continue exploring the art of storytelling.

Storytelling day 5 and 6 : The two days of our storytelling workshop were packed with engaging discussions, thought-provoking videos, and a movie that tied everything together.Day 5: Exploring Abhinaya and Story Ideas. We began the day by delving into the world of Abhinaya, a crucial aspect of storytelling in Indian classical dance and theater. Our facilitators guided us through an immersive session, where we learned about four distinct types of Abhinaya:1. Angika Abhinaya : The art of conveying emotions through physical gestures and postures.2. Vachika Abhinaya : The use of voice and speech to express emotions and tell stories.3. Aharya Abhinaya : The employment of costumes, makeup, and accessories to enhance the storytelling experience.4. Sattvika Abhinaya : The expression of emotions through internal feelings and emotional states. Following the Abhinaya session, we shifted our focus to generating story ideas. Our facilitators provided prompts and guidelines, and we worked in groups to create three to five story ideas, each with its own unique theme and genre, sharing Stories and getting feedback. After developing our story ideas, we took turns sharing them with the group. This was a valuable opportunity to receive feedback, suggestions, and encouragement from our peers. Day 6: Refining Our Stories : we revisited our story ideas and worked on refining the one that resonated with us the most. Our facilitators offered guidance and support as we honed our storytelling skills.

Storytelling (Day5,6)

Blog Post: My Experience with Storytelling Sessions

Over the past two days, I had the pleasure of diving into the art of storytelling through engaging sessions focused on the four types of abhinayas. We explored each abhinaya in depth, learning how each type can uniquely shape a story’s narrative, bringing different layers and perspectives to the tale. One of the highlights was crafting my own story, structuring it carefully, and detailing it in a way that aligned with the abhinaya style. Completing the accompanying worksheet solidified these concepts, allowing me to reflect on how versatile storytelling can be.

The key takeaway from these sessions was discovering how to narrate the story. These two days were truly fruitful, and I’m grateful for this enriching experience. Thank you!!

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