Story Work/Story Play: The Four-Door Method of Narrative Spirituality
Ebook
A central assumption of narrative spirituality is that the act of retelling the story of episodes of our lives can help us better see the larger Guiding Story that God dreams for us. When I can see my Guiding Story more clearly, I am better able to handle crisis and transition and better able to see my true purpose. Story Work/Story Play lays out a four-door method of spirituality that invites participants to explore their Guiding Story through four doors that correspond to the four parts of any story--a main character, a problem to solve, the power needed to solve it, and the action taken by the main character. The chapter for each of these four "doors" provides theological, psychological, and scriptural foundations for the narrative method and includes up to ten to fifteen "story work/story play" exercises the reader can use to practice the method. Each chapter also includes profile stories of real people who have discovered layers of their own Guiding Stories. The book ends each chapter with a Guided Visualization. The book's final chapter explains how members of a "narrative circle" can use the narrative spirituality tools of this book to discern each one's own unique Guiding Story.
“This is a wonderful book full of rich possibilities and challenges. Mary LaMont invites us to explore our unique guiding stories in order to discover and deepen the life that God intends for each of us. Weaving together Scripture, contemporary writings, psychology, and philosophy, she has provided an abundance of tools to empower seekers, counselors, and spiritual companions to see their stories through a new lens to bring about spiritual growth and healing.”
—Laraine Bodnar, clinical therapist, Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide
“In Story Work/Story Play, Mary LaMont offers a highly engaging process to support readers in peeling away layers to discover the ‘Guiding Story’ that God has planted in them. This book is both accessible and illuminating. Whether you are new to narrative spirituality or a seasoned spiritual seeker or guide, this book is an invaluable resource, one that you will return to over and over again.”
—Ben Freville, Dominican University
“In Story Work/Story Play, Mary LaMont explores the power of stories. She offers practical strategies for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual practice. This is a valuable resource for discovering the stories that shape our lives.”
—Patrick Brown, Loyola Academy
- Title: Story Work/Story Play: The Four-Door Method of Narrative Spirituality
- Author: Mary LaMont
- Publisher: Cascade Books
- Print Publication Date: 2023
- Logos Release Date: 2023
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666743920, 9781666743913, 1666743917, 9781666743906, 1666743909, 1666743925
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666743920
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-05-09T22:53:16Z
Mary LaMont is the director of The Knocking Door, a Chicago-area ministry that provides retreats, workshops, and spiritual direction for church groups, schools, religious orders, and other pastoral ministers. LaMont taught theology for more than twenty-five years at Loyola Academy in Wilmette. She is also trained in Buddhist meditation from the Zen Life Meditation Center. She has a master’s degree from Catholic Theological Union in Scripture and sacramental theology and a degree in American studies and communications from Notre Dame.