And What Do You Do?
...
I play. Do you? ::grin::
Lorecraefting
Lorecraefting often begins with a setting of scene -- sometimes words providing a signal that "time and space" as we perceive it is being suspended. Not thrown away or discarded permanently, simply put on a shelf to the side where it is no longer our primary or even, only, way of being aware.
The same thing happens in a movie theater. You pay for a ticket, purchase from the concession stand, then find your seat listening to piped in music, watching a slide show on the screen with all of the lights on--all of which can be considered gentle transitional rituals.
The ritual opening begins with the dimming of lights, rather than "opening words"--at that time, the audience enters into a commitment with the filmmakers to accept for the moment an imaginary world and its "rules"
This is also done in various ways in classrooms, business meetings, board meetings, sales presentations .... anywhere people gather.
The signal (or ritual) is merely a way of focusing. Focusing is what allows action to bring forth a manifestation.
There are also endings rituals, used to return the participants back to their perception of reality. A good lorecraefter will solidly reground themselves and those participating back in "everyday" life.
Power of Storying
Almost everything relies upon the power of a story. In fact, an entire industry is based upon the power of storying--the Entertainment industry. Tv? storying. Radio? storying. Magazines? storying. Newspapers? storying. comics? storying. Lyrics? storying.
But let's go to the back of beyond . . . for ancient tribes (as well as today's cultures) storying is one way that beliefs, morals and codes of behavior are passed on. Storying--lorecraefting cuts across what seem to be barriers or boundaries: age, race, creed, and beliefs.
Oral and kinesthetic lorecraefting has two important elements,
the lorecraefter and the audience. Without much
interaction between the two only a lecture will be delivered--dull,
ungripping, and one-sided.
The audience mind is the fertile ground in which the lorecraefter
plants the seed of the tale, whilst the hearer makes the
tale come to life.
Imagination is what makes a tale come alive. Lorecraefters
stimulate the player's imagination, encouraging it
to grow, to blossom, to be shared.
Lorecraefting can be amusing; allow us to understand our selves, people, places, things, the natual world; provide bridges and paths; wisdom, history and often most importantly, connection.
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