I utilize Godly Play (aka Spirit Play) storytelling method as a way to invite participants to reflect about their lived experience. Jerome Berryman, the founder of the Godly Play storytelling modality, valued the participants' capacity to articulate their inner wisdom and insight into the story. As opposed to pouring in knowledge, the pedagogical approach is to draw out the inner wisdom and insight that is already in each participant. The Godly Play storyteller's role is to support the participant's work of articulating insights and making connections - the mirroring of one's inner life into the story.
Mythologies with spiritual themes are fabulous tools to invite participants to reflect about their inner lives and struggles. Below are some of the mythologies from different cultures that I have utilized in my Spiritual Care Groups. Spiritual Care facilitators in whatever context are welcome to use the resource materials attached here (in PDF). This page is a work in progress, and at a later time I will post videos of me telling the story for facilitators:
1. The Cracked Jar (South Asia / Theme: Gifts not in our awareness) Leader's Guide: Short, Long; Participant's Guide; Art
2. The Warrior and the Monk (East Asia / Theme: emotional regulation) Leader's Guide: Short, Long: Participant's Guide; Art
3. Punchinello (American / Theme: on judgments & our beloved self) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
4. Peace Be Still - Calming the Stormy Sea (Christian / Theme: peace during crisis) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
5. Parable of the Good Samaritan (Christian / Theme: Loving your neighbor) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
6. Parable of the Good Shepherd (Christian / Theme: faith in the love of our Creator) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
7. Thank You Brother Bear (Alaskan / Theme: obstacles of our healing, and receiving support) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
8. The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Christian / Theme: growth) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
9. The Parable of the Leaven (Christian / Theme: the process of becoming living bread) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
10. The Parable of the Sower (Christian / Theme: Growth) Plant Reflection / Seed Reflection, Leader's Guide
11. The Parable of the Great Pearl (Christian / Theme: What is most valuable?) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
12. The Fish Searching for the Ocean (Theme: Seeking God) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
OTHERS
13. The Master and a Cup of Tea (Buddhist / Theme: The Learner's Mind) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
14. The Butter & The Milk (India / Theme: How to Seek for God) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
15. Francisco Rowed His Canoe Into the Stormy Sea (Filipino / Theme: Riding the wave) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
16. Maybe - The Old Farmer, his Horses and Sons (Taoist / Theme: Going with the flow) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
17. Story of a Bird in a Golden Cage (India / Theme: Freedom) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
18. The Labyrinth (Pop film / Theme: Life's twists and turns & claiming our power) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
19. The Last Airbender: The Avatar (Pop Animation / Theme: The spiritual qualities of the 4 elements) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
Mythologies with spiritual themes are fabulous tools to invite participants to reflect about their inner lives and struggles. Below are some of the mythologies from different cultures that I have utilized in my Spiritual Care Groups. Spiritual Care facilitators in whatever context are welcome to use the resource materials attached here (in PDF). This page is a work in progress, and at a later time I will post videos of me telling the story for facilitators:
1. The Cracked Jar (South Asia / Theme: Gifts not in our awareness) Leader's Guide: Short, Long; Participant's Guide; Art
2. The Warrior and the Monk (East Asia / Theme: emotional regulation) Leader's Guide: Short, Long: Participant's Guide; Art
3. Punchinello (American / Theme: on judgments & our beloved self) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
4. Peace Be Still - Calming the Stormy Sea (Christian / Theme: peace during crisis) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
5. Parable of the Good Samaritan (Christian / Theme: Loving your neighbor) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
6. Parable of the Good Shepherd (Christian / Theme: faith in the love of our Creator) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
7. Thank You Brother Bear (Alaskan / Theme: obstacles of our healing, and receiving support) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
8. The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Christian / Theme: growth) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
9. The Parable of the Leaven (Christian / Theme: the process of becoming living bread) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
10. The Parable of the Sower (Christian / Theme: Growth) Plant Reflection / Seed Reflection, Leader's Guide
11. The Parable of the Great Pearl (Christian / Theme: What is most valuable?) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
12. The Fish Searching for the Ocean (Theme: Seeking God) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
OTHERS
13. The Master and a Cup of Tea (Buddhist / Theme: The Learner's Mind) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
14. The Butter & The Milk (India / Theme: How to Seek for God) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
15. Francisco Rowed His Canoe Into the Stormy Sea (Filipino / Theme: Riding the wave) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
16. Maybe - The Old Farmer, his Horses and Sons (Taoist / Theme: Going with the flow) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
17. Story of a Bird in a Golden Cage (India / Theme: Freedom) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
18. The Labyrinth (Pop film / Theme: Life's twists and turns & claiming our power) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
19. The Last Airbender: The Avatar (Pop Animation / Theme: The spiritual qualities of the 4 elements) Art & Reflection, Leader's Guide
