My Musings on Storytelling: Reflections from Four Decades
Beyond the performance lies the philosophy of storytelling. Explore my personal reflections on the craft, from the rhythm of movement to the silence that connects us all.
A reflection on the storytelling process, focusing on space and movement. The environment, whether it's under a tree or in a decorated room, becomes a part of the story itself. The soul searching continues.
My thoughts on the art of listening. To be an effective storyteller, one must first be a good listener, not just to others, but to our own inner voices. The words LISTEN and SILENT are made of the same letters for a reason.
A video reflecting on the year gone by. It is a collage of memories, from performances and workshops to media features, celebrating the thousands of people we have reached through the power of story.
A story I shared at the Shri Ramachandra Mission in the Himalayas. Telling a tale against the backdrop of the mountains, for an audience deep in meditation, was a profound experience where the story became part of the penetrating silence.
A moment from the 20th year celebrations of the Tagore Institute. I have been associated with them for 15 years, and it was a joy to conduct a workshop and share an inspiring talk with their community.
About this collection
When I use puppets, masks, or simple instruments, it is never for mere entertainment. These tools exist to lower the barrier between the speaker and the listener, creating a space where stories can bypass the noise of daily life and touch the Antardhwani, or inner voice. Whether I am in a classroom or a meditation retreat, my goal is to help you move past performance and find the story that is already within you, waiting to be heard.
Storytelling is, at its heart, an act of listening. Often, we fill our days with chatter, forgetting that the letters used to spell LISTEN and SILENT are the same. My musings here focus on how we can bridge that gap.
The Philosophy of the Craft
For 45 years, I have explored why we tell stories. It is rarely just for fun. It is about connection. When I conduct a session at a corporate summit or a local school, I am looking for that moment where the audience stops being a passive observer and becomes a participant. We use the Japanese Kamishibai technique, traditional puppets, and rhythmic movement to facilitate this engagement.
Finding Your Antardhwani
We are all elemental by nature, but we often lose touch with our own voices. My workshops and retreats, such as our sessions at Arunachala, are designed to strip away the distractions. We look at different forms of listening—critical listening, empathetic listening, and listening to associate—to help you become a better storyteller in your own life, whether you are a teacher, parent, or leader.
Practical Storytelling Skills
If you are looking to learn, my approach is hands-on. We do not just discuss theories. We practice vocal projection, the use of masks, and the art of the 'story walk.' My heritage tale walks in places like Basavanagudi serve as a prime example of how we can use a physical space to unlock historical and cultural narratives. If you want to understand how to structure a narrative, use silence effectively, or simply find the confidence to speak your truth, I invite you to explore my upcoming workshops.
Geeta Ramanujam
I am Geeta. For 45 years, I have walked the path of a storyteller to help people rediscover the art of listening. My work is about peeling back the layers of the world to help you reconnect with your own voice.
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