ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the intentions, rationales, and practical considerations for the use of poems, stories, and images in conveying course themes. In the interest of textural flow in this section the term 'poems and stories' will be used but it includes the other implicit teaching tools of images and visual aids. Poems and stories form a bridge between ideas and experience. The inner wisdom that Saki Santorelli wrote of earlier in the book is drawn forth by skilful use of poems and stories. Stories or poems can be used to introduce discussion and consolidate the theme of the session. Poems and stories can offer a helpful way to consciously rebalance group energies. It is not uncommon for a group to include one or more participants who are partially or fully unable to connect with metaphor. The teachers ‘inside out’ embodied awareness in the moment is an important guide to enabling creative engagement with the group.
