Words, stories, pictures and what’s good for us

James Baker: ABC ‘The world today’ March 5th 2008 had this to say:

‘Everyone was a bit happier overall, so everyone was a little bit less distressed but the big difference was that people who actually started a blog, felt more socially integrated.’

And James Pennebaker says this:

Importantly, he adds this:

And I certainly know that drawing about stuff has been good for the people I have worked with for years…and although I do bear in mind Jonathan Adler when he says that:

‘The stories that stick around…become who we are’

He says that stories of ‘victorious struggles’ are the stories that help us. Those stories where we just go round and round a problem aren’t so helpful. Doing this with others he calls ‘Co-ruminating’.

Look at these terrific drawings.

This woman in her 50’s who describes in this drawing, her flight to freedom across several war-torn countries.

And this 53 year old man who has a wonderful memory of being on his father’s shoulders as a child.

And this young woman who draws herself the person, herself scared and herself brave.

And this teenage boy who just expresses his opinion about an event where he was socially brave.

Stories of victory are good for us, putting words down on paper (in certain ways) is good for us, drawings tell stories…so…I’m thinking…all worth thinking about.