storytelling

Always present, stories shape our lives. It is the way by which we find the capacity to give meaning to what we've lived. Much of conflict is about the search for meaning, how we make sense of what is happening in and around us. Storytelling and the centrality of narrative feature significantly in John Paul's peacebuilding practice, as they offer a more holistic way to reflect in a much wider sense on the dynamics of a situation or the experience of people. In this way, it provides a shift away from exclusive dependence on cognitive, rational, and linear understandings of reality and open toward more a holistic, nuanced, and compassionate approaches. This section features stories John Paul shares in his writing and teaching, many of which uplift the courageous and creative leadership of peacebuilding colleagues around the world.