May 17, 2023

As far back as 20,000 years, our ancestors were telling stories and expressing themselves through art, including cave paintings, sculptures and carvings. Throughout our history, humans have been driven by the urge to create and express themselves through various mediums like art, literature, and music. These modes of creative expression allow us to share our stories, helping us to relate to one another, understand the world around us, and feel less alone.

Storytelling is not only a common thread that binds us throughout our history, it is a personal way of revealing our authentic selves. Telling your story or listening to someone else’s story brings us together. Think about it—haven’t you ever felt a strong sense of connection with someone after hearing their story?

Conversations Lead to Connection

An authentic and meaningful conversation can energize and inspire. Conversation is not just a way to exchange information—it can also be a form of storytelling and self-expression. When we engage in conversation, we have the opportunity to share our experiences, ideas, and perspectives with others, and to learn from theirs. This experience enriches our lives.

Engaging in conversation is a non-threatening way to connect with people of all ages and in any situation. When we converse, we create an opportunity for people to express who they are and what they care about, which promotes a sense of wellbeing, belonging, and connection. Meaningful conversations create bonds of trust that open space to ask deep questions and listen more intently.

Here are a few things to remember when trying to foster deeper conversations and deeper connections: listen without distraction, show genuine curiosity by asking thoughtful questions, practice empathy, make others feel appreciated and valued, and resist the inclination to judge.

Film Brings Us Together…Join Us!

Film is one of the most universal ways to tell stories, connecting us by helping us understand and relate to each other’s different perspectives. The UnLonely Film Festival aims to connect us through our shared experiences of loneliness and isolation. Register now for the UnLonely Film Festival Season 7 Virtual Launch Event on Sunday, June 4th, 2023 at 7pm ET.

At The Foundation for Art & Healing, we think that conversation can power your own Project UnLonely by understanding what is most important to you, sharing your story with others, and getting connected.