Gathering Spotlight: The Moth sans competition

For years, I’ve said that one of the scariest things I’d like to try doing (within the realm of things I actually might do like skydiving) is tell a story at The Moth. You tell a true story in front of a group of people. 6 minutes. No notes. My armpits are getting sweaty just typing this.

The one thing I do NOT like about the Moth StorySLAM model is that everyone who shares a story gets judged on a scale of 1-10 (#nothanks), so I thought: I’ll host my very own Storytelling Showcase! And make it a benefit for Convivir CO, the nonprofit where I’ve served as a board member for the last four years.

That night, I shared a story of (almost not) summiting Mount Kilimanjaro at 19 with my dad. As emcee, I also told a group of 30+ people that I’m the friend who showers the least in my friend groups 🤷🏻‍♀.

More importantly, I created a space for my community to share courageously and listen generously.

A friend e-mailed me the next day saying it was her favorite out-of-the-box event she'd attended all year.

LESSONS LEARNED (you get 3 today!):

• Doing scary things in supportive community can be fun.

• People appreciate roles. Last minute, I decided I didn’t want to be both emcee AND timekeeper, so I asked my dear friend, Andrea, to play time keeper. She did a phenomenal job. A few weeks later when we were telling another friend about the gathering, I could hear the pride in her voice telling our friend how seriously she took her ‘job.’

• Speaking of roles, it was a joy to collaborate with one of my closest friends, Leigh Orne (fun fact: she's a phenomenal photographer), to host a pop-up silent disco dance party for us to get out of our heads and into our bodies 🕺🏻💃🏻. 10/10 recommend finding a way to get people up and moving if/when possible, especially after a “heavier” emotional experience.

Denver friends: do yourself a favor and follow Leigh here to be the first to know about upcoming silent disco 🪩 🎶 dance parties. They've been some my most embodied, connective, and FUN moments of 2024. 

YOUR TURN

What's an upcoming gathering where you might do something scary (hopefully in supportive community)? Or assign a role to an attendee?

I'd love to hear and am cheering you on in doing so!