Chai Chat: London Launch!

We talked about the role of storytelling in a fast-paced, short-attention-span world of swipes and likes; about the experience that convinced me about the power of stories; and why sharing stories is more important than ever, as we slowly emerge from a lonely hibernation.

Then when Instagram Live was turned off, and we had warmed up to the idea of sharing stories, we sat in a circle and I lead a storytelling exercise asking each person to write their ‘memoir in six words’. I wasn’t sure how it would go - it’s an intimate experience that gets to the core of who we are (and I didn’t know most of the people in the room). But people were eager to share, and the sharing was meaningful, sincere, moving, and deeply personal.

From ‘just death, but not any more’, to ‘happy to finally be my bestie’, to ‘l’m impermanent, but I’m here now’ - we all got to know each other a bit better and connect more deeply.

Thank you so much Alia Khan, Chairwoman of IFDC, for hosting; and thank you Tabassum Awan, Founder of Pink Tea Cafe, for inviting me to share on your first in-person (and on InstaLive) Chai Chat. Loved every minute!