WHAT IS REFRAMING?

Definition
Reframing is a technique that originated in the field of family therapy and that we have adapted to our work with youth and adults.

Reframing is based on the observation that we all have stories about ourselves. The organizing themes of some people's stories are constructive, for instance, "I am shrewd. I've always have the ability to watch out for myself. As a child, I used those skills to escape the worst of my father's abuse. Today the same skills are my strongest suit."

Other stories are destructive. They cause considerable pain and get in the way of a productive life, for instance, "I was helpless as a child. I was a victim of my father's abuse. He damaged me irreparably. Now I can't do anything right or ever trust anyone again."

The technique of reframing capitalizes on the subjective nature of personal stories to uncover underlying, underemphasized themes in people's stories that are potentially helpful. Its purpose is to arrive at an authentic and helpful story, one that does not eliminate the pain that hardship can cause but that also includes the strength that is forged in the struggle to prevail.

We discovered the power of reframing in our research with men and women who had grown up in difficult situations and who were leading satisfying lives as adults, nonetheless. As they attempted to answer our questions regarding their success, many felt a special spark that they had never experienced before. In exploring this feeling with them, we learned about reframing.

We saw that in recalling the triumphs that were previously submerged in their stories, the men and women we interviewed began to see themselves in a new light. No longer were pain and symptoms at the center of their plot. No longer did they characterize themselves as damaged merchandise. Now they could tell a reframed story that was more constructive. Its theme was pride, and its plot revolved on their bravery, resourcefulness, determination, and all they had done to help themselves.

Practical Applications of Reframing
If you are a clinician, teacher, youth worker, or interested party you can use the technique of reframing. All you need to do is earn enough trust to encourage an honest conversation. You also need to be curious, to listen without making judgments, and to have a road map or vocabulary for identifying strengths when they come up. Then you can point them out, give them a name and talk about them again. In the process, you will see for yourself the power of a reframed story. You will watch people who consider themselves bad, helpless or damaged change. They will become aware of their own strengths and resources to help themselves, and they will begin to act accordingly
sOURCE:
http://projectresilience.com/reframing.htm

"If the world didn't suck, we'd all fall off." is a humorous reframe. .

But is the story TRUE?

“But is the story TRUE?” asked the second grader?

TRUE is what has meaning for us.
TRUE is what helps us understand our world.
The mysteries of nature, life and love,

TRUTH is something that speaks to the heart
about beauty, courage, hope and love.

Did something happen exactly that way?
Maybe we can’t ever know for sure, because no eye witnesses are here to tell us.
Even if we had eye witnesses, they would report different views and stories.

The story of what happened has been repeated many times,
and the meaning of the story for us can be far more clear later
than right away.

What really counts
is
Does the story still somehow speak
to our heart?
Is there a lesson, some “chicken soup: for the soul?

About caring about hope
about courage, about love,
Etc.

Stories teach us to wonder, to dream, to risk, to give,
to become more aware.
Think of the parables of the Good Samaritan, or the Prodigal Son,
Stories teach us to see our own lives as part of the Great Adventure that they are.

Meditation, Paschal, September 5, Wednesday.