Polly Sanford and Kathi Ciskowski will lead a “Lifestories” workshop in April with the aim of helping participants develop a deeper awareness of their own life stories.

“Each one of us has a life that unfolds in an individual and unique way,” said Sanford and Ciskowski, “and that is what makes us who we are in the world. Yet, when we look at our life stories we begin to see the rhythms and patterns that not only form us, but also connect us to one another with objectivity and compassion. In studying our own “biography” we develop an awareness of ourselves that affects how we view our families, friends, and co-workers, deepening our relationships with them.”

Sanford and Ciskowski say they will teach each participant how to create a personal Life Chart. They say they will use an overview of the phases, rhythms and patterns of life, along with fairy tales and other artistic exercises, to enliven participants’ memories and stories, helping them see their own lives and those of others as archetypal journeys through time.

“Studying our biographies can awaken our hearts to a new kind of thinking and perceiving which can help to reveal the cycles and archetypes from the past that can enliven the present while building capacities to meet the future,” say Sanford and Ciskowski.

Sanford completed a Biography and the Social Arts course from Sunbridge College in 2006. In June 2010 Ciskowski completed a certificate program at the University of Washington in Family History and Genealogy. Both Sanford and Ciskowski have worked extensively with Northwest Biography teacher Bill Bryant, and have studied this subject for many years.

The workshop will run on Friday, April 29 from 7:30 – 9 p.m. and on Saturday, April 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. The suggested donation is $50. For more information, or to register, call Kathi at 376-4186 or email ciskokid@rockisland.com.