Interweaving Narrative Methods Into a Mandala of Transformational Practices

Abstract

Narrative therapy can be understood as part of a narrative continuum where generative story threads are interwoven into a mandala of transformational practices. Individual and social transformation is elicited by narrative practices that reinforce narrative coherency. Through engagement with narrative methods, phases of narrative practice and inquiry are analyzed, revealing the emergence of narrative concrescence within an integrated narrative framework. Autoethnography, narrative therapy, narrative mediation, narrative conflict resolution, and transformational learning using “transformagram portfolios” can be understood as connected storying practices contained in mediatorship. This holistic approach to narrative methods creates linkages that further the generative potential of narrative practices as illustrated in case studies. By reinforcing narrative coherency in the noosphere, “narrative truth” can be generated and used as a guiding force in a post-truth era.

Mediatorship: Exploring transformational conflict narratives that elicit generative processes through interconnected continuums that cultivate conflict wisdom

“…The concept of mediatorship emerged from my autoethnographic practice as an engaged and embodied form of mediating that enhances connectivity. Mediatorship can be understood as the function or position of a mediator, and a vessel of connectivity that contains an integrated framework of mediation practices (Riva, 2022a, p. 257). The autoethnographic process was experienced as a form of mediatorship that connected me to living wisdom.…”