The Science of Happiness How Stories Shape Belonging
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Jan 1, 2026 Safa Suleiman, an elementary school teacher and author of 'Helwa's Gifts,' shares how Palestinian culture and the olive harvest inspire her storytelling and teaching. Melanie Green, a social psychologist, discusses narrative transportation and how immersive stories enhance empathy and connection. Together, they explore how personal and cultural narratives shape resilience and belonging, highlighting the power of stories to foster understanding and shared values across differences. This insightful conversation reveals storytelling as a vital tool for community and compassion.
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Childhood Olive Harvest Memory
- Safa Suleiman recalls attending her brother's 2002 wedding during an unexpected olive harvest that became a formative family memory.
- The communal picking, songs, and lessons from her grandmother stayed with her and later inspired her book Helwa's Gifts.
Stories Preserve Cultural Memory
- Helwa's Gifts centers intergenerational love and land stewardship as cultural preservation.
- Preserving small rituals in stories sustains identity and belonging across generations.
Bring Stories To Life With Sensory Activities
- Safa brings a picnic spread from Helwa's Gifts into her classroom to make Palestinian culture tangible for students.
- Doing hands-on, sensory activities invites curiosity and helps children connect personally with stories.