Tell me your name and I'll tell you your story: systemic explorations around the first name

If there is indeed a strong identity marker, it is the first name. Indicating the cultural, social, religious origins with which the individual integrates one and even several systems during his life, he is also a reservoir of beliefs and loyalties as well as revealing a specific mission.

Some mothers will say that their unborn child whispered his first name to them while he was still in their womb, … still others give the children the first name of a loved and deceased ancestor, or that of a first love never completely forgotten, of a film or novel star, of a child who died before or of that brother or sister who left too soon.

Even if the tribute may be sincere and have its share of beauty, the fact remains that destinies may cross by allegiance, unsaid, secrets, sadness, pride.

A few months ago I had the experience of changing my first name to return to the original. I will tell you a few words about it. 

"Tell me what your name is and I'll tell you your story" is an exploratory systemic half-day around the first name. 

I wish to offer a space for discussion, sharing, systemic reflections, evolution to those who wish during this day to question themselves on their origins, their history, the events they have gone through and what seems to be their life mission in connection with their first name in their family tree. 

It is an exploration, an experience, a celebration of who we are which can be continued as needed in systemic or transgenerational support.