Posts Tagged ‘books’
2024 June 17, 16:06 California
Dear Readers
I wish you peace, vibrant health and happiness.
As a writing coach, I remind my dear clients to showcase “tags” on their websites and media kits – tags are keywords and key phrases – author’s name, book titles, themes, messages, mission statements (synonymous with their platforms) - to help readers find the authors and their books on cyberspace.
As a person who needs resources for myself and for loved ones, I type combinations of “tags” to find sites that would lead me to experts, services, information I need.
May you have the energy to conduct the research or have a loyal advocate to help you plow though resources.
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Know what site you are looking at. Is it a government website? Government sites are .gov (not .com, not .net)
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Are you a senior who wants to work from home?
I typed into search box these tags: “job training for seniors to work at home”
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Are you disabled and want to work from home?
I typed into the search box these tags: “government programs for disabled people to work from home”
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A loved one suffers chronic dizziness.
Loving family members and friends love helping each other … especially when research and advocacy require team work.
Dr Norman Doidge’s second book
THE BRAIN’S WAY OF HEALING: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity
https://normandoidge.com/
I wish everyone peace, vibrant health and happiness!!
Sincerely,
Teresa Jade LeYung
https://m.youtube.com/@teresajadeleyung/videos
Love Made Of Heart ®
http://www.OurBeautifulBrains.com goes to Teresa Jade LeYung’s Blog on Wellness, Themes, Archetypes
2023 October 26, 19:44
Dear Readers,
I wish you total wellness.
Yesterday – after receiving treatment from Stephanie Wilger, NC and two days after receiving treatment from Dr. Jae Reed, DC (treatments that get to the source of illness) - I refreshed the banner of my blog to read:
“Story Consultant Teresa Jade LeYung’s Blog - on Wellness, Themes, Archetypes”
I celebrate the Wellness Journey!
I celebrate dear friend / colleague Mary E. Knippel (“MEK”)!
Yesterday, a blog post written by MEK touched me deeply.
In Mary E. Knippel’s blog post of October 9, 2023 “An Unlikely Gift” Mary says: “… That’s how breast cancer is the gift that keeps on giving for me. I’ve learned to seize the day and reach for my dreams.”
https://www.maryeknippel.com/b/an-unlikely-gift
I wish Mary (“MEK”) total wellness and abundant happiness!
Author / Writing Mentor / Speaker / Wise Woman Mary E. Knippel says:
“My clients come to me when they are overwhelmed about where to begin, what to say and how to make sense of the life-changing message they know they are here to deliver. I believe passionately everyone has a soul story of hope that the world needs to hear. I help my clients polish their words until their message sparkles and shines as a beacon of hope for those in search of a solution contained in my clients’ messages.”
https://www.maryeknippel.com/
When is Mary’s next Wise Woman Wisdom Retreat? https://www.maryeknippel.com/retreat
Mary’s first book - The Secret Artist – Give Yourself Permission to Let Your Creativity Shine
Mary’s newest book – Written in Her Own Words: Wise Woman Wisdom
written by Mary E. Knippel, Dr. Amba Tobin, Clare D’Agostino, Eme McAnam, Ingrid Dick, Laura Ann Garris, Rebekah Lara, Rita Aguilar, Stacy G. Fisher, Tina Palmgren
Wishing dear MEK and You dear Reader total wellness and abundant happiness!
Sincerely,
Teresa Jade LeYung
author Love Made of Heart - the mother-daughter novel (archived at the San Francisco History Center)
author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days
author of the Talking To My Dead Mom monologues
author of all the blog posts at https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/
Writing Coach Teresa says:
“I love helping writers identify the themes in their manuscripts to hook readers, and, build and fortify their platforms before and after publication. Reach out, not stress out.”
Love Made Of Heart ®
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2023 Oct 19, 16:56 Thursday; Oct 21, 00:25; Oct 22, 14:23; Oct 23, 20:22; October 26, 12:52pm California
Hello Everyone,
I wish you total wellness.
I am grateful to all the people who care about my wellness / who teach me how to look for the goodness in obstacles / who inspire me to be happy, in spite of illness.
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So many people suffer silently – their illnesses don’t display overt signs like wearing a cast or a splint. Whenever someone asks me the question “How are you doing?” … I feel gratitude and I reply “Thank you for asking.” (That’s all… I don’t go into details except with close friends. Just grateful that the person asked) Whenever I ask someone that question… I am prepared to stop and listen.
Thank you, YouTube channel “Film Courage”, for posting the 11 videos of Mr. Christopher Vogler. Mr. Vogler is the author of The Writer”s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers.
https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLez8jOvskc-OFbFPTf03N8PZBwcjK5VJt
Christopher Vogler’s 12 steps of the Hero’s Journey:
Ordinary World
Call To Adventure
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Refusal Of The Call
Meeting Of The Mentor
Crossing The Threshold (Launch Into The Special World)
Tests, Allies, Enemies
Approach To The Inmost Cave
The Ordeal
Reward
The Chase
Resurrection
Return With Elixir
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Illness propels us to all the stages of a Hero’s Journey, whether we want to go or not; for me, the stages are repeating – I would feel better, then worse, then better… My Body knows so much more than my conscious Brain.
As Dr. Amy Grace Lam’s poem says: “Maybe we only need to ask, ask our remember bones.”
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All the cells in our body perform as archetypes on our journeys / in our stories.
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Thank you, Philipp Dettmer, for your book Immune: A Journey into the Mysterious System That Keeps You Alive. Mr. Dettmer is the creator of the popular science YouTube channel “Kurzgesagt—In a Nutshell” https://www.youtube.com/@kurzgesagt/videos
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Christopher Vogler’s 8 types of Archetypes/Characters
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Hero
Herald
Mentor
Threshold Guardian
Ally
Shapeshifter
Shadow
Trickster
The person who introduced story-telling to me was my mother who was a school teacher in Hong Kong before she immigrated to the USA; she told me stories – translations of Aesop’s Fables. Even though I don’t remember details of the fables, I do recall how a character’s “cleverness” or “perseverance” can get one out of trouble.
(Thank you, the folks at https://www.umass.edu/aesop/fables.php, for showing Aesop’s Fables.)
The person who told me about the book that would inspire me to write about my experiences is Dr. Susan Thackrey, Ph.D. who taught me compassion.
The author who wrote that book (The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts) is Maxine Hong Kingston.
In 1998 award-winning writer Martha Alderson (who would become The Plot Whisperer https://marthaalderson.com/books-and-ebooks/) introduced me to Christopher Volger’s book The Writer”s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers.
Fast forward to 2023…
To my client, compassionate author Edward C. Hartshorn, I am cheering for you and all your characters in your new book. May you gain more aha moments listening to the interviews with Christopher Vogler.
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Thank you, YouTube channel “Film Courage”https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLez8jOvskc-OFbFPTf03N8PZBwcjK5VJt for posting the 11 videos of Mr. Christopher Vogler
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Joseph Campbell (author of The Hero with a Thousand Faces) was Mr. Vogler’s mentor
Carl Jung https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carl-Jung (Angel Suzanne, I am thinking of you)
Archetypes
Characters
Mythology
Gods and Goddesses
Fairy Tales
Stories
Movies
Films
Books
Metaphors
Symbols
12 Stages Of The Hero’s Journey – Christopher Vogler 22:48
8 Common Character Types Writers Should Know – Christopher Vogler 17:31
The Hero’s Journey Is Not A Formula – Christopher Vogler 12:33
This Is Why It Doesn’t Matter If Every Story Has Been Told – Christopher Vogler 11:23
How Writers Can Use Symbols To Improve Their Stories – Christopher Vogler 11:01
How The Hero’s Journey Helps Writers With Their Characters – Christopher Vogler 12:13
Impact Of Myths And Fairy Tales On Modern Stories – Christopher Vogler 11:01
You Don’t Have To Suffer To Be An Artist But You Should Understand This – Christopher Vogler 13:38
The Big Problem With American Movies – Christopher Vogler 9:03
How To Write A Character’s Death – Christopher Vogler 16:05
A thousand thanks to Mr. CHRISTOPHER VOGLER and his book THE WRITER’S JOURNEY: Mythic Structure for Writers
I am grateful to beloved LAH who directly / indirectly led me to many of these remarkable healers:
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Stephanie Wilger, NC for Chi Nei Tsang, Breast Wellness, Nutrition https://stephaniewilgernc.net/
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Dr. Jae Reed D.C. for Neuro Integration System (N.I.S.) and Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) https://azureskychiro.com/
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Amy Grace Lam, Ph.D. https://www.vibrationalenergywellness.com who taught me how to ask my Body questions.
Amy’s artist website https://www.amygracelam.com/ Her poem “The Remember Bones” https://www.kalw.org/show/bay-poets/2023-02-06/the-remember-bones-by-poet-amy-grace-lam
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Loduskia “Dusky” Pierce, MFT http://www.duskyswondersite.com/about/ who taught me EMDR and EFT and gave me grief counseling numerous times.
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Gilles Marin, master teacher and practitioner of Chi Nei Tsang, who gave me new hope on my journey.
USA: https://www.chineitsang.com/ France: http://chineitsang.marin.free.fr/
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Marie-Christine Cornet in France who taught me to be gentle with self wherever I am http://www.mariechristinecornet.com/
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Stephanie Doucette, M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. OM, for her kindness and acupuncture treatments
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Danielle Rosenman, M.D. for coaching me in Neuroplasticity (I achieved success in training my Brain to stop sending chronic pain signals) at the beginning of my journey in the autumn of 2020;
Dr. Michael Moskowitz’s and Dr. Marla Golden’s workbook, webinars, brain graphics, and more..
TRANSFORMING THE BRAIN IN PAIN: NEUROPLASTIC TRANSFORMATION
http://www.neuroplastix.com
https://shop.neuroplastix.com/Neuroplastic-Transformation-Workbook-92-W8PZ-LIIY.htm
Thank you for reading my blog post:
Story Consultant Teresa Jade LeYung says: “When illness takes us onto a Hero’s Journey”
I wish YOU total wellness!
Sincerely,
photo of Teresa by Teresa’s beloved mentor Lynn Scott
Teresa Jade LeYung
(formerly Teresa LeYung-Ryan)
author Love Made of Heart - the mother-daughter novel (archived at the San Francisco History Center)
author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days
author of the Talking To My Dead Mom monologues
author of all the blog posts at https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/
Writing Coach Teresa says:
“I love helping writers identify the themes in their manuscripts to hook readers, and, build and fortify their platforms before and after publication. Reach out, not stress out.”
Love Made Of Heart ®
http://www.OurBeautifulBrains.com goes to Teresa Jade LeYung’s Blog
2023 September 6 (at dear Sabine’s serene home); updated September 28, 2023; updated October 9, 2023; updated Oct. 15, 16, 2023; updated December 10, 2023
This blog post could be “sticky” which means I have positioned the post as the “front page”
To read other posts, please click on the top left tab [ Home ] … then scroll down the screen …
And… to get a list of posts pertaining to a specific topic, please type keywords into the “Search for” box, then click on [Search]. After you get the list… click on a word in the title of the post to open the post.
Hello Everyone,
I wish you vibrant health!
Thanks to Everyone Who Cares About me, Healers, Books, Our Immune System, Our Beautiful Ever-Changing Brain, Our Internal Organs, Our Body and Vitality!
In August 2020 (which was five months into “Shelter In Place” in the county I lived in during the COVID pandemic), Shingles virus “woke up” in my body …oh the pain and the rash on one side of upper torso. Then after the blisters cleared, the hot pain stayed. This condition is called “postherpetic neuralgia”.
Luckily for me, through neuroplasticity coaching from Dr. Danielle Rosenman,
books by Norman Doidge, M.D.,
lectures by Professor Lorimer Moseley about the “role of pain” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p6sbi_0lLc
and the workbook TRANSFORMING THE BRAIN IN PAIN: NEUROPLASTIC TRANSFORMATION by Dr. Michael H. Moskowitz and Dr. Marla D. Golden,
and, moral support from dear folks who care about me …
I was successful retraining my Brain to stop sending chronic pain signals to Body Tissue.
However the pain sensation morphed into a sticky damp heat sensation.
These symptoms then awakened another virus in my nervous system. Also, COVID-Vaccination worsened my condition.
My internal thermostat is stuck at an uncomfortable down right yucky setting. My immune system had needed to use heat when Shingles virus got activated; however, my system is still in “fight” mode three years later.
Illness leads to depression … a nasty loop.
This is what happens when our systems are “too aggressive” trying to protect us.
By the way – Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in nerve tissue near the spinal cord and brain. Years later, the virus may reactivate as shingles. https://www.mayoclinic.org/
The “memories” of viruses (keloid scars from Shingles rash a “convincing” reminder)… telling my systems to continue fighting. Body doesn’t forget anything!
Brain-Body worn out from fighting.
Fast forward…
Through receiving Neuro Integration System (N.I.S.) treatments and Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) treatments from a master-level practitioner who is a chiropractor – Dr. Jae Reed, D.C … my Body-Brain circuitry is learning how to reset and restore systems to harmony.
Through receiving Chi Nei Tsang treatments from a master-level practitioner – Stephanie Wilger, NC … my Body is sending direct communication to Brain.
Clear communication between Brain and Body REMOVES the obstacles, letting the Body repair itself the best way possible - naturally.
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Chi Nei Tsang translates as “internal organs chi transformation”.
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Thanks to the encouragement from the folks I care about and who care about me, I resume my work as a writer and story-consult and blogger, go to treatments, re-read books to learn about how hard the human body works, and, I turn depression into appreciating one moment at a time.
My Quest to Wellness by learning from Holistic Healers on how to receive and send instructions for what I call “Brain-Body peace talks”.
I am grateful to:
USA: https://www.chineitsang.com/ France: http://chineitsang.marin.free.fr/
Stephanie Doucette, M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. OM
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Danielle Rosenman, M.D. for neuroplasticity coaching
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I wish everyone vibrant health always!
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Here are the BOOKS!
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Thank you, dear Sue, for gifting me the book
Immune: A Journey into the Mysterious System That Keeps You Alive
by Philipp Dettmer, creator of the popular science YouTube channel “Kurzgesagt—In a Nutshell”
https://www.youtube.com/@kurzgesagt/videos
Page 62 of the book IMMUNE: A Journey into the Mysterious System That Keeps You Alive by Philipp Dettmer
“Inflammation is the universal response of your immune system to any sort of breach or damage or insult. No matter if you burn yourself, cut yourself, or get a bruise. No matter if bacteria or viruses infect your nose, lungs, or gut. No matter if a young tumor kills a few civilian cells by stealing their nutrients or you have an allergic reaction to a food, inflammation is the response. Damage or danger – PERCEIVED OR REAL – causes inflammation.”
Book description from the publisher:
“You wake up and feel a tickle in your throat. Your head hurts. You’re mildly annoyed as you get the kids ready for school and dress for work yourself. Meanwhile, an epic war is being fought, just below your skin. Millions are fighting and dying for you to be able to complain as you head out the door.
“But most of us never really stop to ask: What even is our immune system?
“Second only to the human brain in its complexity, it is one of the oldest and most critical facets of life on Earth. Without it, you would die within days. In IMMUNE, Philipp Dettmer, the brains behind the most popular science channel on YouTube, takes readers on a journey through the fortress of the human body and its defenses. There is a constant battle of staggering scale raging within us, full of stories of invasion, strategy, defeat, and noble self-sacrifice. In fact, in the time you’ve been reading this, your immune system has probably identified and eradicated a cancer cell that started to grow in your body.
“Each chapter delves into an element of the immune system, including defenses like antibodies and inflammation as well as threats like bacteria, allergies, and cancer, as Dettmer reveals why boosting your immune system is actually nonsense, how parasites sneak their way past your body’s defenses, how viruses work, and what goes on in your wounds when you cut yourself.
“Enlivened by engaging full-color graphics and immersive descriptions, IMMUNE turns one of the most intricate, interconnected, and confusing subjects — immunology — into a gripping adventure through an astonishing alien landscape. IMMUNE is a vital and remarkably fun crash course in what is arguably, and increasingly, the most important system in the body.”
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Thank you, dear Loduskia “Dusky” Pierce, MFT, for having introduced me to:
Dr. Norman Doidge’s first book –
The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science
Dr. Norman Doidge’s second book –
The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity
https://www.normandoidge.com
Look for Dr. Doidge’s interviews on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@normandoidge6991
Thank you, YouTube Channel User The Agenda | TVO Today for posting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifYcE4-eI_s
“For a very long time scientists thought the brain was an organ beyond treatment. If something went wrong or if one was born with a deficit, the conclusion was ‘tough luck.’ Not so anymore. There are revolutionary techniques that can alleviate anything from chronic pain to Parkinson’s disease or Down syndrome. Dr. Norman Doidge lays it out in his book The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity. He’ll discuss this, and more, with Steve Paikin. ”
Dr. Norman Doidge explains:
“The Brain is NOT like a fixed hard-wired machine. The Brain changes it’s wiring – the word that describes this property is neuroplasticity. The Brain’s structure and functions can be changed by our activities and by our mental experiences.”
“Using energy to facilitate neuroplasticity for healing. The ancient word ‘hælan’ – to cure, to restore, to make whole again.”
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Thank you, dear LaH, for having introduced me to Master Teacher and Healer Gilles Marin!
Five Elements, Six Conditions – a Taoist Approach to Emotional Healing, Psychology, and Internal Alchemy
Gilles Marin is the Founder and Director of the Chi Nei Tsang Institute and School of Taoist Healing Energetics, California, USA https://www.chineitsang.com
Co-directeur de l’institut de Chi Nei Tsang, Nice, FRANCE chineitsang.marin.free.fr
TaoTouch: The art to help people heal, get rid of pain, and bring back vibrant health by reconciling self, soul and spirit while triggering emotional processing. This is done through a traditional Taoist monastic healing practice called Chi Nei Tsang, which works with deep and gentle abdominal touch to enhance health and vitality to the internal organs.
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Michael H. Moskowitz, MD & Marla D. Golden, DO
TRANSFORMING THE BRAIN IN PAIN: NEUROPLASTIC TRANSFORMATION
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Victoria Sweet, M.D.’s book SLOW MEDICINE The Way to Healing
https://www.victoriasweet.com/ Over the years that Victoria Sweet has been a physician, “healthcare” has replaced medicine, “providers” look at their laptops more than at their patients, and costs keep soaring, all in the ruthless pursuit of efficiency.
Victoria Sweet, M.D. is the award-winning author of God’s Hotel: A Doctor, a Hospital, and a Pilgrimage to the Heart of Medicine.
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My blog post https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/brain-pain-scientist-professor-lorimer-moseley-uses-humor-to-help-us-understand-dark-side-of-pain/ contains my notes from –
“Getting a grip on pain and the brain – Professor Lorimer Moseley – Successful Ageing Seminar 2013?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p6sbi_0lLc
“What we now understand about pain.”
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Stephanie Wilger, N.C. https://stephaniewilgernc.net/ recommends:
Taoist Meditation: The Six Healing Sounds – YouTube https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7UZa_zhOg9A
“Detoxifying from Vaccines with Herbs, Fruits and Vegetables”
https://www.chineitsang.com/post/detoxifying-from-vaccines-with-herbs-fruits-and-vegetables
“COVID Raises Risk of Long-Term Brain Injury, Large U.S. Study Finds” https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2022-09-22/covid-raises-risk-of-long-term-brain-injury-large-u-s-study-finds
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I wish you and everyone around you – vibrant health, peace and happiness always!
Sincerely,
Teresa Jade LeYung,
formerly Teresa LeYung-Ryan
http://www.OurBeautifulBrains.com goes to Teresa Jade LeYung’s Blog
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Writing Coach Teresa says:
“I love helping writers identify the themes in their manuscripts to hook readers, and, build and fortify their platforms before and after publication. Reach out, not stress out.”
Love Made Of Heart ®
2021 November 12, 13, 14, 20; Nov 21, 07:00-07:30 (wild winds), 13:00-13:40 — Berkeley, California – Blog post #610
What was screenwriter / screenwriting teacher Terrel Seltzer’s mantra? Her simple and powerful question at the beginning of class:
“What makes a story?”
The answer: “Someone we care about wants something badly and is having a terrible time getting it.”
Someone we care about (the protagonist or another character) wants something badly and is having a terrible time getting it.
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As I compose this blog post … I am thinking about the precious people and the 4-legged kids in my life, past and present. What do I want in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic? I want resources to wellness for everyone in this world. Two books have helped millions of people, including me and the people in my life.
Dr. Norman Doidge’s first book
The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science
Dr. Norman Doidge’s second book
The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity
Chapter titles in both books are in this blog post – below.
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I am thinking about Vicki Weiland (developmental editor). Women’s National Book Association had brought this vibrant spirit into our lives when we were board members at the San Francisco chapter.
Vicki’s life became severely difficult when illness appeared; diagnosis was not immediate. Guillain-Barre syndrome.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/guillain-barre-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20362793 says:
“Guillain-Barre (gee-YAH-buh-RAY) syndrome is a rare disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks your nerves. Weakness and tingling in your extremities are usually the first symptoms.” …. “Although most people recover from Guillain-Barre syndrome, the mortality rate is 4% to 7%.”
What did dear Vicki want the last ten years of her life? What did we, who loved her, want for her? Restored health!
Vicki wanted the pain to go away (often 10 on the scale)… to go away through organic paths. She wanted NOT to suffer other symptoms caused by side effects of prescribed drugs. By the time Vicki tried the healing modalities described in Dr. Norman Doidge’s books (including laser light treatments which alleviated pain in parts of her body) … her system had already been overwhelmed by the years of prescriptions that only “tricked” her Beautiful Brain (“BB”) for short periods of time while pain pathways hijacked other brain functions - impacting emotions, problem-solving, memory, creativity ….
Our precious friend died in June this year 2021.
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Brain map below is from the workbook TRANSFORMING THE BRAIN IN PAIN: NEUROPLASTIC TRANSFORMATION
written by Michael H. Moskowitz, MD & Marla D. Golden, DO
Who is Dr. Michael Moskowitz? He is “Physician Hurt, Then Heal Thyself: Michael Moskowitz Discovers That Chronic Pain Can Be Unlearned” which is Chapter 1 in Dr. Norman Doidge’s second book.
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I am thinking about Dr. Danielle Rosenman who opened a new world to me when she coached me to retrain beautiful brain last year and led me to the workbook written by Dr. Michael Moskowitz and Dr. Marla Golden. Thank you, Steven Falk (Dr. Rosenman’s husband), for sharing wonderful news that Dr. Rosenman’s own health is improving. May Dr. Rosenman continue to get stronger and stronger, on her way to complete wellness soon!
I am thinking about my mentor author Lynn Scott (author of A Joyful Encounter: My Mother, My Alzheimer Clients, and Me) who taught me the meaning of courage and compassion. Lynn says she is experiencing more symptoms in her illness. I’m thinking about Lynn’s housemate Bob who had a heart attack and is in the hospital; I’m thinking about Lynn’s friend Diana who has cancer.
I am thinking about Maxine Hong Kingston – the author who taught me self-forgiveness through her book The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts and also inspired me to use the written word to speak up (through the birth of my novel Love Made of Heart ). Maxine’s words have been godsend every since Dr. Susan Thackrey (San Francisco) advised me to read THE WOMAN WARRIORaround 1985.
I want for everyone new vitality! That’s what I want!
I am thinking about Kristiane McKee Maas (longhorn cattle rancher and creator of beautiful events), artist, curator, and founder of A Place of Her Own Cynthia Tom, artist and author Gale Henshel (her book is Dyslexia, My Gift, My Story), Lakshmi Hannah Kerner, author Mahyar A. Amouzegar (his novels - A Dark Sunny Afternoon; Dinner at 10:32; Pisgah Road), author Geneva “Neva” Dinwiddie (Sister Hold My Hand: Together We Stand) who is primary caregiver to her spouse, and LaH who is grieving loss of precious kittie Gracie.
I am thinking about these dear folks and other friends and other mentors and mentees … who are dealing with loss of health or loss of relationships.
Addendum:
November 22 morning – I just read email from dear Madame Hamou in France. I must tell Madame Hamou about Dr. Doidge’s books – translated into French and other languages. May Madame Hamou continue to get stronger and stronger, on her way to complete wellness soon.
Chi Nei Tsang practitioner Marie-Christine Cornet is now in France http://www.mariechristinecornet.com/
I want for everyone new vitality! That’s what I want!
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November 12 and 13, 2021 , I am running the movie THE SIXTH SENSE(written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan). And to think I didn’t want to watch this movie when brilliant screenwriter / teacher Terrel Seltzer polled the class. The mother character Lynn Sear (portrayed by Toni Collette) is the most memorable element for me. What did Lynn want for her 9-year-old son Cole? What did Cole (portrayed by Haley Joel Osment) want, actually, what didn’t he want? What did Dr. Malcolm Crowe (portrayed by Bruce Willis) want? What did his wife Anna (portrayed by Olivia Williams) want? What did the other characters (whom only Cole could see) want?
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I want wellness. For myself. For everyone.
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So many great books on wellness. The two that continue to show me how our beautiful brains are awesome conductors working the orchestras we call “Bodies” are the two books written by Norman Doidge, M.D. https://www.normandoidge.com
Below are chapter titles of both books.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page of Dr Doidge’s website: https://www.normandoidge.com/?page_id=1052
Dr. Norman Doidge’s first book
The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science
Chapter titles -
1. A Woman Perpetually Falling – Rescued by the Man Who Discovered the Plasticity of Our Senses 2. Building Herself a Better Brain - A Woman Labeled “Retarded” Discovers How to Heal Herself 3. Redesigning the Brain – A Scientist Changes Brains to Sharpen Perception and Memory, Increase Speed of Thought and Heal Learning Problems 4. Acquiring Tastes and Loves – What Neuroplasticity Teaches Us About Sexual Attraction and Love 5. Midnight Resurrections – Stroke Victims Learn to Move and Speak Again 6. Brain Lock Unlocked – Using Plasticity to stop Worries, Obsessions, Compulsions and Bad Habits 7. Pain – The Dark Side of Plasticity 8. Imagination – How Thinking Makes It So 9. Turning Our Ghosts into Ancestors – Psychoanalysis as Neuroplastic Therapy 10. Rejuvenation – The Discovery of the Neuronal Stem Cell and Lessons for Preserving Our Brains 11. More than the Sum of Her Parts – A Woman Shows Us How Radically Plastic the Brain Can Be Appendix 1 – The Culturally Modified Brain Appendix 2 – Plasticity and the Idea of Progress
https://www.normandoidge.com/?page_id=1259 says:
“The Brain That Changes Itself™ now available in over 100 countries, and in 27 languages including translations from English into Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese (traditional characters), Chinese (modern characters), Czech, Estonian, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Mongolian. Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish. Thai (forthcoming 2021) and Turkish.” English Editions: North American Editions, (Viking Penguin U.S.A.) UK Edition, (Penguin U.K.) Australian & New Zealand Edition (Scribe) Kindle Edition, Amazon. Audio books by Brilliance Audio in North America, and Bolinda in the U.K., Australia and New Zealand
Dr. Norman Doidge’s second book
The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity
Chapter titles -
Chapter 1 Physician Hurt, Then Heal Thyself Michael Moskowitz Discovers That Chronic Pain Can Be Unlearned Chapter 2 A Man Walks Off His Parkinsonian Symptoms How Exercise Helps Fend Off Degenerative Disorders and Can Defer Dementia
(Teresa here to say that this chapter – about Mr. John Pepper -inspired me to be a smart advocate for my papa. Mr. Pepper’s website https://www.reverseparkinsons.net/ )
Chapter 3 The Stages of Neuroplastic Healing How and Why It Works Chapter 4 Rewiring a Brain with Light Using Light to Reawaken Dormant Neural Circuits Chapter 5 Moshe Feldenkrais: Physicist, Black Belt, and Healer Healing Serious Brain Problems Through Mental Awareness of Movement Chapter 6 A Blind Man Learns to See Using Feldenkrais, Buddhist, and Other Neuroplastic Methods Chapter 7 A Device That Resets the Brain Stimulating Neuromodulation to Reverse Symptoms I. A Cane Against the Wall II. Three Resets: Parkinson’s, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis III. The Cracked Potters IV. How the Brain Balances Itself—with a Little Help Chapter 8 A Bridge of Sound The Special Connection Between Music and the BrainI. A Dyslexic Boy Reverses His Misfortune II. A Mother’s Voice III. Rebuilding the Brain from the Bottom Up: Autism, Attention Deficits, and Sensory Processing Disorder IV. Solving the Mystery at the Abbey: How Music Raises Our Spirits and Energy Afterword to the Paperback Edition Appendix 1 – A General Approach to TBI and Brain Problems Appendix 2 – Matrix Repatterning for TBI Appendix 3 – Neurofeedback for ADD, ADHD, Epilepsy, Anxiety, and TBI
https://www.normandoidge.com/?page_id=1042 says:
Available, so far, in 22 languages. The Brain’s Way of Healing is now available in over 100 countries, and 22 languages including translations from English into Bulgarian, Chinese Traditional Characters, Chinese Simplified Characters, Czech, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Portuguese-Brazil, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Turkish and Ukrainian. English Editions: North American Editions, (Viking Penguin U.S.A.) UK Edition, (Penguin U.K.) Australian & New Zealand Edition (Scribe) Kindle Edition, Amazon. Audio books by Brilliance Audio in North America, and Bolinda in the U.K., Australia and New Zealand
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Thank you, dear Loduskia “Dusky” Pierce, MFT, http://www.duskyswondersite.com/ for displaying Dr. Doidge’s first book on your shelf many years ago.
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Norman Doidge: Brain’s Healing Energies on YouTube https://youtu.be/ifYcE4-eI_s Dr. Doidgetalks about our brains, pain, Dr. Michael Moskowitz, Moshe Feldenkrais (Physicist, Black Belt, Healer), electrical circuits, chemistry, light, sound, vibration, brain-body connection.
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Thank you for reading my blog post: “Want Wellness; Norman Doidge, M.D.’s books -The Brain That Changes Itself, Neuroplasticity”
For other posts related to our Beautiful Brains, Pain, and Neuroplasticity in my blog https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog … If you scroll to top of page, look at right side of screen, you’ll see the category “Beautiful Brains Neuroplasticity”. Please click on that category to get all my blog posts pertaining to the topic.
I wish you new vitality, total wellness!
Sincerely,
Teresa Jade LeYung
Story Consultant and Photo Historian
Story Consultant and Photo Historian Teresa Jade LeYung (formerly Teresa LeYung-Ryan) says:
“I love helping writers identify the themes in their manuscripts to hook readers, and, build and fortify their platforms before and after publication. Reach out, not stress out.”
Love Made Of Heart ® is Teresa’s trademark
2021 August 19, 16:38; October 19, 22:22; October 20, 16:23-21:23 California
Dear Reader,
I send you wishes of wellness, lasting wellness of deep peace. Over the decades, I have been fortunate to gain knowledge and skills from generous folks who shared secrets to the “good” life.
If you are a friend reading this blog post … I thank you for your emails, physical mail, text messages, voicemails, well wishes, lovely thoughts and prayers.
So many books have enriched my life … 3 books have been especially healing for me these past months as I continue to learn how to move away from persistent unpleasant sensations (including pain signals) that began last year after an episode of Shingles.
Therefore, as a fellow sojourner during this world pandemic … I am dreaming of Paris, retraining Beautiful Brain, understanding this neurological disorder, reading and getting inspired by Elisabeth Tova Bailey’s snail, Diane LeBow’s dancing, and Gilles Marin’s Taoist approach to healing.
Book by Gilles Marin
Five Elements, Six Conditions – a Taoist Approach to Emotional Healing, Psychology, and Internal Alchemy
Gilles Marin is the Founder and Director of the Chi Nei Tsang Institute and School of Taoist Healing Energetics, California, USA https://www.chineitsang.com
Co-directeur de l’institut de Chi Nei Tsang, Nice, FRANCE chineitsang.marin.free.fr
TaoTouch: The art to help people heal, get rid of pain, and bring back vibrant health by reconciling self, soul and spirit while triggering emotional processing. This is done through a traditional Taoist monastic healing practice called Chi Nei Tsang, which works with deep and gentle abdominal touch to enhance health and vitality to the internal organs.
Gilles Marin was born in France on Bastille Day, July 14th, and is a Fire Monkey in Chinese Astrology.
Thank you, dear Fire Rooster and Goddess of Happiness Linda A. Harris and dear healer Marie-Christine Cornet https://www.mariechristinecornet.com , for introducing me to the wonderful world of Gilles Marin.
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Book by Elisabeth Tova Bailey
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating
ELISABETH TOVA BAILEY’s natural history/memoir, The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating, recounts her year-long observations of a wild Maine woodland snail. The true story of her interspecies relationship is reaching a general international audience of both genders and all ages and is finding special homes in the fields of literature, natural history, medical humanities, and education.
https://www.elisabethtovabailey.net Elisabeth Tova Bailey tells the inspiring and intimate story of her year-long encounter with a Neohelix albolabris—a common forest snail. While an illness keeps her bedridden, Bailey watches as the snail takes up residence on her nightstand. Intrigued by its molluscan anatomy, cryptic defenses, clear decision making ability, hydraulic locomotion, and mysterious courtship activities, Bailey becomes an astute and amused observer. The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating is a remarkable journey of survival and resilience, showing us how a small part of the natural world illuminates our own human existence.
Thank you, dear Luisa Adams, author of the exquisite memoir Woven of Water https://www.rp-author.com/Adams/, for gifting me Ms. Bailey’s book.
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Book by Diane LeBow
Dancing on the Wine-Dark Sea: Memoir of a Trailblazing Woman’s Travels, Adventures, and Romance
Diane LeBow is an award-winning writer and photojournalist. She is the recipient of Gold and Silver Solas Awards for “Best Women’s Travel Writing,” and she is President emerita of Bay Area Travel Writers.
DianeLeBow has traveled to more than 90 countries. She has spent time with Afghan women, the Hopi, Amazon people, Tuvans, Mongolians, Corsicans, and Parisians. She has scuba dived with sharks in the Red Sea and trained champion Morgan horses.
A pioneer of college women’s studies programs, Diane LeBow received her Ph.D. in the History of Consciousness from the University of California. She is also the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from Douglass College at Rutgers University. Diane began her teaching career in the Netherlands and was a college professor in Paris, New York City, and California.
Thank you, global traveler / certified tour director / author Sasa Southard https://sasasouthard.com/ , for introducing me to the wonderful world of Diane LeBow!
Thank you, author / photographer Margie Yee Webb https://www.amazon.com/Books-Margie-Yee-Webb/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AMargie+Yee+Webb , for having invited Ms. LeBow to speak at the June 16, 2021 meeting of Gold Country Writers and broadcasting Ms. LeBow’s memorable stories!
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Thank you for reading my blog post “Paris, Brain, Neurological Disorders, Elisabeth Tova Bailey’s Snail, Diane LeBow’s Dancing, Gilles Marin’s Taoist Approach to Healing”
For other posts related to our Beautiful Brains and Neuroplasticity in my blog https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog … If you look at right side of screen, you’ll see the category “Beautiful Brains Neuroplasticity”. Please click on that category to get all my blog posts pertaining to the topic.
I wish you and your Beautiful Brain – safety, kindness, excellent health.
Sincerely,
Teresa Jade LeYung
Story Consultant and Photo Historian Teresa Jade LeYung says: “I love helping writers identify the themes in their manuscripts to hook readers, and, build and fortify their platforms before and after publication. Reach out, not stress out.”
Teresa Jade LeYung, American naturalized citizen of Chinese ancestry, is a manuscript-theme consultant, author of Love Made Of Heart (daughter-mother story – archived at the San Francisco History Center), Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days (workbook), and Talking To My Dead Mom monologues, and, an advocate for public libraries and public schools.
the workbook – Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW
Kindle ebook edition https://www.amazon.com/Build-Your-Writers-Platform-Fanbase-ebook/dp/B005J9ZEIA/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1634787032&sr=1-1
Love Made Of Heart ®
January 3, 2021 California USA 20:00-22:00
Thank you, Marie-Christine Cornet, for sending this lovely image from France!
Meilleurs voeux 2021!
Story/Theme Consultant Teresa Jade LeYung says: “Adaptable Brain, Let Quiet Enter.”
IS part 2 of my trilogy to honor our Beautiful Brains.
Finding URLs (of videos posted on Youtube) for mentors has given me an opportunity to learn (again) what I can do to help myself transform persistent pain signals (when there isn’t new damage to body tissue) and depression signals… into a refreshed Brain so that I can do what I love doing during my waking hours. I am most grateful to the precious people in my life who care about my well-being.
May these sites help you, dear Reader, and your loved ones too . . .
Norman Doidge, M.D.
“Dr. Norman Doidge | The Power of Thought” on YouTube https://youtu.be/2c5aTlq3nYI
Dr. Doidge’s first book – The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science (translated into 26 languages)
Dr. Doidge’s second book – The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity (translated into 19 languages so far)
Professor Lorimer Moseley
Michael H. Moskowitz, MD & Marla D. Golden, DO
Dr. Danielle Rosenman
https://www.medicalcounseling.net/ Danielle Rosenman, M.D. uses neuroplasticity, imagery, meditation, psychotherapy, and other techniques in her Medical Counseling practice and in her innovative “Tools for Healing” groups.
Learning about our beautiful adaptable brains has inspired Teresa Jade LeYung to write Haiku poems.
Thank you to the many poets who inspire me,
especially Frances Kakugawa https://franceskakugawa.wordpress.com/
and Dr. Amy Grace Lam ! vibrational energy healer http://amygracelam.com/
and Olga A. Malyj
and M. Emily Onglatco
and Kim McMillon https://www.facebook.com/kim.mcmillon
and Elisa “Sasa” Southard https://sasasouthard.com
and Linda A. Harris, and MaryT, and Nan Noonan
and Diane Ichiyasu
and Margaret R. Davis http://margaretdavisbooks.com/about/
and Chandra Garsson https://www.facebook.com/butterflybonesandhummingbirdsongs
Teresa Jade LeYung’s Haiku poem 2020 December 28 Monday 03:55
Sweet raindrop music
May we all be safe and warm
Today and always
(Although the 5-7-5 structure was added on December 28, 2020 to honor the Haiku form, the composition has been my fervent prayer for decades, long before the word “pandemic” was in my daily vocabulary. Because Haiku poems aren’t titled, please accept the publishing date as identifier for this piece.)
Teresa Jade LeYung’s Haiku poem 2021 January 3 Sunday 20:40
Quiet please enter
Let Brain imagine Paris
Depression Pain leave
To read Part 1 of my trilogy on our Beautiful Brains:
Story/Theme Consultant Teresa Jade LeYung says: “Scarecrow in THE WIZARD OF OZ would feel NO pain” http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/story-theme-consultant-teresa-jade-leyung-says-scarecrow-in-the-wizard-of-oz-would-feel-no-pain/
For other posts in my blog, please go to: https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog If you look at right side of screen, you’ll see the category “Beautiful Brains Neuroplasticity”. Please click on that category to get all my blog posts pertaining to our our Beautiful Brains and Neuroplasticity.
Sincerely,
Love Made Of Heart ®
Teresa Jade LeYung, an American naturalized citizen of Chinese ancestry, is a story/theme consultant, author of LOVE MADE OF HEART (daughter-mother novel archived at the San Francisco History Center and used by college professors), BUILD YOUR WRITER’S PLATFORM & FANBASE IN 22 DAYS (a workbook), and TALKING TO MY DEAD MOM Monologues (the first monologue received an award from Redwood Writers Ten-Minute Play Festival), an advocate for public libraries and public schools, creator of http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/ , and, admirer of City of Light. Composing Haiku poems is a new love for LeYung.
23:40 28 July 2020 California
14:58 31 July 2020 California
Studying the performance by actress Marsha Mason (portraying Maggie Paul) in the movie CINDERELLA LIBERTY (screenplay by Darryl Ponicsan) led me to watching (again) the movie THE GOODBYE GIRL (written by Neil Simon) where Ms. Mason portrays Paula McFadden.
By the way – the term “Cinderella Liberty” is used in the Navy - a pass that expires at midnight.
In the movie The Goodbye Girl, Richard Dreyfuss portrays Elliot Garfield (Mr. Dreyfuss’s performance brought him the Best Actor Oscar award. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-whraNgiWH0 )
In the movie version of the play LOST IN YONKERS (written by Neil Simon), Mr. Dreyfuss portrays Louie Kurnitz (Uncle Louie the gangster).
One video leads to another to another ….
Mindscape: Oscar-winning Actor Richard Dreyfuss on Living with Bipolar Disorder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsE6c4XkiAc
The Menninger Clinic Chief of Staff John M. Oldham, MD, MS interviews actor Richard Dreyfuss who talks about his experience living with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder also known as manic depressive disorder.
Mr. Dreyfuss said:
“I started calling myself manic-depressive when I was 14.”
“… when people say ‘I looked up at the stars, I realized how small I was.’ Well, when I looked up at the stars, I knew how big I was.”
Dr. Oldham asked Mr. Dreyfuss about stigmas.
Mr. Dreyfuss said:
“I did not fall into the trap of hating myself.”
“One of the reasons I said that my manic-depression worked for me was that I was able to turn every bad thing into a good thing … when I was not a good academic student, I became the best glib talker in class. They couldn’t fail me because I was too vivid….”
“Right protocol of medication. I am Richard inclusive of my drugs.”
“The darkness of depression”
Mr. Dreyfuss didn’t use one-word adjectives; he told us stories (his experiences), he painted pictures for us.
Thank you, Mr. Dreyfuss! You have helped me gain understanding of how my mother suffered, also how she thrived, living with mental illness.
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Stamp Out Stigma is a consumer driven advocacy and educational outreach program designed to make positive changes in the public perception of mental illness and inform the community about the personal, social, economic and political challenges faced by people living with mental illness. Founded by Carmen Lee. Ms. Lee has moved to eastern USA. Ms. Lee, wherever you go, you educate, inspire, and empower us. Thank you!
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To: Mr. Sam Huss, Community Outreach Specialist at RehabSpot.com
Thank you for your email of July 30, 2020 asking me to include your page “Determining If You Need Rehab or Detox” https://www.rehabspot.com/treatment/before-begins/determining-need-rehab/
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Mr. Michael J. Fox on living with Parkinson’s says: “To me, hope is informed optimism”
BOOKS:
The Brain’s Way of Healing: Stories of Remarkable Recoveries and Discoveries by Norman Doidge, M.D.
The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science by Norman Doidge, M.D.
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http://californiaclubhouse.org/
California Clubhouse… Working to bring Clubhouse to San Mateo County in 2014
Our mission The mission of California Clubhouse is to give those whose lives have been disrupted by mental illness the opportunity to recover meaningful work and relationships as they reintegrate into the broader community.
Thank you, Diane W., for telling me about California Clubhouse’s immediate goal to raise $350,000 to finance the 2014 launch. June 2016 now – California Clubhouse’s home is in San Carlos!
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National Alliance on Mental Illness
From its inception in 1979, NAMI has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.
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1 in 6 adults and almost 1 in 10 children suffer from a diagnosable mental illness. Yet, for many, the stigma associated with the illness, can be as great a challenge as the disease itself. This is where the misconceptions stop. This is where bias comes to an end. This is where we change lives. Because this is where we Bring Change 2 Mind.
BringChange2Mind.org is a not-for-profit organization created by Glenn Close, the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF), Fountain House, and Garen and Shari Staglin of IMHRO (International Mental Health Research Organization).
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How the movie The Goodbye Girl and the movie Lost In Yonkers led to Dr. John M. Oldham’s interviewing Oscar-winner Actor Richard Dreyfuss Living with Bipolar Disorder, Manic Depression… led to my gaining a better understanding of how my mother suffered and also thrived living with mental illness.
I wish you and everyone around you safety, kindness, excellent health, clear water, blue sky, delicious eats, and sweet laughter!
Sincerely,
Author and Theme Consultant Teresa Jade LeYung
“To help prevent spread of COVID-19, I wear face-covering AND keep at least 6-foot distance with people who don’t live with me. No blaming No shaming; I protect myself and everyone else.”
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
How COVID-19 Spreads (this page offers information in 5 languages)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html
Teresa LeYung-Ryan’s Blog Post 3 of 3
How Dr. Norman Doidge’s Books Help Me and My Chinese Papa Who Has Parkinson’s
I am not fluent in Cantonese.
When I was a new immigrant from Hong Kong in the 1960s, San Francisco public schools did not have ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. Classmate’s snickering compelled me to learn my new language with urgency. By fourth grade, you couldn’t shut me up. Then our parents (actually, probably just our father) insisted that my siblings and I go to Chinese School (classes in Chinatown everyday after regular school was let out). One year of misery. Thank goodness our mother spoke up to our father (in Cantonese) – “Let our children succeed in English school first.”
Fast forward to 2017. Parkinson’s Disease has caused what Papa would say with his Cantonese accent “a lot of problem.”
[ According to http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons/ Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly in most people … a person’s brain slowly stops producing a neurotransmitter called dopamine. With less and less dopamine, a person has less and less ability to regulate their movements, body and emotions.]
While I lack the vocabulary to tell my father that I sympathize, I do know how to encourage and praise with sincerity. When he frowns at my prompting to do the exercises (taught by the dear professionals from Self Help for the Elderly) or Sit and Be Fit™ (recommended by NP Heloise Lim), or to pick up his feet when those darn rubber mats at grocery stores and restaurants seem to ambush him and his walker… I say to him: “You win! Do NOT let Parkinson’s win. You win!”
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Through the engaging stories in this book – The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity by Norman Doidge, M.D. – I have learned that our wonderful brains are forever changing, growing and healing. That knowledge gives me the vocabulary to ask the right questions as an advocate for my father. Dear friend Wen Hsu ordered the traditional Chinese edition of Dr. Doidge’s book through a bookseller in Taiwan. Papa has the book near his dining table; next to the Chinese edition is the English edition; both books are there for Papa’s helpers and friends to read.
As for my being an advocate/daughter who is not fluent in her parent’s native tongue, I know how to find people who excel in their work. In the past three weeks, Wen Hsu (translator extraordinaire) has translated my multiple letters (written in English) into Chinese for Papa’s Caregivers/Helpers.
I salute Papa’s caregivers/helpers, his caring friends, my caring friends, wise mentors, supportive spouse, dear sister, MaMah, Papa’s spunk, the doctors, nurses, administration staffs, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, interpreters, dear folks at Self Help for the Elderly, South Market Senior Health Clinic, UCSF Movement Disorder and Neuromodulation Center, E.R. staffs, staffs at U.C. Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital, SFGH Orthotics and Prosthetic Center, the dear staff members at the building where my papa lives, and Dr. Norman Doidge for writing his book The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity.
Special thanks to the dear folks at Self Help for the Elderly – Nurse Valerie Chan, Nurse Chiu Li, Physical Therapist Jenny Chiu, Occupational Therapist Tom Wong, Speech Therapist Terri Snyder, Translator Albie Wong, and of course the administrative staff, and all the nurses and therapists who have helped my father in the past and shall in the future.
Knowledge that leads to health and wellness – this is my wish for everyone.
Sincerely,
Teresa, advocate/daughter to my Chinese papa
P.S. I am rereading Dr. Norman Doidge’s books
Teresa LeYung-Ryan is
author of:
- Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (workbook);
- Love Made of Heart: a Daughter Finds Herself through Witnessing Her Mother’s Mental Illness (novel used in college classes, recommended by the California School Library Association and the California Reading Association, and archived at the San Francisco History Center);
- “Talking to My Dead Mom” Monologues (the first monologue received an award from Redwood 10-Minute Play Contest and was staged at the 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa, CA);
- Coach Teresa’s Blog http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog (which attracts thousands of writers) helps writers build their platforms before and after publication
- “For Themes’ Sake” and “Heroes, Tricksters and Villains” and “Where Are You On Your Writer’s Journey?” and other workshop material
creator of “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest” and
owner of trademark
and proponent of public libraries, public schools, and excellent public healthcare for ALL!
The link to this blog post #3 of 3 in this series:
Blog post #2 of 3 in this series:
Blog post #1 of 3 in this series:
For other posts in my blog, please go to: https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog
If you’re looking for my blog posts pertaining to our Beautiful Brains and Neuroplasticity… https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog look at right side of screen, you’ll see the category “Beautiful Brains Neuroplasticity”. Please click on that category to get those posts.
April 25, 2015
Writing Coach Teresa asks: “How do you hook your reader at the middle of your book?”
Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan here . . . recording notes . . . energized from co-teaching with Mary E. Knippel today – Day 2 of “For Theme’s Sake: Edit Your Own Manuscript Before Pitching or Self-Publishing”.
Our students / hardworking authors supplied plenty of inspiration for their own protagonists as well as for fellow-classmates.
Today we focused on the middle of everyone’s manuscripts. Why the middle?
Before I take on the role of the writer, I put on my reader’s hat. For me, reading a book is like going for a hike on a trail that I’ve never been on before. By looking at the signs at the trailhead, I know how long I would have to walk in order to get to the end . . . just as I know how many hours it would take to read a book by seeing the page count.
That hike I’ve started – the sign posts on the first half of the trail are clear and helpful. I know that if I follow the arrows, I will reach the end, and feel great as I always do after a “good” long walk.
I’ve started reading a book. The author hooks me from page one – sometimes that hook is the narrator’s voice/language, other times it’s the subject matter (a topic that I do relate to or one that I would like to know more about). By page 5 (oftentimes, even sooner) I know what the main character/protagonist wants or needs, and, I want to see what’s going to happen next. So I turn the page. I am in the story world.
The author had planted “sign posts” to guide me. Those sign posts are called “themes”.
By the middle of the book, that core theme/sign post better be there. If the story has stopped hooking me, I will put the book down and probably not open it again. (On my hike, if at midpoint the trail seems to have disappeared, the marker has fallen off its post, and I’m all alone . . . do I continue on? By the way, I am not interested in getting lost today. My dinner awaits me at home.)
Such is the task for an author – how to guide the reader with that core theme, scene after scene.
To the dear authors in our class,
That big sheet of paper that Mary gave you today? Tape the class handouts from Day 1 and Day 2 onto that sheet. Look at those aids every time you meet with your protagonist. And, ask your protagonist these questions: “Where are you today on your Hero’s Journey?” “What do you want ? … in this scene.”
Speaking of “scene” –
Writing Coach Teresa says: “A scene is a compilation of paragraphs that creates a “movie” in the Reader’s mind. Which means: action, dialogue, sensory details, and authentic details.
A sequence of scenes guides the Reader in your Story World, and, is a vehicle to show the Hero’s/Protagonist’s transformation. Go into scene whenever you want to show us what your protagonist is made of.
In real life, if someone says “I’ve changed. Take my word for it.” . . . wouldn’t you be thinking . . . Hmm…. I’ll believe it when I see it. Instead of telling us how your protagonist has grown, show us through scene, not through summaries.
Summary cannot spark the same emotional responses as a scene would . . . because summary either recaps what has happened or jumps over time in order to get to the next scene.
I recommend:
* Martha Engber’s book on how to write scenes
* Christopher Vogler’s book The Writer’s Journey (about Hero’s Journey and Archetypes)
* all books by Martha Alderson on plotting
* your rereading your favorite book and studying that author’s techniques
The fabulous authors in our class have mighty themes:
* make my own decisions and change my circumstances (author of YA science fiction)
* move on with my life in spite of unanswered questions and a broken heart (author of women’s fiction)
* speaking my truth transforms shame into courage and forgiveness (author of memoir)
* embracing my past and loving myself feed my spirit as well as my marriage’s spirit (Diana Lynn, author of women’s fiction)
Their readers will surely stick by their protagonists and be there at the end of the book.
Cheering for YOU!
Sincerely,
Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan
on behalf of
“For Theme’s Sake” teachers Teresa LeYung-Ryan & Mary E. Knippel
May 2, 2015 Teresa LeYung-Ryan ( Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days – workbook; Love Made of Heart: a Daughter, a Mother, a Journey Through Mental Illness – novel) celebrates Independent Bookstore Day / California Bookstore Day with other local authors at Laurel Book Store, Oakland, CA http://WritingCoachTeresa.com and http://www.laurelbookstore.com
Saturday June 6
Teresa LeYung-Ryan (Fanbase-Building Coach and “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest” sponsor) joins California Writers Club colleagues for Writing Contest Awards Ceremony and Writers Helping Writers Through Mentoring;
June 13, 2015 for Authors Day
June 6 and June 13, 2015 at Literary Stage, Fine Arts Galleria, San Mateo County Fair (Cheers to Bardi Rosman Koodrin, Boris Koodrin, Laurel Anne Hill, David Hirzel, Margie Yee Webb, Wini McCaffrey, et al) http://WritingCoachTeresa.com http://cwc-peninsula.org/fair.html