The Unknown Soldier There’s a graveyard near the White HouseWhere the Unknown Soldier lies,And the flowers there are sprinkledWith the tears from mother’s eyes. I stood there not so long agoWith roses for the brave,And suddenly I heard a voiceSpeak from out the grave: “I am the Unknown Soldier,”The spirit voice began“And I think I …Read More
Author: Dr. Joel Ying, MD
Physician-Educator-Storyteller. Integrating the power of story into medicine, healing sessions, workshops, speaking and performance.
The Raven ~ Edgar Allen Poe
For the month of October, what is hiding behind the shadows? The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe … welcome to the darkness … full of sadness and grief … The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— …Read More
Storyline Online ~ Famous Actors Read Children’s Books
Reading aloud to children has been shown to improve reading, writing and communication skills, logical thinking and concentration, and general academic aptitude, as well as inspire a lifelong love of reading. Teachers use Storyline Online in their classrooms, and doctors and nurses play Storyline Online in children’s hospitals. The Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television …Read More
“Cows don’t give milk.”
A father used to say to his children when they were young: “When you all reach the age of twelve, I will tell you the secret of life.” One day when the oldest turned twelve, he anxiously asked his father, “What is the secret of life?” “I will tell you,” replied the father, “but don’t …Read More
One, Two, Three! ~ Henry Cuyler Bunner
“One, Two, Three!” by Henry Cuyler Bunner It was an old, old, old, old lady,And a boy that was half past three;And the way that they played togetherWas beautiful to see. She couldn’t go running and jumping,And the boy, no more could he;For he was a thin little fellow,With a thin little twisted knee, They …Read More
My Brain and Heart Divorced ~ John Roedel
I was just introduced to the poetry of John Roedel, and you should meet him too. When words have rhythm, I call it good poetry. My mind is entertained. When words have the ring of profound truth, I call it beautiful! It is poetry of the heart. Something deeper is touched; something beyond the words. …Read More
Zen Koan ~ Dealing with Uncertainty
“What is the sound of one hand clapping?” ~ Zen Koan When I hear a question, I look for an answer. In fact, I look for the one correct, rational, and logical answer. My brain goes into spasms when there is more than one correct answer. My brain goes into mush if there is no …Read More
Psych Ward
“Clunk.” The second set of double doors automatically locked behind me with an audible delayed electric thud. I looked up at the clerk at the nursing station. A sudden irrational fear went through my mind, “What if she doesn’t recognize me on the way out?” I’m a medical student, and this is a psyche ward. …Read More
Thick and Thin Stories
What are the stories that you are telling yourself? Does your inner voice tell you that you can or that you can’t? Lani Peterson is a story coach and workshop leader. She refers to limiting stories as “thin stories.” These stories are too thin to hold all of who you are. How can you create …Read More
The Game of Propaganda
“Every one of us is exposed to propaganda techniques every day. They’re designed to persuade us to accept ideas, buy propositions and products, or spur action. Parents and teachers use them to guide behavior. Advertisers and media sell us stuff. Religious leaders use them to inspire (and fill collection plates) and, of course, politicians rely …Read More