Storytelling in the oral tradition begins with a story idea that we craft into a story. Today, with the focus on the written word, we call this crafting process “writing.” Whether it begins on paper or not, the story crafting process begins with the “creative writing” process. This “writing” process might begin simply with imagination, …Read More
Author: Dr. Joel Ying, MD
Physician-Educator-Storyteller. Integrating the power of story into medicine, healing sessions, workshops, speaking and performance.
You deserve this! ~ Make your bed
I make my bed every morning. Sometimes a simple act can ripple through your day. Sometimes a well-placed word can change your life. I don’t remember the name of the motivational speaker that came to my middle school auditorium decades ago. I don’t even remember the topic of his speech. I only remember his answer …Read More
Story: More Than a Box ~ Dr. Joel Ying
In the Fall of 2020, walking onto campus again after isolation during a pandemic, I had a smile on my face. The day was beautiful, sunny but cool, which is rare in South Florida in August. I was happy to be back teaching storytelling in person and back in the classroom. I walked by a …Read More
Strong Like Bamboo ~ Eth-Noh-Tec
Bamboo is strong, but flexible. Bamboo will bend and not break. Bamboo is resilient. In response to recent violence against Asian Americans, Nancy Wang and Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo decided to create an interactive community program to address discrimination and racism. This husband and wife team perform together as Eth-Noh-Tec, tandem storytellers that weave words and choreography …Read More
What Really Matters at the End of Life ~ BJ Miller
You are a college student, 19 years old, hanging out with friends, walking around town, horsing around, and just back from Thanksgiving break. Someone sees a parked electric commuter train, and somehow it seems like climbing on top would be a good idea. Like climbing a mountain, seeing the world from above, changing perspectives… You’ve …Read More
FGCU Storytelling Summer Conference: A Huge Success
How do you measure success? I had to spend $4000 before July 1st and only two months to do it. As a non-profit, the Florida Storytelling Association had received a state grant, and some of the funds were earmarked to support University Programming. Two months to go! What do I do? An idea materialized into …Read More
Story: The Library (v2) ~ Joel Ying
This personal story is dedicated to my mom, Vivienne Ying. This is the current working version of a story that is evolving. I like to think of it as version 2. At some points along the journey, a story feels like it is ready to be shared. Enjoy!
Our Story of Food: Lessons From Japan
While Ozempic may threaten to bankrupt the U.S. healthcare system, the recent approval of the weight loss drug by the Japanese medical authorities will not be the same money-maker for Novo Nordisk. While 42% of American are obese, only 4.5% are obese in Japan. What is so different about Japan? Is it genetics? Is it …Read More
There is a balm in Gilead
“There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole.There is a balm in Gilead to Heal the sin-sick soul…” In the ancient biblical city of Gilead, there was a healing salve that was said to cure anything. This balm has faded into myth and legend, and today the term “Balm of Gilead” has …Read More
Story: The First Doctor ~ Joel Ying
This story began with an exercise to uncover a memory that would make a good story. As my attention narrowed to a particular moment, I had the feeling that there is a story in here somewhere that I want to tell. This moment with my dad held significance for me. I began to unpack the …Read More