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
Author: Dr. Joel Ying, MD
Physician-Educator-Storyteller. Integrating the power of story into medicine, healing sessions, workshops, speaking and performance.
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
Creating Safe Space for Story
The students had just divided into groups to share about a story idea that was triggered by the prompt. They each had a few minutes to share while the partner listened. The partner then shared one thing that liked about the story. Afterwards, I asked, “How was the experience?” One of the students raises his …Read More
The Milk Paradox
If I drink a full glass of cow’s milk, about 30 – 60 minutes later the bloating, gas, and diarrhea begin. I am lactose intolerant. About 65% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant, so why is it that dairy is such a big part of our culture. This is the milk paradox! Around the …Read More
FGCU Storytelling Conference ~ June 21 – 23, 2024
FGCU Storytelling Conference Theme: “Storytelling as Healing: Creating Community, Transforming Lives” June 21 – 23, 2024 fgcustorytelling.com/conference Featuring stories and presentations by Susan O’Halloran, Robin Schulte, Mary Lou Williams, and Joel Ying. Do you want to know more about the healing art of oral storytelling? As a holistic doctor, I believe that medicine is anything …Read More
Ninth Night ~ Texas Storytelling Festival
I had the honor of telling a story in the regional showcase of the Texas Storytelling Festival on March 8, 2024. The community of Denton, Texas, (just outside of Dallas) hosts this 4-day event with performances, workshops, and other community events. If you are looking to experience a well-organized storytelling event, put it on your …Read More
How Great Thou Art!
My grandmother passed away over 10 years ago, and I wonder at the memory that is beginning to fade. We have family photos. My uncle has recordings somewhere on an old video camera. I’ve crafted stories about her, and I can see her face every time that I describe her. There is a deep connection …Read More