#26: Storytelling as Medicine (Caren Neile)

In my expanded definition, “medicine” is anything that heals the body, mind, emotions, or spirit. As a physician, this includes the Western medications that I prescribe, but it goes beyond to include so much more. In every conversation, it is important to define the context and agree upon the definitions that we are using. Here …Read More

Steven Johnson – Play, Creativity, Invention

“Serious play is not an oxymoron; it is the essence of innovation.” —Michael Schrage Creativity and play are inextricably linked. If necessity is the mother of invention, play might just be the father. The interplay (pun intended) of necessity and playfulness have both brought the world some serious innovations. In the TED talk video below, …Read More

Narrative Medicine ~ Rita Charon

Narrative Medicine fortifies clinical practice with the narrative competence to recognize, absorb, metabolize, interpret, and be moved by the stories of illness. ~ Dr. Rita Charon With the age of science and objectivity applied to modern medicine, little space is left for empathy and emotions. “Just the facts” has become the litany that creates a …Read More

Look to this Day, for it is Life ~ by Kalidasa

Look to this Day,for it is Life – the very Life of Life.In its brief course lie all the veritiesand realities of your existence:the Bliss of Growth,the Glory of Action,the Splendor of Beauty.For yesterday is already a dreamand tomorrow is only a vision;but today, well-lived,makes every yesterday a dream of happinessand every tomorrow a vision …Read More