“Tell me a story about when you were young.” If you’ve ever asked this question (or been asked), then you know the confused look that can follow. The question is way too general. Unless you have a catalog of stories already in your head, the mind goes blank. No memories are triggered. The secret is …Read More
Author: Dr. Joel Ying, MD
Physician-Educator-Storyteller. Integrating the power of story into medicine, healing sessions, workshops, speaking and performance.
Poem: I used to be scared
I used to be scared I used to be scared of the dark, and then I found the darkness inside me. I used to be afraid of deep water, and then I found the depth of my own waters. I used to be scared of heights, and then I realized how high I could soar. …Read More
Dreams by Langston Hughes
Dreams ~by Langston Hughes Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow.
Life, Death, and Health Insurance
When my grandmother came to the United States in the 1940’s to find work, she always bought life insurance. A proud and independent woman, she came to earn money for her struggling family. She would later tell me, “I didn’t want to be a burden to anyone.” When she could afford it, life insurance was …Read More
Brene Brown on Rising Strong
Brene Brown summarizes the work of her books. (Click the links for prior blogs.) The Gifts of Imperfection—Be you. Daring Greatly—Be all in. Rising Strong—Fall. Get up. Try again. In Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, Brene Brown tackles hard topic of failure. If we …Read More
On Passing a Graveyard
There is beauty in the blessing of the simple everyday things, even on passing a graveyard. In his book, To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings, John O’Donohue encourages us to slow down and discover the sacred in the everyday. On November 2nd, All Soul’s Day honors the souls of the departed …Read More
Story of Halloween
October 31st is All Hallows’ Eve in some Christian traditions. Today, we shorten the name to Halloween. This begins the 3-day festival of All Hallows’ Tide. What is a Hallow? The word means “holy” as in “hallowed ground” and is another word for Saint (a holy person). Just as Christmas Eve precedes Christmas Day, All …Read More
Wanting Memories
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me to see the beauty in the world through my own eyes. — Ysaye Barnwell, Wanting Memories These haunting lyrics were written by Ysaye Barnwell and originally recorded by the African-American all-women a capella group, Sweet Honey in the Rock. Since then, many groups have recorded the song, including …Read More
NPR Tiny Desk Concert: Cantus
NPR Tiny Desk Concerts brings amazing singers right into your home. Be inspired by music and musicians. These concerts provide a small intimate setting that creates a personal experience. The next best thing to a live concert, NPR Tiny Desk Concerts are recorded live at the desk of the host of NPR’s All Songs Considered. …Read More
The Color Purple
“I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it. People think pleasing God is all God cares about. But any fool living in the world can see it always trying to please us back.” ― Alice Walker, The Color Purple Gratitude From one of my …Read More