Sometimes, it’s a break in a poem that surprises and informs, whether it’s a line break or a stanza break. Perhaps that’s why I am drawn to poetry forms that emphasize the end of a line, whether by rhyme as in a sonnet or a villanelle or by repetition, as in a ghazal (pronounced “guzzle”). Sometimes, […]
Line Breaks: Changing My Perspective Read More »
I’m writing my newsletter this week from Tallahassee, FL, where I am on vacation for a few days. Today’s post is about the stress of getting away. The days leading up to vacation involve catching up on work and making sure I have coverage. The day of travel itself can be especially stressful, at least
Healthy Living with Brain Waves: Daily Altered States Read More »
This week in the clinic, I struggled with the loss of control over my patient schedule. Emergencies happen, so control of office hours is always an illusion for a physician. But I also struggled with my tendency to overbook myself in my writing life. In addition to working on a memoir and publishing a weekly
Time and the Writer: My Struggles with Time Management Read More »
I’m comfortable in both right- and left-brained pursuits. My love of science makes the practice of Infectious Diseases interesting, but my priorities are shifting into becoming a creative. In my creative and spiritual life, I am open to concepts that my logical self considers to be “woo-woo.” At the same time, my science brain is
Ritual and Discipline: Developing Good Habits Read More »
I witness the passage of time outside my window. Rhododendrons burst, suddenly, into bloom. One day there is a hint of petal, the next day, there are dozens, then scores of dome-shaped flower clusters. Almost as suddenly, the blossoms are going; they are fading and brown, and only the dark-green almond-shaped leaves are left behind.
Writing Is Meditation: Developing a Daily Practice Read More »
My father lived to be four-score years and nine. It’s appropriate to use Lincoln’s language to surround my tall and gentle father. He was the first in his family not to be racist, the first to be a feminist, the first to go to college.
Traveling Companions: I Remember My Father Read More »
When I was a new attending physician, I stumbled across a book that changed my life. I was browsing in Borders in the self-help section, just to see if something called to me. I found Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness by Jon Kabat-Zinn,
How Becoming a Poet Saved My Life Read More »
I ran across this question in my twitter feed today. Is it possible to mourn the living? The line came from a poem written by a medical student grieving the aging of her grandmother. As a previous Hospice Medical Director, my answer is Of course. As someone is aging and dying, family members begin grieving
Family Relationships Are Complicated Read More »
It helps me to understand what motivates me. Thirty-five years ago, when I decided to apply to medical school, I used Richard Bolles’ What Color Is Your Parachute? to help me move from the vague notion of wanting to help people to the specific way I wanted to do that. This week has been helpful
I’m Not Retiring from Being a Doctor (I’m Retiring to Being a Writer) Read More »
Finding the Silver Lining Some of the worst times in my life have turned out to be the impetus to begin some of the best times in my life. When I was diagnosed with cancer, I stopped to examine my life in a close way. Although I didn’t make a lot of changes immediately, that
Emptiness Is Useful: The Value of Reframing Read More »
