I may be a bit scarce next quarter

[rachelmanija]

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, by Shunryu Suzuki. I had read this before, and am re-reading now. Similarly to my first read, I alternate between feeling like I kind of intuitively get what he's talking about, and feeling like the book is proof that some experiences are felt but not conveyable in words.

Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence--from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror, by Judith Hermann. This is excellent, and readable by a lay person. I already own it, but apparently loaned it out or something, because it's sure not here now. Ordered another copy. Thankfully, it's a cheap paperback.

Compassion in Action: Setting Out on the Path of Service, by Ram Dass. Does anyone have any opinions on him? I know who he is, but that's it.

The Trauma Treatment Handbook: Protocols Across the Spectrum (Norton Professional Books)

Seeking Safety: A Treatment Manual for PTSD and Substance Abuse

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A New Approach to Preventing Relapse

Integrated Treatment for Dual Disorders: A Guide to Effective Practice. ("Dual disorders" or "dual diagnosis" means "mental illness + addiction.")

I'm not even listing all the bazillions of articles I have to read. These are just the textbooks. And it's not even all the textbooks - one professor doesn't have her book list up yet.

Comments

[kore]

I have never read that book but I have been given handouts of Oliver's poems (Wild Geese in particular I think) more than once. By therapists. And AA sponsors. And friends in recovery. WHAT'S WRONG WITH A LITTLE DICKINSON I ASK YOU. For some reason she's big in /Japan/ recovery, and therapy.

[coraa]

Ha. I didn't know her by name, but I vaguely wondered, "Oh, the goose poem?". And sure enough, the goose poem was by her.

It was a good thing to be exposed to once, but, uh, the repetition is a bit much! I'm amused to see it wasn't just my luck in getting it repeatedly.

[kore]

She's not....bad? but by God, one Mary Oliver poem in therapy is enough.

The other one everyone always overuses is the Sharon Olds poem that ends "Do what you are going to do, and I will write about it." Everywhere. Every writing workshop ever.

[rachelmanija]

I got that Olds poem in my Process class!

[kore]

AHAHAHA...yeah it's not _bad,_ it's just like the "Maps" of writing and narrative classes.

[coraa]

Exactly. One time it was like, "Oh, that was a mildly nice poem." The second time it was like, "That's... still a mildly nice poem, I guess." The fifth time, it was like, "Fucking geese! You just have to fly through the high clear air or whatever. You wouldn't be so happy if you had to make phone calls, huh, GEESE?"

I do wonder why those poems in particular get used so much.

[kore]

You wouldn't be so happy if you had to make phone calls, huh, GEESE?

//dies, just DIES