I was talking with a visitor who had read my novel, Bridges of Resilience: A Teenage Journey of Friendship, Courage, and Discovery.  We discussed my inclusion of the self-soothing techniques of yoga, Tai Chi, and focused breathing for stress release introduced and practiced by the character, Gram, in the novel. 

These are practices I use every day and have taught to clients and students for years. I find them invaluable in helping me healthfully cope with everyday inconveniences and major losses and difficulties.  

My visitor, an experienced Montessori guide, commented that she sees the essential need for children to regularly develop and practice self-calming skills. This practice often is not learned and practiced effectively, and the result is anxiety and poor coping skills.  I was glad to know that she considered the use of these techniques in the book as interesting and informative, which was my intention. 

A goal of my writing is to introduce concepts that assist adults, teens, or children to develop thoughts and behaviors that improve their coping capacity and enrich their health and life.  I think most of us enjoy learning new ideas through stories that resonate on some level as familiar.  I hope my books fulfill that goal.

Take care, my friends.

If you would like to check out my new book, it’s available on Kindle eBook for a limited time at $.99.  And if you do, I would love a review!