'The Forging and the Death of a Reflection' is a Poetic Memoir Told By A Clinical Psychologist

NEWBURYPORT, Mass. - Aug. 2, 2016 - PRLog -- Father's persona is described as an "enveloping grey fog". The writer cannot recall even one time when his father addressed him by his first name. This relationship with the writer's "first teacher of the soul" dramatically impacts his total life experience. The somewhat elite, stultifying New England boarding school, Mount Hermon School for Boys, saps whatever confidence may have been lurking somewhere, and becomes "the worst three years" of the writer's life. Flunking out of the University of Massachusetts twice sets a course for the writer's unique, eclectic wanderings in the 70's and evolves into an effort to clear the dust from his destructive self-reflections.

A real career trade as a farrier and blacksmith seems to drop from the sky, but is cut short after four years due to a ruptured disc in his back, necessitating a dramatic life-course change. At this time, a daughter arrives and becomes a precious gift and a teacher of empathy and responsibility. Those newly acquired qualities lead to a course of study in counseling, engaging work with troubled youth, and a doctorate degree in psychology. A private clinical psychology practice is established and longstanding relationships with landmark Boston hospitals are grown.  A long interest in meditation, coupled with the acquisition of tinnitus (ringing in the ear), promote a strategy for both the writer and his patients to manage various chronic medical conditions.

An exploration of the Buddhist understandings of selflessness offer the writer and the reader a look at how our self reflections, although fierce, are illusory and subject to change, advancing a measure of both relief and freedom from the suffering all around us.

The writer's close ties with many canine beasts provide a salve throughout his life, and are illustrated with several tails (tales) of their two-way empathic connections. He is taught, by his luminous dogs, the essence of sentient life.

All proceeds from the sale of this work will be donated to helping shelter dogs.

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