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Healing into Possibility: The Transformational Lessons of a Stroke

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HEALING INTO POSSIBILITY is a marvel. I have already bought an extra copy for a friend who had a stroke. Yet this new book by Alison Bonds Shapiro is, I believe, for everybody. Furthermore...get ready for this.. it is a page turner! I am speaking here as all of physician, psychologist, spiritual practitioner and close friend of someone with similar trials. I am also speaking as a scholar of the art and process of everyday creativity--a capacity we all have as our birthright, and which is every bit about how to live in the moment and to heal and thrive and find new richness and hope in all aspects of our lives. (I recently edited "Everyday Creativity and New Views of Human Nature.")

Healing into Possibility shows us how to cope with adversity, and shows clearly that it is not what happens to us, but how we respond that can make all the difference. Here is how we live and grow, make meaning of adversity, and even find true joy in our lives after all had seemed lost. Alison Bonds Shapiro takes us, in the most engaging way, through her story, her struggles, her triumph. We also meet her remarkable friend Rita who is, similarly, a model for us all. The "Eight Principles of Transformation" at the end are, themselves, worth the price of the book.

While engrossed in pure "story," we also encounter some of the most hopeful and cutting edge findings of our times, including the latest news on neuroplasticity and stroke recovery--a potential once thought to be brief but which is present for a great many years--and the relation of healing to attention, mindfulness, effort, compassion, and much more. We also find the many ways we can not only help ourselves but help each other cope with and grow from physical or psychological crisis--whether parents, children, colleagues, students, clients, or friends. I cannot recommend this beautiful book enough. May it do fabulously well.

I have never had a stroke and I hope I never do, but at 58, I know from the past that more challenges await. Alison's book "Healing into Possibility" will be one of my handbooks at the ready when they come. I read the book in 2 sittings because, like a good suspense novel, I couldn't wait to see how she got out of the current predicament she was in. The profound lesson that Alison reminds us of is that in this present moment anything is possible. "Healing into Possibilities: The Transformational Lessons of a Stroke" is a book whose words and wisdom live and breathe in the moment.

Any library strong in personal growth - which should be many a general interest collection or new age library - will welcome HEALING INTO POSSIBILITY: THE TRANSFORMATIONAL LESSONS OF A STROKE. Anyone who has had a brain injury or handled patients with such will recognize the experiences of the author, who suffered two debilitating, nearly fatal strokes in her fifties and realized her attitude would be the key to how well she recovered.

Few can imagine the trauma of being able and healthy one day and practically immobilized by a crippling stroke the next. I can only imagine how I would react to such a situation. I would hope to have the stamina and resolve to look deeply into my life and find the blessings within the situation, which is exactly what Alison Bonds Shapiro has done. She has written the most beautiful guidebook for exactly this situation. Yet the truths of the lessons in this book apply not only to stroke recovery, but to every possible situation in life. This book serves as a grounding point for the beginning of any journey through personal tragedy and out the other side to wholeness and joy. With a conversational and direct style, Alison gets to the heart of what it means to be fully human on this planet, and gives clear and meaningful directions on how to utilize and maintain connection with the spirit that drives and protects our lives. This is a must read for any spiritual seeker, as well as for those who have had a stroke or know someone who has!

This is an inspiring book. The stuff she says is applicable not only to stroke, but to any injury, or indeed, any difficult life-change. The writing style is direct, straightforward, even terse, but is always very readable. I would recommend it to anyone, no matter what their health circumstances.

A caveat: Alison is a friend, and I knew her story before the publication of the book. (And I probably would not have had the pleasure of reading it if I hadn't found it through our friendship.) My wife and I co-teach a class in beginning Buddhist meditation, and we tell her story in order to illustrate the importance of mindfulness for dealing the difficult situations.

A singular book that can be described as truly inspiring. It should be read even if you are not recovering from a stroke or living with a disability or illness. Alison Bonds Shapiro gives some mighty powerful lessons on living a richer and more fulfilling life. I look forward to reading her next book.

The flower coming up through the snow on the cover represents the book well. There is hope, as Alison experienced and shares so honestly and clearly, amidst hopelessness for those who refuse to give up. Even when one way of doing things is lost, there are always options for fulfillment and accomplishment in other ways. It opened my mind to the possibility that some things that I have considered to be beyond my ability may not be and it is a wonderful resource that will challenge, motivate, and rekindle new life. I highly recommend this easy read and powerful book. The Eight Principles of Transformation, at the end, have been life-tested by Alison, and are most helpful to anyone who wants to improve their life.
Duane Westing, Pastor and Mayor

Healing into Possibility: The Transformational Lessons of a Stroke
By Alison Bonds Shapiro
ISBN: 978-1-93207-324-9 (HJ Kramer/New World Library, 2009)

Being a caretaker of my father, who had a stroke, I know all too well the necessity of finding meaning, working through frustration, and even finding humor around a physical trauma. Alison Bonds Shapiro speaks with a clear voice of what to do and how to do it when dealing with your stroke or that of a loved one. It's important for anyone in this situation to know that most of what we've been told about our brains is simply not true. Our brains have a healing capacity called neuroplasticity that until recently was not recognized. But much of our healing depends on our emotional views of the situation and this is where, as a caretaker, I found the book most useful.

Rahasya Poe, Lotus Guide
To Believe Or Not To Believe: The Social and Neurological Consequences of Belief Systems

I am rehabbing from brain tumor surgery in 2007. Results were just like a stroke. This book is fabulous! It shows there are many different roads to follow, you have to do what works for you. There is no right and wrong. The most important lesson - keep working on it! If you keep trying, you can get more function back. Very inspiring. Lots of anecdotes about people she knows that have gotten back function after years, not to mention her own journey. It's helping me to push on in the long struggle to get as much function as possible - and I'm getting better all the time. I have sent this book to friends undergoing the same journey. I thoroughly recommend it.

Alison's account of her recovery and the many avenues she explored during it are an inspiration to stroke survivors. Her positive attitude during a very difficult time is a model for anyone facing a serious problem.