By Tel Franklin, M.D.
Reviewed for The Whole Life Times by Lorrie Kazan
If a book can have a vibe, then Expect A Miracle has a bright one, right down to the restful blue ink in which it’s printed.
Dr. Franklin is the founder of The Center For Appreciative Dialogue, a positive outlook-driven way of approaching life and creating better health. Disillusioned with the success rate of standard medicine, and the sense of alienation he witnessed in patients, Dr. Franklin took an alternative perspective. He asked himself how patients could integrate the different therapy modalities they underwent and open a discussion with their practitioners that would incorporate such essential concepts as “soul” and “spirit.”
His answer was to create this workbook for people with chronic health issues and their practitioners. Chronic illness could span from fibromyalgia to cancer. If you’re undergoing a number of therapies and searching for a normal day, this book may be for you.
In it you will look at probing questions about health, expectations, and treatments. For instance, “What can I do on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis to experience optimal health?” “Right now, how can I achieve total optimal health for one moment?” “How can I extend that time frame?” You’ll be encouraged to examine expectations, expand choices and step outside the box in which one might unconsciously live.
Peppered throughout are the author’s words of guidance and support. For example, “I am taking advantage of all opportunities to smile, laugh, and just have fun!” Further, he shares stories of others’ journey from illness to in many cases radiance. There’s so much high energy and optimism that it may sound a bit like p.r. in some places.
Still, we’re reminded that there are many intangibles that go into healing. This journaling process extends channels for clear communication not only with one’s self, and one’s health practitioners but between and among the practitioners, as well, viewing each patient’s experience as a unique opportunity for growth and enrichment.
Center For Appreciative Dialogue, 2002.
