| Editor Comment - Winter 2012 |
| Welcome to the Winter issue of the Lapidus Journal, which maintains our international flavour, with articles from the US and Italy as well as from our UK contributors. |
| One meaning of ‘Lapidus’ comes from the Hebrew word for ‘torch’. If there is one thing that unites the articles and reviews in this issue, it is the way in which they shine light on the therapeutic potential of professional practice and personal experience. |
| Ilaria Cover reports on her experimental work with bibliotherapy in medical settings in Italy. We learn how the discovery of his wartime diary helps an Alzheimer ‘s patient to reclaim his identity. Julie Davis reflects on the inherent beauty of a slide of her cancer cells, translating them into something of startling beauty, detached from their harmful potential. And from Scotland, Larry Butler introduces us to Die-a-log. This fascinating online project, which is thought provoking and even amusing, provides a place where members can discuss, reflect, and offer advice on all aspects of death – still ‘the big taboo’. |
| From the Wild West, Kate and Mary Reynolds Thompson urge us to look both within and without to discover the creative and healing potential of ‘wild places’. Helen Beale introduces us to the therapeutic practice of ‘somatic writing’, in which the aim is to ‘synthesise the psychological, the creative, and the bodily-sensing (somatic) nature of the individual’. |
| The theme of a light shone into dark places continues with Dawn McHale’s review of an If You Sit Very Still. This is Marian Partington’s account of her relationship with her sister Lucy, before and after Lucy’s death at the hands of Fred West. As Dawn’s review observes, despite its journey into the darkest side of human experience, this is a book which is illuminated from within by its own humanity, by themes of redemption, forgiveness and peace. |
| Death remains in the foreground of Claire Williamson’s review of Writing in Bereavement by Jane Moss. The genesis of this book was the subject of an article in a previous issue (Vol 6.2). But, as Claire observes, far from being a depressing read, this is ‘a heart-warming guide’ which blends gentle humour with compassion and practicality. |
| In complete contrast, we have Pat Simmons’s review (with the help of a grandchild or two) of Moira Andrew’s new collection of poetry for children, Wish a Wish. All three books could not on the face of it seem more different. Yet all are highly recommended for the clarity, lyricism, and humanity of their message. |
| On the technical front, this issue offers a new innovation: it is now possible to download articles as PDFs. This option was requested by members and contributors, and thanks go to Andy Stevens, our web designer. I would also like to thank our contributors, reviewers and editorial team, who have helped to produce another colourful and stimulating issue. |
| Louise Green |
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Kate
Thompson |
Mary Reynolds
Thompson |
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Julianne
Davis |
Ilaria
Cover |
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Larry
Butler |
Helen
Beale |
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Dawn
McHale |
Pat
Simmons |
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Claire
Williamson |
Louise
Green
Editor |
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