Preserving Human Touch in a High Tech World E-book Is "Live" on Amazon and more!

Preserving Human Touch in a High Tech World E-book Is "Live" on Amazon; would love your support.  P.S.  Don't miss the e-book cover; it is outrageous!  It alone is worth the price of admission.  (And the Dedication Page also provides symbolic interpretation of the cover imagery.)

As promised, we are "live."  Hope you will consider purchasing and rating.  I think you'll find it quirky, funny, and insightful.  It would mean a lot!  Warm wishes and good adventures,  Mark

Click here: Preserving Human Touch in a High Tech World: Writings, Raps & Rhymes on Stress Resiliency, Burnout Recovery, and D   or

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GIPXVH4/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb

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Did you see my "What The Donald Wants" lyric?  It's stirring up some intense reaction!!!  (If you didn't see it, will gladly send it.  Or you can go to my LinkedIn writer's page:

Click here: Preserving Human Touch in a High Tech World E-book Is "Live" on Amazon and More Reader Responses to "What the Dona   or

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/preserving-human-touch-high-tech-world-e-book-live-amazon-mark-gorkin?published=t

"What the Donald Wants" just got published on WritersBeat.com.  Also, here are some interesting Facebook reader responses:

https://www.facebook.com/mark.gorkin/posts/1237842376255848?comment_id=1238629212843831&notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic&notif_id=1465247822942365

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Hi,

Loosely akin to being a proud parent of a new-born (e-book), Preserving Human Touch in a High Tech World:  Writings, Raps, & Rhymes on Stress Resiliency, Burnout Recovery, and Digital Sanity, is "Live" on Amazon.

Click here: Preserving Human Touch in a High Tech World: Writings, Raps & Rhymes on Stress Resiliency, Burnout Recovery, and D   or

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GIPXVH4/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb

Would love for you to check it out, and consider purchasing, reading or skimming as time and interest allow, and writing brief comments.  In light of how our world (as presently defined by Amazon.com, Google, etc.) works, it's of great value to have people post ratings and comments about an author's work.  (See summary below.)

Also, based on Amazon's suggested pricing/book sales algorithm, their recommended price is $3.99.  (I had earlier mentioned a purchase price of $1.99.  If you decline or defer, I understand.)

Thanks again.  Best wishes and good adventures,  Mark

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Here are some recent preview comments about the book and the substance and style of my writings:

Preserving Human Touch…Testimonials

Mark, Today, I discovered an absolute goldmine of excellent information on anger, stress and the uniqueness of the U.S. Postal Service.

I urge you to begin placing every one of the documents on Pulse.  I had no idea of your greatness.  This is what I am referring to: http://www.stressdoc.com/news19821.htm

You are totally awesome.

Director I George Anderson I BCD, LCSW
executive coaching I anger management

T I 310-476-0908
F I 310-476-6789

2300 Westridge Rd.
Los Angeles, CA  90049

www.andersonservices.com
andersonandandersonapc@gmail.com

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Let me know when it is live. Funny and insightful as usual. Jef

Jef Gazley M.S., L.M.F.T., D.C.C.

6540 E. Kelton Lane, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254

866-998-0560

http://www.asktheinternettherapist.com, http://www.energypsychologytherapy.com, http://www.add-care.com

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Hi Mark,

Thank you for sending me the Bipolar Dance poem and the introduction.  I am honored you would also share the introduction with me as well.  The poem is excellent and really captures the variety of feelings that are often associated with bipolar disorder.

You are an excellent writer. Thanks again,

Karen, SALERNK@ccf.org,

Cleveland Clinic Foundation

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Hi Mark,

Wow, I opened your book (PHT) and couldn’t stop reading as I got all the way to page 52.  I’ll get back to reading this, hopefully, over the weekend.  I look forward to obtaining a copy through Amazon when it goes live.  It is a nice work wellness resource. Very best,

Diana

Diana.Mickle@USPTO.GOV

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Lovin' it - Keep it flowin'

BUSY transitioning from daughter's "princess" room to her "grown-up apartment" and reading your writings is, well, you have a terrific way of saying things.

Loved your Humpty Dumpty - I substitute my bro for the egg & my dad for the king.

"couldn't put him together again"

I find your raps fun-filled - yet darkly close to the heart -

Gorkin Fan, Donna Shriver

Currently sleep deprived & earning more wrinkles

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E-book Promo Summary

Preserving Human Touch in a High Tech World
Writings, Raps, & Rhymes on Stress Resiliency,
Burnout Recovery, and Digital Sanity

Everyday our world becomes more TNT – Time-Numbers-Technology – driven and distracted.  And if human traits were species, two of the most endangered would be Integrity and Intimacy.  Preserving Human Touch in a High Tech World is your skills and strategies, light and enlightening road map of “writings, raps and rhymes” for:

• dancing the “Burnout Boogie” and exploring the “Six ‘R’s Road of Burnout Recovery”:  Running-Reading-Retreating-Writing-Relating-Risk-taking

• becoming more stress resilient and burnout resistant with the Stress Doc’s ™ classic “Four Stages of Burnout” and brain agility “Formula for Natural SPEED”: Sleep-Priorities/Passion-Empathy-Exercise-Diet

• breaking down “The Silent Wall of Shame” as well as laughing at your own flaws and foibles while using healing humor to deflate and detoxify noxious stress carriers

• preventing yourself, friends, and family or your team, department, and organization from “Going MA&DD” (through Media Addiction & Digital Distraction; (it’s obvious that the Doc is the founding member of a new 12-Step AA Group:  Acronyms Anonymous).

• encouraging each reader to embark on his or her own inner journey of self-discovery and self-resiliency.  Surely, this is the foundation and pathway for vital (not just virtual) “f-2-f” (face-to-face) connection

• helping organizations develop interactive learning-sharing groups that evolve from "There's no 'I' in team" to "There are two 'I's in winning!"  And these "I"s can "C"/see:  Winning teams blend Individual Creativity & Interactive Community!

A Mix of Meaning and Magic...and Battlefield Experience

An insightful and inspiring guide for self-discovery and heart-to-heart connection, Preserving Human Touch... is the painful, playful, and soulful outpouring of a one-of-a-kind – stage and page – "word artist."  Whether poetry or prose, purposeful or poignant, the language is colorful yet clear – a tapestry of meaningful substance and magical style.  This ingenious synthesis is best captured by the “Stress Doc’s” ™ quest to be the Dr. Seuss of Stress for Adults (and kids of all ages).

Mark’s hats also include therapist and “Psychohumorist” ™, motivational speaker, “Reality Radio” Podcaster, and “Shrink Rapper” ™.   And he’s a former Stress and Violence Prevention Consultant for the US Postal Service.  (The Doc is battle-tested!)  In addition to raps and rhymes, there are popular essays and Q & As – over forty selections of varying size, substance, and style.  Next each Shrink Rap ™ or Resiliency Poetry sample is illuminated by a brief intro and outro that:  a) sheds light on the context of the work or b) explains how the piece came into being, as well as c) some thoughts on poetic purpose and power.  Finally, the “R & R” selections – Raps & Rhymes – close with Discussion Questions to enrich engagement and expand awareness.  These head-heart provocateurs also will facilitate meaningful group discussion, whether at the family table or hanging with friends, at book clubs, or in a classroom or workshop setting.

So seek the higher power of Stress Doc humor:  May the Farce Be with You!

Don’t miss your appointment with the Stress Doc.

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Amazing Grief: When Resiliecy Magic Springs from the Tragic

Once again, magic arose from the ashes of tragedy.  And the magic appeared in separate manifestations of individual and group resilience, one spontaneous, the other planned.  Let me quick-sketch the background.  I was making my second critical intervention at a social service agency after the unexpected, heart-wrenching death of a much beloved staff member.  This individual seemed to play a mother or big sister role for many of her multi-generational colleagues.  Not surprisingly, the first time meeting with the group, most were in a state of shock, though several had watery eyes, a few were quietly weeping.

The second gathering, three days later, there were fewer glazed looks; still the mood, understandably, remained somber.  During the initial check-in, a former policeman turned the tables on me.  Seemingly parts inquisitive, parts confrontational, he asked how I dealt with "stress."  Viewing his question as an opportunity to move outside my professional cover, to engage in some personal sharing, I responded, "I like to walk; and I enjoy creative writing."

He then asked about my writing.  When I said "poetry," he immediately asked me to share some.  Alas, the performer more than the grief consultant momentarily took the stage.  I mentioned my work as a "Shrink Rapper" ™, which induced a mix of groans and chuckles.  I quickly decided to "rap" the first four lines of a favorite:

When it comes to feelings do you stuff them inside?
Is tough John Wayne your emotional guide?
And it's not just men so proud and tight-lipped
For every Rambo there seems to be a Rambette!

After two lines (and the improbability of what they were seeing and hearing), the metamorphosis was palpable -- from the relaxing of individual facial expressions to increasing group energy and body movement; several people had started to sway and clap.  By the end of this first stanza their eyes (and my ears) were twinkling (buzzing) with (and from the) laughter.  Now I just blasted through any sound barrier and sang the entire "Stress Rap."  Being "shocked" was no longer just associated with grief.  (Considering that all but one in the group were people of color, most African-American, with hindsight, perhaps this was the birth of "Grief" or "Gospel Rap" or "Gospel Grief Rap."  I have great memories of being electrically if not soulfully charged in many N'Awlins Jazz Fest Gospel tents. ;-).

Jolted to the Light

The enthusiastic applause told me how much this group needed some healing humor and "lightening the mood" laughter.  At the same time, despite the recent trauma, there was clear and reassuring evidence of a vital group pulse.  FYI, their cheers certainly did not reflect my "rapping" talents.  In fact, as a "Shrink Rap" performer, when the show of appreciation dies down, my standard rejoinder:  I can tell when an audience is applauding out of relief.

Now, recovering my consultant mindset, I dispensed with added banter, but noted how our immediate process reflected a truth captured by the pioneering comedic film genius, Charlie Chaplin:

A paradoxical thing about making comedy is that it is precisely the tragic which arouses the funny.  We have to laugh due to our helplessness in the face of natural forces and in order not to go crazy!

The sighs and nodding heads affirmed Chaplin's wisdom.  As I once penned:  "People are less defensive and more open to a serious message gift-wrapped with humor."  (Pun actually not intended.)  Having been jolted with some positive energy, folks seemed more willing to acknowledge feelings of disappointment and regret, even some anger, for a beloved colleague who would no longer inhabit and share their physical space.  Perhaps we were creating a yin-yang/light-dark mind-body flow.  A Stress Doc rule of thumb in helping people evolve through emotional loss and change:  take time for the pain, and then help folks move from negative to positive energy.

Recalling and Committing to the Positive and the Person

As part of the grief intervention experience, the group also would benefit from being reminded of their own individual and collective humility, strengths, and skills.  And, paradoxically, we would do this by focusing on the uncommon qualities of their deceased colleague.  Let me outline the process.  I asked each participant to reflect on one trait of their former colleague that they especially valued or admired.  However, we were not simply doing an inventory.  I also asked for the chosen trait to be one that, moving forward, they would attempt to cultivate or nurture within themselves.  (I'm calling this recognition-realization process "I and I" -- Identification and Internalization.   Also, the deceased had loved gardening, so the "cultivation" metaphor was particularly apt.)  Hands sprung up, some people and traits intertwined, and the list steadily blossomed:

1.  Always had a smile on her face; we tackled this one because for some it stirred feelings that she had been mostly wearing a mask.  I suggested that maybe throwing herself into work was one way this woman both felt vitally alive and could escape a more pressured and chaotic outside life.  Yet we agreed…the tragic irony was that while she was always ready with a shoulder for others -- patients or staff -- she was unable to ask for one for herself.  Not surprisingly, this discussion also became a platform for underscoring the EAP (Employee Assistance Program) as an available resource -- counseling for personal or family issues, financial counseling, etc.
2.  Many admired how she advocated for people in the program.
3.  She was involved; a team player.  Also acknowledged was that the presence of gossip for some dampened a sense of individual-group trust and involvement.  People agreed this was an issue requiring further exploration.  However, one member liked my challenge:  to evolve from a "little brother" seeking attention to a "big brother" assisting others.
4.  She paid attention to details; her assessments for patients improved their therapeutic regimen.  In fact, we came up with a new operational mantra; I dubbed it the Triple "A":  ATTENTION-ASSESSMENT-ADVOCACY.  I suspect there will soon be a sign or a banner hanging somewhere in the premises.
5.  She was a good friend, who went over and beyond the call many times.
6.  She engaged in volunteer projects; she was a "truly good person" with a "caring and generous heart."
7.  Finally, her dependability was noted; her words were backed by actions.

We then discussed ways of sustaining remembrance beyond a memorial service -- for example, planting a garden in her honor; or creating a scrapbook or bulletin board with stories and pictures, especially ones with staff members.  A second scrapbook might even be offered to her family.  The supervisor was also encouraged to empower a memorial task group for more ideas.

Closing Commentary and Addendum

The hour was running down; people had to return to their patients.  There was time for one final observation:  I shared the belief that if each person dedicated him- or herself to nurturing the selected trait, two vital chains of events would be set in motion:  first, they would be giving themselves the beautiful gift of remembrance and honor as personal growth; and second, from a larger perspective, their colleague's essence would remain intact.  The collective, "parts to partnership" synergy would provide "life" restoring elan vitale (or "vital force").  While this commitment would never replace her physical presence; her spirit would palpably walk the halls and echo off the workplace walls.  People seemed to exit with a good deal more energy, hope, and possibility -- a more resilient spring to their step, as it were -- than they had coming in.  Amen and women to that!

P.S.  After the group intervention, the previously mentioned former policeman approached me.  He's been talking to a colleague seemingly bottling up some stress.  "And he won't open up!  What should I do?"  My reply:  "How about asking this person if you could check in periodically, maybe once a week, to see how s/he's doing?"  This "old school" guy's reply:  "Oh, I shouldn't try to make him talk."  I smiled and nodded.  The gentleman was displaying some resilience:   considering a novel, more flexible strategy for dealing with personal frustration and interpersonal boundaries, for relating with and assisting another.  A good way to help one and all...Practice Safe Stress!


Mark Gorkin, MSW, LICSW, "The Stress Doc" ™, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is a national keynote and webinar speaker and "Motivational Humorist & Team Communication Catalyst" known for his interactive, inspiring and FUN programs for both government agencies and major corporations.  A training and Critical Incident/Grief Intervention Consultant for the National EAP/Wellness Company, Business Health Services in Baltimore, MD, the Doc also leads "Stress, Team Building and Humor" programs for various branches of the Armed Services.  Mark, a former Stress and Violence Prevention Consultant for the US Postal Service, is the author of Resiliency Rap, Practice Safe Stress, and of The Four Faces of Anger.  See his award-winning, USA Today Online "HotSite" - www.stressdoc.com - called a "workplace resource" by National Public Radio (NPR).  For more info on the Doc's "Practice Safe Stress" programs or to receive his free e-newsletter, email stressdoc@aol.com or call 301-875-2567.

A Case for High Task-Touch-Tolerance Training for Supervisors and Managers

Several events have come together within the last six weeks compelling me to share my thoughts on services/programs that I believe would be of great benefit to colleagues, clients, or employees, especially managers and supervisors.  More specifically, I have seen the clear emotional support, the interactive energy, enthusiastic and open sharing, and morale boost, as well as the “hands on” PRO – Personal-Relational-Organizational – problem-solving benefits of:

a) a two-hour class for a handful of county government managers, and b) an all-day workshop for eighteen “Metro Transit” managers.

Other recent events have demonstrated the impact that motivational-interactive-team oriented programs have on both small (corporate) and large (government) audiences.

Before describing these events, let me mention an excellent resource, a book I am presently reading, by Jane Stevenson and Bilal Kaafarani, Breaking Away:  How Great Leaders Create Innovation that Drives Sustainable Growth – and Why Others Fail, McGraw-Hill, 2011.  According to the authors, innovation is “something unique that delivers true value and is worthy of exchange.”  I believe the below programs/services, in particular, problem solving-support groups and workshops for Managers and Supervisors, clearly meet this criteria.  When a Manager or Supervisor experiences and integrates the value of Stress and Conflict Resiliency and Relaxation, a virtuous cycle spreads throughout their network

The above-mentioned interactive-interconnected-innovative events include:

1) Motivational-Interactive Keynote with a major Fairfax County Govt Department (see testimonials below); the 1.5 hour program for 100 + employees went so well that it quickly spun-off an upcoming June 2013 Stress Resiliency/Practice Safe Stress program for all FCG Department Heads

Subject:   THEY LOVE YOU IN DAHS
Date:     3/25/2013

Hi Mark,

Hope you had a great weekend.

I spoke with Gail this morning and she is absolutely DEE-lighted with the Stress Doc! 

[Gail Ledford, Department Director, was going to share her observations with Dept. of Public Work's Director James Patteson.]

WE have had nothing but rave reviews from the staff

“Engaging and Educational”

“Just a note to say how much I enjoyed yesterday’s event at the Government Center.  I think it changed the attitudes of many because not only were we ‘away’ from the office but also having Mark Gorkin as a guest speaker helped everyone connect better….and laugh. Thank you!”

“We are already using some of the tools and suggestions from the training. Our vote is more like this, whether it’s him or similar activities.”

I will be in touch. All the best,

Robyn L. McCoy
Resource Development and Training Manager
Department of Administration for Human Services

703-324-3597
Robyn.McCoy@fairfaxcounty.gov
“Leadership and Learning are indispensable to each other.” ~ John F. Kennedy
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Hi, Mark.

I just wanted to thank you for your presentation today.  I feel that I took away some strategies that I can use to handle stress in my work life (I just changed jobs) as well as in my home life (caring for an ill loved one).  I was a mad scribe and wrote down many of your anecdotes that will serve me well!

Best wishes,

Christina Hokenson
DAHS-Contracts and Procurement Management
(703) 324-7025 phone
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2) As a consultant for Business Health Services, led a 2-hour Managing Stress for Montgomery County Govt Managers class; while because of technology-marketing factors numbers were small (three attendees); however, having only three people allowed for an intimate and focused sharing/learning experience; there were substantive cathartic and strategic benefits, along with tangible “take home” plans.  The participants were decidedly less stressed, had a clear problem-solving direction, and were definitely more hopeful.  I believe a regular small group support system for Managers and Supervisors would be invaluable.

3) As a consultant with Business Health Services, led a one-hour class for a major area transportation company, a mind-body, cognitive-alternative health method of dealing with stress, including focusing on styles of self-defeating thinking and the use of a relaxation-visualization exercise (the class was given three times in the day, including for night shift employees).  One of the principals of this transportation company attended all three sessions.  His words:  “You have an inspiring message!”

From: Cookie Kornstein

Sent: Tuesday, March 26, 2013
To: Doug Nelson

Subject: Next training

Hi Doug,

Can we secure the date of April 30 for The Mind & Body Connection?  We would like to have the same 3 sessions as before with the same instructor if possible, (we LOVED Mark!) The times would be: 9:30-10:30am, 11-12 noon and 10-11 pm.

Let me know if that date is okay...thanks!

Cookie Kornstein, HR Director

cookiek@eyre.com

Eyre Bus, Tour & Travel

Direct: 410.442.1330 x3220
Fax: 410.442.0010
PO Box 239 - 13600 Triadelphia Rd. - Glenelg, MD. 21737
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4) A recent one-day Stress Resiliency Workshop with Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Managers proved magical.  The group engagement, venting and strategizing, along with mutual support/dialogue literally led to all top-rated evals, and this follow-up note:

Subject: Newsletter

Date: 5/13/2013
From: THall@wmata.com

Good Morning Mark

My intention was to email you right after your class on Thursday (5/9/13), but of course I got side tracked.  I would once again like to share how much I enjoyed your class.  As stated before, if I come across anyone who might need your services, I will forward your contact information.

Thanks again for such a refreshing class.

Toyia Hall

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This one-day, small group-interactive program for WMATA covered such content areas as:

Stress Assessment and Stress Building Beliefs/Self-Defeating Styles of Thinking

Recognizing the Personal and Professional Link with Burnout

Knowing How and When to “Let Go”

Loss-Stress-Change Assessment Scale

The Importance of Recognizing and Continuing the Process of “Unfinished Grieving”

Asking “Good Questions” for Disarming Power Struggles while Building Trust

Strategies and Resources for Dealing with “Family” Triangle Conflicts

Defusing a Critical Aggressor with Tactful Assertion

Dealing with Departmental Stress/Conflict or a “Superior” Rank “Stress Carrier”

Identifying and Intervening with the “Team Virus”

Reaching Out for Internal and External (HR, EAP, Independent Consultant) Resources

Learning Progressive Relaxation and the Stress Doc’s Formula for Natural SPEED – Sleep, Priorities-Passion, Empathy-Exercise, and Diet

Using a 3-D – Discussion-Drawing-Diversity – Team Exercise to creatively manage group stress/tensions while building camaraderie and morale, especially in times of transition

Of course, these topics can be tailored for programs of any length.

If you would like to discuss these or any other ideas further, please email stressdoc@aol.com or call 301-875-2567.  Best wishes and good adventures,

Mark Gorkin

www.stressdoc.com

Mark Gorkin, the Stress Doc ™, www.stressdoc.com, acclaimed Keynote and Kickoff Speaker, Webinar Presenter, Retreat Leader and Motivational Humorist, is the author of Practice Safe Stress and The Four Faces of Anger. A former Stress & Violence Prevention consultant for the US Postal Service, "The Doc" is a Team Building and Organizational Development Consultant as well as a Critical Incident/Grief Intervention Expert for Business Health Services, a National Wellness/EAP/OD Company. Mark leads highly interactive, innovative and inspiring programs for corporations and government agencies, including the US Military, on stress and brain resiliency/burnout prevention through humor, change and conflict management, generational communication, and 3 "R" -- Responsible, Resilient & Risk-Taking -- leadership-partnership team building.

Email stressdoc@aol.com for his popular free newsletter & info on speaking programs and phone coaching sessions.

Stress Doc Mantra: "Think out of the box, perform outside the curve (the Bell Curve) and be out-rage-ous!"
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