How to Be sick Book group

[Dianne Elton]

Hi everyone,

I wrote previously to ascertain whether anyone in this group might be interested in forming a book study group to discuss “How to Be Sick” by Toni Bernhard.  http://howtobesick.com/

 

My original idea was, (if there was enough interest), for the book group to meet in Second Life, (SL) at the ME/CFS centre.  Whilst some members have indicated they would be able to meet in SL, others have said that although the study group on “How to be Sick” interests them, they do not use SL.

 

If there is enough interest, the group will still meet in SL.  However, I thought (also if there is enough interest), that I could post discussion questions here on this Google groups website each week, and people could comment and join the discussion without using second life.

I am happy to do this if people would like to participate, but if there is no interest, I would prefer to save my meagre energy.

 

So, if a book group via discussion on this site interests you, could you please let me know by replying to this email.  You would of course need to buy the book.  It is also available on Kindle, (which I believe is much cheaper.)

-------------------

I include some words from Toni Bernhard to tell you a little more about her book. 

 

“I fell ill on a trip to Paris in 2001 with what the doctors diagnosed as an acute viral infection, but I  never recovered. I wrote this book while bed-bound – on my back, laptop on my stomach, notes strewn about on the blanket, printer within arm’s reach.

 

My goal in writing it was to help and inspire those who must meet the challenges posed by any chronic illness or condition: coping with the relentlessness of symptoms; weathering fear about the future; coming to terms with a life of relative isolation; facing the misunderstanding of others; dealing with the health care system; and, for a spouse, partner, or other caregiver, adapting to so many unexpected life changes.

 

The book contains easy-to-learn tools and practices to help people live skillfully, maintain equanimity, and even find joy despite the profound changes in their lives. Each tool and practice is illustrated with examples from my own experience, so the book is also highly personal.

 

Although our bodies may be sick or otherwise disabled, our minds can be at peace.”

 

[Sally Koetsveld]

Yes, I would be interested in a book club here on googlegroups, rather than on SL. 


cheers
Sally
(Melbourne, Australia)

On Mon, Aug 20, 2012 at 10:13 AM, Dianne Elton <dianne...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi everyone,

I wrote previously to ascertain whether anyone in this group might be interested in forming a book study group to discuss “How to Be Sick” by Toni Bernhard.  http://howtobesick.com/

 

So, if a book group via discussion on this site interests you, could you please let me know by replying to this email.  You would of course need to buy the book.  It is also available on Kindle, (which I believe is much cheaper.)

-------------------

I include some words from Toni Bernhard to tell you a little more about her book. 

 

“I fell ill on a trip to Paris in 2001 with what the doctors diagnosed as an acute viral infection, but I  never recovered. I wrote this book while bed-bound – on my back, laptop on my stomach, notes strewn about on the blanket, printer within arm’s reach.

 

My goal in writing it was to help and inspire those who must meet the challenges posed by any chronic illness or condition: coping with the relentlessness of symptoms; weathering fear about the future; coming to terms with a life of relative isolation; facing the misunderstanding of others; dealing with the health care system; and, for a spouse, partner, or other caregiver, adapting to so many unexpected life changes.

 

The book contains easy-to-learn tools and practices to help people live skillfully, maintain equanimity, and even find joy despite the profound changes in their lives. Each tool and practice is illustrated with examples from my own experience, so the book is also highly personal.

 

Although our bodies may be sick or otherwise disabled, our minds can be at peace.”

 

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[bsam...@bigpond.net.au]

I would like to join the discussion group. Elene, Melbourne Victoria Australia

 

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[Nancy Seely]

I would like to be included in a book discussion group.  I don't use Second Life, but am willing to join if necessary and not a big deal.  I've been ill 25 years and Toni's book is the first book on coping that has actually been useful, very, very useful!
 
Please keep me posted!  Nancy
 

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Date: Sun, 19 Aug 2012 17:13:44 -0700
From: dianne...@gmail.com

To: mecfs...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [ME/CFS Centre] How to Be sick Book group

[Dianne Elton]

Hi Josephine, Sally, Elene, Nancy, Anne, Priscilla, Linda and Yona,

 

Thank you all for your interest in the book study group for Toni Bernhard's "How to be Sick".  I hope you don't mind me replying to you all together.  I am trying to conserve energy. 

 

 As you know, my first idea was for a book group in Second Life.  There is definitely enough interest now for that to go ahead.   I then rather rashly offered to post the discussion questions to this website also. After a moment of clarity, I now realise, that trying to both would be "crash inducing" territory!! 

 

The Second Life book group will stretch me to my limits anyway, so I'm afraid I will not be posting discussion to this site after all.  (I know you will all understand not just my limitations, but the difference between my desire to do something, and the reality of actually being able to do it!! :)  (Many thanks to those who gently reminded me I was overstretching).

 

The good news however, is that the SL book group will go ahead.

 

We will begin by meeting weekly, and if that is too much for anyone, we can try fortnightly.  The club will run for 8 t o 10 weeks.

 

Times

I have chosen October 6th/7th as the starting date.  

I have chosen this date because:

1. This gives everyone just over a month to order the book and hopefully gives enough time to read the first couple of chapters at least.
2. Its the start of daylight savings in Australia, in  the ACT, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania. (Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia do not participate in Daylight Saving.)  So once chosen, the time will be constant for the duration of the club, in Australia at least. The time will however change for those in the US.

TIMES AND DATES FOR HOW TO BE SICK BOOK GROUP.

WEEK ONE:

• Pacific Daylight Savings Time Saturday 6th October 7PM (this will change for the following month when daylight savings ends in the US on Nov 4th and from then will be 6pm)
• =PERTH Sunday October 7th 10AM (this time should be constant for the entirity of the book club)
• =MELBOURNE Sunday October 7th 1PM (this time should be a constant also).

 

Phew, I sure hope I got that right!!

Anyway, we shall all muddle along as best we can and I have done my very best to get these times correct. PLEASE check the times given and let me know if I have anything incorrect.

 

If you already have an avatar in SL, please let me know and I will send you an invitation (in SL) to join the group.

If you wish to join second life, please post here also.  We will try to find someone to help you get started.  (I have already committed to helping someone, so please do not ask me), but I will try to find someone to help you.

 

Dianne Elton

[Dianne Elton]

Hi Sally, Elene, Nancy and Anne,

 

Places in the book club are filling up fast.  I want to put a limit of 10 (or perhaps 12 at the absolute outside).  Any more than that and i think its difficult to have a say.  So if you would like to join, please let me know and join sl as soon as possible.  Here is the link to join Second Life.  http://secondlife.com/

The person who I was helping to join sl , no longer needs help so I am available to help one person. 

 

Dianne

 

On Monday, August 20, 2012 8:13:44 AM UTC+8, Dianne Elton wrote:

[Sally Koetsveld]

I'd like to join the book club.  I created a new account yesterday because I couldn't remember my old one!

Now I just have to work out how to get around there, its very confusing.


cheers
Sally
(Melbourne, Australia)

--

[Nancy Seely]

Hi Dianne,
 
First, I'm so delighted that you're initiating such a group.  I stumbled across Toni's book almost right when it was being published, and its the first book on coping with illness that has actually been helpful.  I've been ill 25 years.  I've been a studen of Buddhism, but I never dealt with my illness with the wisdom and compassion Toni demonstrates in everything she writes. 
 
Second, thank you so much for writing and offering to assist one of us with getting set up in SL.  I've never used SL.  I do not have an avatar.  I'm clueless re what I need to do, but I usually learn fairly quickly.  My one concern is the time of the group.  I live in Nova Scotia, where we're on Atlantic time.  When the group begins at 7p Pacific time, that's 11p, 4 hours later for me (its better in Nov at 10p).  However, I live in rural NS and even though I have a partner, sometimes I feel so isolated and lonely, so this group would be a priority for me.
 
If your offer still stands, please let me know what I need to do to get started, if I'm not too late in contacting you.
 
With gratitude for what you're doing,
 
Nancy 
 

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Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2012 02:09:01 -0700
From: dianne...@gmail.com
To: mecfs...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [ME/CFS Centre] Re: How to Be sick Book group

[Roslyn Callister]

Hi dianne,

Is there still room in the group? I am quite keen to join if there is. Have only been on SL once since my son was born but this would be a good motivator. I hope you are doing well. 

Ros

Xo

Sent from my iPhone

--

[Dianne Elton]

Hi everyone,

thanks so much for all your responses. its great to see so much interest in the group.

I am very brain fogged this morning, but will muddle through your replies one by one.

 

Sally,

great that you have rejoined (totally understand not being able to remmember the old account!! hehe ). What is the name of your new avatar?  Once you tell me, I will send you an invitation to join the bookclub within Second Life.  I will also send you a request to be my friend.  If you accept this, you will be able to see when i am in SL and we can contact each other.

 

Yes, it is very confusing.  I have prepared a very basic guide to learn SL, that hopefull will give new avatars the ability to participate in the book club (but not much more)

I just have to figure out a way to get this guide to you all

 

Perhaps try emailing me directly - dianne.elton at gmail. com.  (I have written at instead of @, as the google groups condences the email addresses so they cant' be seen.)  If you email me, I'll send you my basic guide.

 

Another tip.  there is an excelllent orientation course here:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Virtual%20Ability/170/99/23

 

i suggest you learn how to move your avatar, how to sit, how to type in local chat, how to expand the chat window for starters.  I recommend resisting any well meaning attempts to help you change your avatar.  this will sap your energy.

 

and here is the landmark for the ME/CFS Centre in Second Life.

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Murdoch%20University/184/163/23

 

Good Luck Sally!! 

[Dianne Elton]

Hi Nancy,

congratulations on joining second life - well done you!! 

 

 Like you I have been sick for 25 years and like you, I have found Toni's book very helpful and very positive.

 

Yes I would be happy to help you learn SL.  I am in Perth Western Australia.  I have consulted the world time clocl, and it seems the best time to meet would be 9pm your time (perhaps Thursday , which equals 8am Friday , my time.).

 

Please read what I wrote to Sally about learning sl.

 

I have sent an invitation to your avatar to join the bookclub in sl.  if you look at the top right of your screen, you will see a tiny envelope.  its like email.  all your second life messages are in there.  there will me an ivitation from me to join the group.  you will need to accept it.

 

Good luck and I look forward to meeting you on your Thursday evening

regards

Dianne

[Dianne Elton]

Hi Roz,

So good to hear form you again!.  Yes there is still room in the group.  I have sent an invitation to join to Michelle Kurmin.  I hope this is you avi!! :))  How old is your son now?

 

I look forward to catching up again

cheers

Dianne.

[Dianne Elton]

i have attempted to attach my file of learning the basics in sl.  I don't know if it will come through.  If it does work you might not be able to see the pictures. which are essential for it to be of use!!  Any way its worth a try and if it doesn't work, you can always write directly to me

Dianne

[Sally Koetsveld]

it came through. Thanks


cheers
Sally
(Melbourne, Australia)

[Dianne Elton]

And Musetta Fieschi has offered to help you on SL.  she is lovely and very patient and kind

--

[Dianne Elton]

YAY the file worked ok.  hope its helpfull!!

Dianne

[bsam...@bigpond.net.au]

Hi,

My name in Second Life is Lee Lastchance. Could you invite me into the group.

I checked last night that my second life worked on this computer and I could log in, and all was good.

Thank you.

Elene

 

---

[Dianne Elton]

Good news !

Three people in the book club, who are experienced Second Life users, have offered to help anyone new or bewildered (that's most of us) to learn enough second life basics to participate comfortably in the book discussions. 

 

Let me know if you would like to be paired with an more experienced SL user.

Dianne

On Monday, August 20, 2012 8:13:44 AM UTC+8, Dianne Elton wrote:

[bsam...@bigpond.net.au]

Hi Dianne,

I just joined the How to be sick group in Second Life.

Regards, Elene

 

---

From: mecfs...@googlegroups.com [mailto:mecfs...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Dianne Elton
Sent: Thursday, 30 August 2012 12:18 PM
To: mecfs...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [ME/CFS Centre] Re: How to Be sick Book group

 

Hello everyone, this will possibly be the last post for the “How to be sick” group here on the Google Groups site.  We will give all the members, not part of the book club, a rest form the raft of emails appearing in their inbox. 

Notices will now be posted in the “How to be Sick” group within Second Life.  All members can post notices to the group and all members can start a group conversation.

 

Roz, and Elene, if you are having difficulty joining the second life book group, please contact me.

Thank you all those not part of the book group, for your patience.

Dianne

On Monday, August 20, 2012 8:13:44 AM UTC+8, Dianne Elton wrote:

--

[Dianne Elton]

Hi Elene, Good to have you in the group. :)  If you need any assistance, please let me know/

 

To everyone in the book club, -  handy hint.  Now that notices for the group will be posted mainly in the second life group, you can receive these notices in your email if you want..

 In Viewer 3 it  is under Menu Me --> Preferences --> Chat tab --> Email me im's when i am offline.

 

Please also visit the centre to see where the group will meet. From the landing point, walk towards  the rainbow, through the relaxation area, and look for the big "How to be Sick " book.  :)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Murdoch%20University/184/163/23

cheers

dianne

[Dianne Elton]

Group begins in 3 week’s time.

 

Just three weeks to go until the book group begins. 

Be sure to buy or borrow a copy of the book and to read the first chapter at least.

A notice has been sent to the group in Second Life.

 

Week one, Chapter one.

PDT Saturday 6^th October 7pm

=PERTH Sunday 7^th October 10am

=Melbourne Sunday 7^th October 1pm

 

I look forward to seeing you there.

Dianne

[Dianne Elton]

Hello all book club members,

 

Please check on Second Life for a notice from the How to Be sick book group, for the first session starting this weekend.  Discussion questions for chapter one are attached to the notice.

 

Week one, Chapter one.
PDT Saturday 6th October 7pm
=PERTH Sunday 7th October 10am
=Melbourne Sunday 7th October 1pm

 

I look forward to seeing you all there.

Dianne.

On Monday, August 20, 2012 8:13:44 AM UTC+8, Dianne Elton wrote:

[Sally Koetsveld]

Dianne,
I accidentally deleted the message before I grabbed the attachment.  HELP


cheers
Sally
(Melbourne, Australia)

[Dianne Elton]

Hi Sally,

No worries. I have sent you the notecard directly.

FYI, though, notecards can be retrieved from the group:

·        Go to the bottom toolbar to PEOPLE and click to open the PEOPLE window

·        Click on the tab, MY GROUPS

·        Click on “How to Be Sick” book group to highlight it and then click on the person icon on the right hand side to open the group profile

·        Near the bottom of the How to be sick window, click on NOTICES

·        When you do, you will see a list of all past notices sent.

·        Click on the Discussion questions one, then use the scroll bars at the right hand side, to see the attachment (week one discussion questions)

·        Click on OPEN ATTACHMENT.  You inventory will open at the notecards section and the week one discussion questions will be at the top of the list.  Right click on it, and select OPEN and it will appear on your screen.

(all instructions given are for the second life viewer , Viewer 3)

Look forward to seeing you there.

Regards,

Dianne

--

[Dianne Elton]

book club today:))\

Pacific Daylight Time 7pm Saturdays
=Perth, 10am Sundays
= Melbourne , 1PM Sundays
=Edmonton  Saturdays 8pm
=London Sundays 3am
=Oslo Sundays 4am
Dianne

 

On Monday, August 20, 2012 8:13:44 AM UTC+8, Dianne Elton wrote:

[Dianne Elton]

Hi book club members. 

discussion questions for chapter 3 have been sent.

Please check your notices in Second Life.

Cheers

Dianne

On Monday, August 20, 2012 8:13:44 AM UTC+8, Dianne Elton wrote:

[Dianne Elton]

Hi everyone,

 

1. First, some Halloween riddles to make you laugh.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/turning-straw-gold/201210/boo-halloween-humor-tickle-your-funny-bone-0

2. Book group this Saturday27th October/Sunday28th October
Chapter 3 The Buddha tells it like it is!

PDT  Saturday 27th October 7pm
=PERTH Sunday 28th October 10am
=Melbourne Sunday 27th October 1pm
=Oslo Sunday 28th October 3am
London Sunday 28th October 2am
Edmonton Saturday 27th October 8pm
I look forward to catching up with everyone :).
Dianne.

[Dianne Elton]

Book Group and morning tea this weekend! 6PM SLT

 

Hi everyone.
This week we read chapter 6, "How to find joy in the life you can no longer  lead".
 
With the holidays and festive season fast approaching, this time of year can be very difficult for we who are sick. Please come along and join in the discussion of some of Toni's coping strategies.

I have also changed the meeting place a little and invite you all for morning tea. (Or afternoon tea, supper or breakfast, depending on where you are in the world. :) )
 We may not be able to meet in RL and enjoy a cuppa, together, but we certainly can in second life.

Hope you can join us.

 

Second Life Time: Saturday 24 November 6pm
Edmonton  Saturday 24 November 7pm
London  Sunday 25 November 2am
Oslo  Sunday 25 November 3am
Perth  Sunday 25 November 10am
Melbourne  Sunday 25 November 1pm

 

I hope to catch up with you then. :)

Dianne Elton

[Dianne Elton]

Book Group this weekend.

Continuing in our reading of Toni Bernhard’s wonderful book about coping with chronic illness, this weekend we move onto the section, “Transformations and Turnarounds”.  This is a powerful and helpful section of the book.  This weekend we discuss Chapters 10 and 11.

Even if you have not been to previous book club sessions, you are most welcome to attend.

It would however be beneficial to have a copy of the book (How to Be Sick), and to have read the relevant chapters. J.

 

Second Life Time: Saturdays 6pm

London  Sundays 2am

Oslo  Sundays 3am

Perth  Sundays 10am

Brisbane Sundays 12 NOON

Melbourne  Sundays 1pm

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Murdoch%20University/207/150/22

 

Please contact Dianne Elton for more information..