Whispers of the Soul: New and Selected Poems
“A volume of poetry explores a plethora of topics related to the evanescence of life, with a focus on finding happiness, fulfillment, and connectivity.
Much of the power of this wisdom-filled collection comes from the selections that deal with Greer’s battle with breast cancer—and the network of women who supported her and helped her heal throughout. But that experience is part of a bigger thematic perspective that examines the author’s struggle to find and occupy her own space, both internally and externally. In “For Elizabeth,” Greer asks the question “Is it only women / who have to go to the far edges of the day / to find a little space? / Should it be this hard?” This question is raised again when, in “Why,” she wonders why a woman needs to wait for an invitation “to claim her space. / To claim her life.” In a sequence from “Reasonable Limits,” the author’s final revelation is glorious: “So what I long for is space, room to dance naked / with no unwanted gaze, time to sit alone / and breathe the silence. / This I have learned from cancer: / I am no longer willing / to be contained / by reasonable limits. / I want the whole house and more.” The idea of finding one’s space—and ultimately one’s self—is continued in “The New Year,” in which Greer luxuriates “in inner spaciousness” and, in the silence, hears “the whispers of the soul.” While some pieces don’t quite fit thematically, others are absolute powerhouses. For example, the last poem, “The Journey,” which offers some rules for a meaningful odyssey, is worth the price of the collection alone.
Deeply contemplative and inspiring poems that will surely resonate with readers ready to “risk life.”
-Kirkus Reviews
Breast Cancer: A Soul Journey
“With compassion and intelligence, Patricia Greer offers a readable and generous personal exploration of the potential meanings of breast cancer. Embracing the symbolic attitude of Jungian methods, which activate and engage unconscious layers of psyche, she focuses on cancer as teacher, a metaphoric guide to deeper self-awareness and self-knowledge. This soulful meditation on the healing power of image is a rich, sensitive contribution full of embodied wisdom, evocative language, and transcendent depth. An inspirational book for therapists, patients, and for all women and their families and friends whose lives have been touched by cancer and illness.”
– Judith Cooper, PsyD, clinical psychologist and Jungian analyst
“Women diagnosed with breast cancer often describe the experience as having many layers—physical, emotional, psychological, relational, social, spiritual, and even financial. Considering the experience as a journey of the soul is an opportunity to move beyond the effects of breast cancer and into a more expansive, meaning-making exploration. Patricia’s story is a generous gift to all who have experienced breast cancer and felt drawn to a deeper understanding of the point where one’s essence and illness intersect. This is definitely a trip you’ll be glad you took.”
– Jeannie Cella, MS, LCPC, executive director of Wellness House
“Patricia Greer creates a profound pathway for those with cancer and their loved ones. She intimately shares the sacred healing capacity of dream and image that she personally experienced during her long journey with cancer. Her image of the single redbud tree resonated for me long after I put the book down. Joining Patricia on her underworld journey with cancer, I too was immersed in a deep experience of navigating the darkest nights of the soul. I am deeply touched by Patricia’s work and feel her offering is tending the soul in and of the world.”
– Stephen Aizenstat, PhD, chancellor and founding president, Pacifica Graduate Institute
“As a breast cancer survivor, I was in no rush to go down memory lane. However, once I started reading Patricia’s book, I was immediately drawn in. Patricia connects the mind, body, spirit and soul and helps us to understand the delicate connection between them. This book is for breast cancer survivors and their loved ones as it helps them understand issues and situations that cannot always be put into words.”
– Lorraine Castle, breast cancer survivor
Soul Play: A workbook to inspire and guide your soul journey
“Soul Play serves as validation for the power of self-reflection through journaling and contemplation and provides a gentle pathway to fully explore your soul. For anyone who has struggled with finding a deeper understanding of self and journey, consider this workbook as the gentle hands guiding you every step of the way.”
-Nancy Vance, Director, LivingWell Cancer Resource Center
“Patricia Greer gently guides breast cancer survivors through the intricate layers of this life changing experience. She provides a ‘soul map’ that can lead to a deeper understanding of the impact cancer has on who they are, honoring and acknowledging their growth and the resiliency of human spirit.”
-Valerie Piazza, Senior Oncology Support Counselor, Wellness House
“A compassionate, gentle, and creative guide that allows you to hold space for yourself and your soul as you explore the deeper meaning of your illness.”
-Lisa Ellerbeck, breast cancer survivor
“Writing is therapeutic. Journaling is healing. And that’s where Patricia’s workbook leads you. Complete healing as only the true understanding of a situation can bring. Soul Play has become the foundation for my journal as Patricia gently leads me down the path to complete soul healing. It is the perfect companion to Breast Cancer: A Soul Journey.”
-Lorraine Castle, breast cancer survivor
“Soul Play invites me into an inner conversation with my deepest and most compassionate part, my soul, my true self. More than a book, it is an invitation to create a sacred space, and time, to be one with myself.”
-Laury Hartman, cancer survivor