What groups would be interested in a Buddhist-inspired book on coping with illness (for the chronically ill and their caregivers)?

I think spiritualists and or the Yoga community would have an interest in this type of read. I am in both of those camps and spend a large part of my time learning how to be healthy, happy and well where learning how to be sick would only serve to learn about the other side of the equation we all work so hard to avoid! One of the reasons so many learn first aid to learn how to fix our selves when we are hurt. May as well be prepared for that day when we are no longer healthy and well.

I think all Buddhist or Taoist practice and philosophy is very valuable in one’s spiritual pantry and is absolutely compatible with all faiths.

You might look into as @Cruiser said, yoga teachers, metaphysical bookstores, hospitals, even animal hospitals ( perhaps a separate small publication for vets to hand out for grieving pet owners.)

Yes, chaplains as well. I know a brilliant chaplain that also is a neuro linguistic programmer, counselor and american med. assc. certified hypnotherapist that utilizes and promotes all paths to heath and wisdom.

Hypnotherapists, accupuncturists and other holistic practioners might be an avenue to investigate as well. Also any spiritual retreats in your area.

Do I count? I’m not necessarily a group, but….

@Coloma….had great ideas!

Are you really calling your book ,“How to Be Sick”? Won’t another title be more appropriate….“Coping with Sickness: The Buddhist Way” or “The Path of Illness: A Buddhist Perspective” or ” Illness as a Spiritual Gift: The Buddhist Way of Transiting Life” or “Crossing the Rainbow Bridge: A Buddhist Looks at the End of Life”.

I guess I don’t like to affirm illness at any time. But that’s my own perspective. I don’t believe that any illness is terminal until the patient stops breathing.

However, I think that your book will fill a great need, Ernie….good luck to you!

@erniefernandez I like your title! To me it is very zen.
All the suggestions above are very good. Do you have a publisher or a marketing website?

Cancer Society

Maybe just ’ How to BE’.. with sickness. (?)

After all that’s the core of the philosophies.

Coinicidently I just returned from my avian vet with my little chinese goose Sonora who has sprained her leg. Administered an anti- inflamatory injection and sent me home with 2 weeks of medication and orders for ‘nest rest.’ lol

I observed how my calm and loving vibes helped her cope with the stressful car ride in a wicker laundry basket and now..I am going to sit with her while she floats in her pool resting her sore leg and just share our beingness.

I am a strong believer in how we can support our sick animal friends as well through loving and compassionate silence! ;-)

@erniefernandez

Oh..I am not sure how you might research finding if there are any animal hospice vets in your area but..I lost my old cat last month, had to be euthanized as he was experiencing heart failure.

Found a vet ( it was Memorial weekend ) to make the house call…she was amazing…AND…had an animal hospice practice as well as her regular doctoring.

I was so blown away…animal hospice care…how cool is that!

@Coloma Aw, poor kitty….;( I’m sure he’s playing with the Giant String In The Sky now! ^^

@Draconess25

Yes..he was a great guy!

Aaaah…what we do to keep our little friends comfy and happy…just soaked a bed pillow with cold water and now my goose is resting on a cool pillow in the shade with her food & water bowls within necks reach….lol

@Coloma What do geese eat?

There are many great suggestions here already. I can only add that you should look at nursing associations, too.

I would think adult children with ageing parents would benefit from such a book, especially if they are involved with their routine care.

@Draconess25

They eat chicken feed, scratch grains, lots of grass, lettuces, and they like watermelon and other fruits and veggies.
They are fun pets!

are you referring to the the tibetan book of living and dying or something else, and if so, is it any good?

@mammal do you mean the Tibetan Book of the Dead—which was a 50s-60s pathway to taking an LSD trip before Timothy Leary wrote the Psychedelic Experience based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead [which involved a series of ‘self-deaths’ to achieve enlightenment]?

@anartist no, i mean this. Though they are sometimes confused.

@mammal interesting. thank you.

Sorry it took me so long to get back to these answers; they’ve been very helpful. And no, I am not writing a book. However, I did get my hands on an advance copy of a book being published by Wisdom Publications. The author’s name is Toni Bernhard and the title actually is “How to Be Sick.” She’s chronically ill and a practitioner and the book itself is outstanding. I’m fortunate to have gotten a copy but I am just trying to discern who might be interested in it besides Buddhist practitioners.

Does anyone else feel like a lot of really valuable Buddhist-inspired literature tends to get stuck in the Buddhist-practitioner niche?

One of the greatest little gems is a tiny pocket book called:

The way to love..by Anthoney De Mello

It’s a must have and I have shared copies with lots of friends.

“The Lazy Man’s Guide to Enlightenment” by Thaddeus Golas isn’t bad either. First published in 1971 a Buddhist inspired little gem available on Amazon and at thisthoroughly hideous website

Too often Buddhist-inspired books fill cult niches only as this one has done [sort of operating philosophy for the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers], but it is full of wisdom.