THE DRAGON WITHIN :
A Tale of Self-Discovery and Healing

A new book by Sheila Pennington Ph.D.
Author of:
HEALING YOURSELF: Understanding How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body

Every few years a book is published that changes the lives of its readers forever. The Dragon Within could be that book.

A note from the publisher…………

When I first read Dr. Pennington's manuscript, I asked her if the book was for adults or children. She replied:

"It was written as an allegory, an adult fairy tale, but I have discovered that children love it too; it is for both child and adult, like Alice in Wonderland or Winnie the Pooh.".

Avalon, the little loveable but tragic princess is surrounded by well developed characters, both animal and human. The Dragon Within is a tale of adventure and fantasy that will be remembered by readers of all ages and will influence their lives forever."

In my opinion, The Dragon Within is superb.

It is timely and topical: it is about reclaiming personal power from the icons of patriarchal authority like religion and medicine, and taking responsibility for the direction of our own lives. A huge chunk of the world is waiting for this dynamic message. The Dragon Within is full of hope, spirit, the meaning of fulfillment, and the discovery of potential.

The joy of learning about oneself through myth, fable, fantasy or allegory is an imaginative and non-threatening process. It is a way to feel safe as one identifies with characters who reflect some facet of their own personalities, and who demonstrate possibilities of changing the present and reaching for more. Tales of this type i.e. Jonathan Livingston Seagull, by Richard Bach, The Little Prince, by Saint Exupery, and The Alchemist, by Coelho have brought inspiration and hope to thousands.

The stages of Avalon's journey to health are based on Dr. Pennington's earlier book Healing Yourself: Understanding How your Mind Can Heal Your Body. Here she describes by scientific analysis the seven steps of the healing path taken by the survivors of a medical terminal diagnosis.

Psychological depression sometimes manifests itself through physical illness. Resolutions can often be found through nature, spirit, will, nutrition, self-healing techniques, and many other therapies.

There is a groundswell movement concerning reclamation of personal power. The story of Avalon personifies this "winning back" by underlining the process and power of identifying and owning your potential. It is not necessary to have power over others, over the planet, or to somehow conquer nature.

This book carries a profound message, communicated through adventure, struggle, humour, insight, love, and understanding.

The illustrations are by Janet Stahle-Fraser. Her sense of wonder and magic speak for themselves.

To share my enthusiasm, please join me on a pre-publication preview tour of The Dragon Within: A Tale of Self-Discovery and Healing.

(click here for story outline)

J.Bentley Harrison,
President Cybercom Publishing