by Steven E. Brown Ph. D. (Author)
A mysterious limp when I was five would be diagnosed as a rare genetic disease, foreshadowing decades of excruciating bone pain and accelerating immobility. In my mid-forties not even the most sophisticated medical technology could detect my bone density, which shocked me into digging deep inside to tackle longstanding, but often ignored, personal angers and sorrows and choose between submitting to a life of ongoing pain and desperation or propelling myself into healing and liberation.
Author Biography
STEVEN E. BROWN, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Center on Disability Studies, University of Hawaii; Co-Founder, Institute on Disability Culture; & Reconnective Therapy practitioner. In "Surprised to be Standing: A Spiritual Journey," Brown describes living from the age of five with a painful, often-immobilizing disability; becoming a pioneer in disability rights and culture; and then finding himself on an unexpected and astounding healing journey. Brown's previous publications include "Movie Stars and Sensuous Scars: Essays on the Journey from Disability Shame to Disability Pride;" over 100 articles, in both refereed journals and grassroots publications; and six books of poetry. His writings have been translated into a variety of languages. Brown has worked in the US, Canada, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Saipan, and Sweden. His honors include selection as Grand Marshal for the 2nd Annual Disability Pride Parade in Chicago, Illinois; and recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards.