I am indebted to Harriet Beinfield, LAc, and Efrem Korngold, LAc, OMD, who penned Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine (1991). Their book is the eminent resource on how to understand the practice of Chinese medicine. Their work includes an exquisite original exposition of the Five Phase model and how it has the absolute potential to lead to self-mastery. Harriet and Efrem brought to life the wonder and transformative qualities of the Five Phases, and I am ever grateful. I’m blessed to know them both through Dr. Cowan and to have Harriet serve as board president for Tournesol Kids.
I am also indebted to the following:
Dr. Stephen Cowan for your guidance, wisdom, empathy, inspiration, and grace. Your gift of the Five Phases has forever elevated the way I engage with my internal and external environment.
Dondeena Bradley, Water Woman extraordinaire. I thank the wide, magical, and wonderful universe that I sat at your end of the table at that breakfast.
Theresa DiMasi, who pushes me to higher heights with her Wood energy and reminds me she’s always there for me with her Earth empathy. You are a dream of a publisher, and I’m beyond thankful.
Lauren Hummel, my editor—I mean, my “book doula.” Your Fire bestowed me with accolades and gold stars in every email, phone call, and meeting. Your Metal helped structure my words and cogent ideas with precision and beauty. Deep bows of appreciation to you.
Sam Ford, director of cultural intelligence; Anja Schmidt, executive editor; Patrick Sullivan, art director; and the rest of the Tiller Press team at Simon & Schuster, thank you, thank you, thank you!
Jane von Mehren and the team at Aevitas, and to Monika Tashman, for having my back.
Peter Casperson, my deeply wise and courageous Water, whose calm, deft insight helps me see the best path forward and keeps my Fire from burning too bright for my own good.
Michael Rosen. My dad. My cheerleader. My protector. My most favorite superhero.
Pat and Irv Zeitlin, my parents, whose love, support, and belief in me propel me to keep facing the sun.
My biggest teachers: my children. My Earth babies, Hannah and Maddie. You ladies are both growing into such magnificent beings. I am ever inspired by your empathy for others and your courage to grow through your challenges. My son, Zach, who still refuses to take the Five Archetypes assessment… I’m quite sure you’re Metal with a healthy dose of Wood. Your drive to build, create, perfect, and improve what exists amazes me. And that you do it all with compassion and love is extraordinarily heartwarming. I adore every second I spend with you.
Danielle Arroyo, Patricia Belfanti, Belinda Levychin, and Karan Neilson for your good vibes.
The countless people whose paths I cross each day. Thank you. The intersection between you and me is where I begin to put the Five Phases into context and realize their magic.