As Easy as Breathing:

About the Book

Margaret Dubay Mikus, Ph.D. was a molecular genetics research scientist and taught college biology courses. After healing from multiple sclerosis in 1995, she began a poetic journal to "sing from the heart." "As Easy As Breathing: Reclaiming Power for Healing and Transformation—Poems, Letters and Inner Listening" tells the moving story of her continuing healing through breast cancer. Using poems from her poetic journal, letters to her healing circle, and conversations with Spirit, Margaret takes the reader through a dark night of the soul and into the light beyond. This is about living deeply, healing body, mind, emotions, and spirit. She has already inspired many people to make positive life changes. Sometimes funny, always honest, graceful, and full of hope, this powerful, life-affirming book is particularly relevant in these troubled times.

WINNER OF A 2010 ERIC HOFFER AWARD (HONORABLE MENTION IN SELF-HELP/SPIRITUAL)

PRAISE FOR THE WRITING OF MARGARET DUBAY MIKUS:

"The multi-talented Ms. Mikus has a wonderful, magical, moving, humorous and inspiring journey to share. This will help anyone going through illness, not to mention their family and friends." —Belleruth Naparstek, author of the Health Journeys guided imagery series

"[Her] 'from the heart' poems…are true forms of prayer…these poems are truly beautiful and inspiring." —Rev. Ron Roth, healer, author and modern mystic

"From reading 'To Dance Is to Be,' I can see how such inspiring words can give people the power to battle through times of despair."

—Lou Conte (founder of Hubbard Street Dance)

"This book is for everyone going through a healing process…and that's all of us!…It is so powerful and life affirming. What tremendous insights!"

—Chris Belz, author, architect and poet

Beautiful readings of selected poems from "As Easy as Breathing" are found on her CD, "Full Blooming: Selections from a Poetic Journal" (also includes three original songs sung by the author) (at CDBaby.com, Amazon.com and iTunes)

More information at www.FullBlooming.com.

FROM THE PRESS:

From "The South China Morning Post" ( Hong Kong) May, 2006, beginning of an article on integrative healing:

"Many Ways to Get Over the Dark Days

When Margaret Dubay Mikus—author of the book “As Easy As Breathing,” the story of her struggle and triumph over cancer—was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996, her first reaction was one of fear. She had just recovered from multiple sclerosis the year before and felt betrayed and abandoned by the news, calling it “the dark night of her soul”. Armed with the experience from her earlier multiple sclerosis healing process, Mikus integrated conventional treatment with her own mix of holistic therapies, including yoga, hypnotherapy, reiki, expression through poetry, and jokes, backrubs and hugs with her children.She attended seminars on healing, formed a healing circle with family and friends, ate healthy foods and exercised. Mikus eventually healed from the cancer and now dedicated herself to helping others discover their full possibilities for life.... Eileen Lian, reporter"

About the Author

Margaret Dubay Mikus, Ph.D. received her Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Chicago in 1982. She worked in molecular genetics research at the University of Illinois at Chicago and taught a wide range of courses in the biology department at Lake Forest College. Her research on DNA cloning in Saccharomyces and Drosophila was published in scientific journals.

Working with healthcare professionals, Margaret healed from multiple sclerosis in 1995, transforming her life. She began a poetic journal to "sing from the heart." She continued to study healing and began to use creative arts (poetry, music, photography, and story-telling) to help others. With this in mind, she designed a unique line of greeting cards, “Life Support Cards” (TM) combining her inspiring photography and poetry. She created and taught a series of workshops encouraging others to write, opening them to creative approaches to solving life problems.

In 1996, Margaret was diagnosed with breast cancer. She refers to this time as her graduate course in healing. Writing her poetic journal was crucial to her healing process. Her first book, "As Easy as Breathing," contains selections from five years of writing: poems from her poetic journal, letters she wrote to her healing circle of family and friends, and her powerful conversations with Spirit.

In 2007, Margaret recorded her first CD, "Full Blooming: Selections from a Poetic Journal" using poems chosen from "As Easy as Breathing" and her next book, "Letting Go and New Beginnings: A Mother's Poetic Journey" (coming in 2010). She also sang three original songs in her rich alto voice. This life-affirming CD is available at CDBaby.com and on iTunes.

Margaret is a visionary poet, singer, photographer, healer, and story-teller. Her poetry has been published in journals and anthologies, and her photographs have been shown in galleries in Chicago and Lake Forest. Her poem, "I Am Willing" continues to be picked up by blogs all over the world as a spiritual meditation and life reflection. She met her husband in an English class at the University of Michigan in 1972. They have been married 37 years, with two grown children. For more info visit www.FullBlooming.com.