Dancing in the Heart of the Dragon: A Memoir of China - Paperback

by Ramona McKean (Author)

Can a woman in mid-life embark on her own "hero's journey"? Can such a journey give her access to the higher purpose she personally has been called to fulfill? Author and teacher Ramona McKean would say yes. In early 2004, disenchanted with just about everything, she responded to an inner voice telling her she was "going to China." She had a feeling something of high significance lay in store. Had she known what, she may not have gone. In this compelling true story, Dancing in the Heart of the Dragon, Ramona takes the reader along with her as she ventures into the heart of a China not seen in mainstream media. In this ancient land, she teaches, travels and learns all she can about a country she is growing to love. In addition to the young adults she befriends, she encounters others who generously share with her their homes and teach her their culture. The loving and learning continue, even when the happy times come to a halt. In a remote area of China, Ramona meets with a bizarre accident in the form of a car crash. Chinese friends and strangers are there to help her make it through. Join Ramona as she shares her inspiring story, told from hospital beds in both China and Canada by means of personal journals, dreams, correspondence and photographs. As she reflects on her experience, she recognizes that it is the human heart, no matter the nationality, culture or anything else, which can build bridges across any divide. She also realizes that trauma may provide a necessary portal to the very thing that can lead to life's greatest source of satisfaction, the discovery of our own Higher Purpose.

Author Biography

Ramona McKean was born in Vancouver, Canada. With a BA in English and an MA in Educational Leadership, Ramona taught secondary school in Port McNeill and Nanaimo, both on Vancouver Island. In 2004, in response to an inner voice, she travelled to China where she taught English at a Harbin university. A tragic accident cut short her stay. After an intense period of recovery, she took an early retirement from teaching and gathered her nerve to return to China. Dedicated to helping transform world consciousness, Ramona speaks to groups, serves on the executive of the Victoria Canada-China Friendship Association and is also involved with an educational project in Tanzania, working with Maasai people. Ramona lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with her grandchildren nearby. Writing continues to be a main source of her spiritual connection. She invites you to visit her blog, "A Bridge of Light," where you might like to share your views on a number of topics, including what it means to "make a difference."