Imagine losing 100% of your eye sight in the blink of an eye. How would that change your attitude towards life and the life of those who surround you.? On this episode of The Winding Stairs Masonic Podcast, we sit down with a best-selling author, public speaker and extraordinary Brother, who can answer these questions from a first person perspective. In this interview Marcus Engel talks to us about his journey in life and how he has made the best out of the horrible experience that almost took his life. In this interview we learn about: The importance of a Story and how it can help people change the way they look at life. How being present and helping others can turn any situation from horrible to inspiring. How we deal with our past and make decisions for the future. How empathy and compassion are not just good for those in the receiving end. How simply saying "I am Here" can transform somebody's life and even change their mission in life. In the interview you will hear us speaking about a challenging moment of his recovery. As a part of his recovery process, he had to learn how to live as a blind person. At one point he was challenged with what is called "The Drop". Instead of trying to explain it to you, I will let the talented filmmakers show you.  "There is nothing I can do to change what happens, All I can do is change the Future” -Marcus Engel Here are some of the books published by Marcus Engel. I'm Here- Compassionate Communication in Patient Care Everyday Inspiration After This- An Inspirational Journey for all the Wrong Reasons You can learn more about Marcus Engel by visiting his website: www.MarcusEngel.com  Masonic Art Prints Please remember to visit our Masonic Marketplace at FreemasonryArt.com, where you can find a growing selection of Masonic Art and Regalia. We are very proud of the quality and meaning behind every product we share through FreemasonryArt.com. Remember that in addition to including an inspirational artwork to your home, Lodge or Office, you are also helping in mitigating the growing costs of producing a quality podcast and blog.  We created this collection of Masonic Art Prints to inspire you and remind you of the powerful lessons that are contained within the beauty and wisdom of Masonic Symbolism. Whether you are looking to start your own collection or to decorate your Lodge, these prints make a good addition to your environment. To place your order visit FreemasonryArt.com Don't forget to continue your Masonic Education by visiting our Friends and Brothers at: Whence Came You Podcast The Midnight Freemason   Question of the Week: What would be a good way to show someone that you are there for them? How could you let people know "I'm Here" without using those exact words? -Please enter your answer in the comment section below and help us all be there for others-

5 Reasons why reading is not a waste of time Have you ever thought about reading a book and instead chosen to work on something else? or Have you ever felt the desire to just lay back on your favorite couch with a book on your hands, but changed your mind after thinking that it would be a waste of time? Think again! On this episode I want to share with you, 5 reasons Why reading daily is not a waste of time. Reason #1 Reading Reduces Stress. We are used to a fast paced lifestyle with many different things trying to get our attention. It is a healthy practice to take a few minutes or hours in a day to relax and read. Doing this can quiet all the noise that we have in our heads and helps us focus better and reduce our level of stress. Why is it so important that we reduce our level of stress? Because although stress is a mental response to stimulus, it can have a detrimental physiological effect. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the effects of stress in our body include: Anxiety Sleeping disorders irritability anger social withdrawal Each one of these physical effects could add other troubles to our already-complicated life. Reason #2 Reading Improves Memory. Especially when you read right before bed. According to a study conducted by the University of Notre Dame and headed by Psychologist Jessica Payne on March of 2012. Recollection and accuracy were improved when the subjects of the study read or studied right before going to bed in contrast to their counterparts who read at the beginning of their day. This means that there is a marked benefit derived from spending a little time with a book, just before going to sleep. Another way in which memory is improved is by acting as stimulating brain activity. Similarly to playing board games or doing crossword puzzles, reading may reduce memory loss due to aging, according to a paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine from 2003. Reason #3 Increase your Knowledge. By reading every day, you also increase your knowledge and consequently become a more engaged conversationalist. Imagin the great benefits that can arise out of spending some time reading and learning new things. Things, which in turn become links which solidify your relationships and make you a more effective contributor to the education of future generations and of Masons who are initiated after you. You become a source of knowledge for the Craft. Reason #4 Become more creative.   From an artist perspective, I tend to be inspired the most, when I am exposed to new ideas and the creativity of others. Regardless of what your artistic inclination might be, you can derive inspiration when you read about other people and their resourcefulness. If you are a writer, then you need to consume material before you can produce material. Therefore, it is in your best interest as a creative individual to immerse yourself in books as sources of inspiration. Being careful not to simply imitate, but to explore different variations of your craft and start creating. Becoming aware of the creative expressions of others, might inspire you to create your next work of art; tangible or otherwise. Reason #5 Become a role model.   Not just to the newer generation of Masons who join our Fraternity, but also to the children in our lives. Children are very impressionable in their first few years of life and if we demonstrate a good example, they are likely to follow it. Imagine a child who grows up in a household where reading for an hour every night is a common practice. They are more likely to see this behavior as natural and by consequence more likely to emulate it. I remember my Mother reading her Bible every night, just before going to sleep. It served as an inspiration to me. I wish that I was as disciplined and dedicated to reading the Holy Scriptures daily, but today I look up to her example and look forward to living a similar life. In conclusion,