I was shot five times. These are my stories and these are the breathing and movement exercises I used to heal body and soul. It is my greatest hope that this book will inspire and assist others on their own journey of healing, both physical and emotional. Life near trauma is brilliant. Don't waste the light. Gene Smithson (1961- ) I was born and raised in small town Texas. I spent hot summers in cutoff shorts, swimming the river and driving on the beach. My friends and I were stuntmen extraordinaire. I joined the Navy and saw the world. I could not finish University, but I have four amazing sons, including twins who live at home, are learning to drive and blow my heart wide open. I always wanted to be two things, Kwai Chang Kaine and a writer. I've been practicing martial arts for over 40 years and now I'm almost a writer. I've been shot, stabbed and beaten and I'm still the happiest man I know.