|
Bernie
• APRIL 01, 2000
|
 |
 |
 |
You Are Exceptional |
|
by Bernie Siegel, MD It gives me great pleasure to know that ECaP is once again providing full-time support and resources for those most in need. Exceptional Cancer Patients, commonly known as ECaP, was named by my wife Bobbie. Back in 1978, I sent out 100 letters inviting people with cancer to join our group and learn how to live longer, healthier lives. I was shocked when less than a dozen women came to that first meeting, as I was expecting hundreds of people to show up. My wife realized those who came were exceptional people, hence the name. They were exceptional because of their willingness to participate in their own lives, share responsibility for their health, not fear failure or worry about their ability to do imagery and drawings, share their feelings and experiences and challenge life on a regular basis, along with others who were in a similar situation.
I watched the benefits of their choices and as a result, I learned a lot about living and survival behavior. Today, I realize there is a key word that explains their exceptional behavior. We are all capable of being exceptional, but what stops us? For some, it is fear of failure and for others, lack of self-love. There are many reasons people give up their authentic life and refuse to reclaim it, even when they learn they are mortal and have a limited amount of life time left. Let me add that the time limitation is true for all of us. What is it that motivates a small group to behave differently when challenged? The word is inspiration. I can't give it to you, but I know if you can find it within you, I can coach you to achieve exceptional results in your life. Inspire means to breathe in life. God breathed life into Adam's nostrils. He was not resuscitating him with mouth to mouth breathing. He was giving him his first inspiration and so his life began. When someone dies, we often say they expired. They breathed the breathe of life out. How can I inspire you? I don't believe I can. Each person must find inspiration for themselves and begin their true life, fulfilling their unique reason for being. Most people give up their lives to please others or gain acceptance. Their lives expire. We need to have the courage to look at the real questions in our lives. Why are we here? What is the meaning we bring to our existence? I have found that when people start living their true life, based on what feels right for them, they have lived longer, healthier lives and didn't die when the doctors' expected. They were inspired by their new life. This is not about making selfish choices, but doing what feels right for you. Your unique way of contributing to the world is what you need to discover. It is not about avoiding death, but rather, living life fully. The by-product will be a healthier life, but it is not the primary goal. It is the secondary result. When you have discovered these survival qualities, you meditate, seek wisdom and are open to spiritual resources. There is desire, intention and determination in survivors. Yes, they want to live and be cured, but they realize that healing their lives is a vital part of their therapy. It is their reason for being. Eventually, we all die and death is not a failure. Those who live, love and laugh through the difficulties of their lives become our teachers and are immortalized by the seeds of hope they plant. It is my wish that each of us will find what we are here to accomplish in our life time. Do not wait for adversity to be your teacher. Learn from the lessons and writings of others who have passed this way before. Life is not unfair. We all have problems. Learn to deal with them and life will become an experience for which you are grateful. I hope someday that we will all be inspired by the breath of life and become exceptional human beings. Believe me, these principles have now all been scientifically proven. Twenty years ago, I was on all the talk shows, being criticized for creating guilt and being unscientific. Now, I am participating in medical education conferences, not talk shows. The research, which no one would support in the past, is being done, affirming the benefits of group therapy, de-stressing techniques, imagery, journaling and more. So inspire a deep breath of life and know you are an exceptional human being. All it takes is a look in the mirror and your baby picture to prove it! |
Search
Bernie's Schedule
| ||
| ||
| ||
Featured Products
[CD] Meditations for Peace of Mind with Bernie Siegel, MD - Relax and appreciate your uniqueness and accept...more
Price: $10.95
In Stock: Yes
[Book] 101 Exercises for the Soul: a divine workout plan for Body, Mind and Spirit, the 8th book by Bernie...more
Price: $17.95
In Stock: Yes
[Book] Smudge Bunny, Bernie's first children's book. Based on a true story about a courageous rabbit and her...more
Price: $15.95
In Stock: Yes