insights of the masters

Insights of the Masters: Bernie Style

by Barry Bittman, MD

We spend our lives seeking answers from many sources in a multitude of ways. Yet rarely, do we look within ourselves to a sacred place where knowing really exists.

Then a challenge appears.

Sometimes, it’s in the form of an unexpected personal problem, or a serious illness that brings us face to face with our mortality. Such instances promote an unnerving sense of immediacy that calls for answers that are not readily at our disposal.

Some people panic, and in a frenzy, tend to make things worse, while others stop, reflect and look within themselves in a contemplative fashion.

This topic was brought to mind when I recently experienced the joy of reading Bernie Siegel’s new book, Prescriptions for Living: inspirational lessons for a joyful, loving life. Enlightening and down-to-earth, this book reflects timeless insights of personal transformation.

“Bernie came into being in 1974.”

Obviously, he wasn’t born that year. Yet, at that time, his life took on new meaning and purpose. As a pediatric and general surgeon at Yale, he sensed the loneliness and frustration of his work, and decided to make some significant changes.

“So Dr. Siegel came out from behind his desk¾ literally. I pushed my desk against the wall, shaved my head, and asked patients to call me by my first name. I became Bernie, and my world changed. It was now rewarding being a doctor and helping people to live.”

The rest is history¾ several best-selling books later, he evolved into a person who has built a career and a healing approach by learning from the wisdom of those he serves.

When I spoke with him the other day, I commented about a series of insights found on page 41 of his book that are particularly powerful. I refer to them as Healing Insights of the Masters, and I’m sharing them with you to serve as personal guideposts.

Live life to the fullest;
no one knows what will happen tomorrow.

Accept what comes;
use it to master the art of living

Worrying won’t help.

Live one day at a time.

Share hope with people.

Remember there’s a light
at the end of the tunnel.

No one knows the power of the individual.

Keep trying.

It’s all right to show emotions.

Don’t stop dreaming.

God is always there to help.

Don’t wait for tragedy, say it today,
“I love you and I’m glad you are alive.”

Reflecting upon these words of wisdom, I was frankly moved by the warmth of each statement that perfectly resonated within. These healing insights reverberated with clarity of purpose and a sense of depth that could only be revealed through personal challenge. I had a tear in my eye when the authors were finally revealed.

Prescriptions for Living is based on more than 25 years being Bernie. It is a testimony to the unique nature and potential of each person, and the driving force of a man who chose to see with his heart, and to share that what he found with others.

So in your quiet moments, consider reading his book, or looking within yourself and connecting with God to hear the voice and find the answers that are right for you. You’ll recognize them immediately¾ there will be no doubt. This is the process of knowing.

Richard Bach, in his best-selling book, Jonathan Livingston Seagull reflected upon this process that some have termed “enlightenment” with the following words:

Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you.
All they show is limitation.
Look with your understanding,
find out what you already know,
and you’ll see the way to fly.

Ultimately, it makes sense to realize your greatest potential for discovering the essence of who you are before a crisis occurs. For within you is the Light that reveals your horizons. Your personal capabilities are far greater than you have ever imagined. Just ask Bernie, or the children with cancer who contributed the Healing Insights of the Masters¾ Mind Over Matter!