right with us

Discovering What’s Right With Us: harnessing our inner healing resources

By Barry Bittman, MD

To err is human, and to dwell on it is typical. For many individuals, each perceived failure outweighs every possible success. We tend to focus on what goes wrong in our lives, rather than upon what goes right. We sulk about what we do not have, rather than rejoicing in our gifts. We become obsessed with the details of imperfection, rather than celebrating the uniqueness of who we are. We are challenged by disease, instead of the quest for wellness.

Our paths are paved by our attitudes¾ our minds are the ultimate compasses that navigate us through the maze of life. As Thomas Hanna once said, “The course of our life follows our expectations in the same way that a vessel follows the direction of its prow.”

Hanna’s insight resounds in the lives of so many people who are facing the greatest challenges of their lives. Expectation seems not only to steer the vessel¾ it also determines whether it will sink or continue on course.

In our film, Affirmations for Living Beyond Cancer, a close friend and mentor, Bernie Siegel, MD sums it up best. “For some, the diagnosis of cancer is a rude awakening only to met with denial, while for others, it is an opportunity for enlightenment and inspiration.”

You are probably saying to yourself that there are better ways to attain enlightenment and inspiration than facing cancer. While that may be the case, and since I’m not in the business of determining one’s fate, as a physician, I simply resolve myself to deal with the cards that are placed before me on the table.

Yet I do fully recognize our option for turning obstacles into opportunities. The principle problem, however, lies in the fact that most people do not realize that such an option exists. Perhaps, recognizing that option is the first step in attaining what Dr. Siegel is referring to as “enlightenment.”

I am convinced however, that one’s healing journey begins with a choice¾ fueled by imagination and steered by attitude.

Through my experiences as a physician treating individuals with chronic pain, I’ve often tried to predict success or failure based upon the patient’s initial presentation. I based prognosis on factors such as degree, extension and duration of pain, drug use, depression, and lack of support. Initially, I was wrong more often than not. Then, I read a book that held insights I will never forget. It opened my eyes to a perspective that I continue to impart to my patients.

The book entitled, The Greatest Miracle in the World, by Og Mandino focuses on the uniqueness of each person and the potential that lies within all of us. Mandino’s approach is a celebration of humankind’s capacity under God to persevere and flourish. It is a testimony to the power of the Light that glows within that can be rekindled at will when one simply chooses to do so.

In reflecting on the Almighty’s perspective, Mandino stated:

“Be proud. You are not the momentary whim of a careless creator experimenting in the laboratory of life. You are not the slave of forces that you cannot comprehend. You are a free manifestation of no force but Mine, of no love but Mine. You were made with a purpose.”

Finding that purpose is a powerful means of fueling one’s healing journey. Such discovery is only possible when we focus on our strengths and follow our hearts. Doing what we love to do is the fabric of self-nurturing that can be woven into a future of success.

Og Mandino, perhaps the most successful author of all time, passed away in September 1996, and left behind a legacy of hope, inspiration, and vision that brings out the best in us whenever the need arises. His many books are healing elixirs that can help us reestablish balance of mind, body and spirit, while serving as beacons of light to guide us along our healing journeys¾ Mind over Matter!