BERNIE By Bernie Siegel, MD
The Advantages of Amnesia I
n this issue I would like to reveal to you the advantages of foot- steps and amnesia. Let me begin with footsteps. I am sure most of you are aware of the story about the man who walked with God and there were, therefore, always two sets of footprints. At a time of great diffi culty the man noticed only one set of footprints and complained to God that He was not there when he needed Him most, God replied, “I was carrying you during the diffi cult times and that is why there was only one set of footprints.”
On a personal level I have learned much from footprints. One
of my stranger habits is to enjoy jogging through cemeteries. I like to read the wisdom of the words on some stones and also notice the egotistical craziness of some people’s last words. What would you share with the world with your last breath and what words do you want on your headstone?
Well to get back to the point. One day after a big snowstorm I
was jogging through the deep snow and really struggling to make my way. I realized how much of a struggle it was to have to make your own way with no plowed path or footsteps to follow. The next day it was much easier. The snow was still soft and my footprints were easy to follow. Five days later the snow had frozen and the rigid ice made it dangerous for me to try and fi t into the old foot- prints. I had to create a new path or risk breaking my ankles.
What I learned from all this is that at different times in my life
I must make different choices. At times it is all right to be carried, at other times following in the footsteps of others is appropriate, at others to make your own way and at times it is proper to leave the old ways and start a fresh path. Your way is found by what feels right for you and not by looking for the easy way.
You must remember that if you constantly follow in the steps of
others you will lose your way and life. Remember their way can at times endanger you and be the wrong way. So fi nd your way and let them go theirs. True natives can be your guide when they have shared the same experience but be wise in choosing your guides and do not follow those who are not true guides and teachers but dictate their way to you. Follow their way and you will be lost for- ever..
1414 Tues., Wed., Fri. 10-6, Turs. 10-7, and Sat. 10-5
For many, Dr. Bernard Siegel-or Bernie, as he prefers to becalled- needs no introduction. He has touched many lives all overthe Planet. In 1978, he reached a national and then international audience when he began talking about patient empowerment and the choice to live fully and die in peace. As a physician who has cared for and counseled innumerable people whose mortality has been threatened by illness, Bernie embraces a philosophy of living and dying that stands at the forefront of the medical ethics and spiritual issues our Society grapples with today. Read Bernie’s regular blog posts on his website where you will also fi nd his books, articles, and CDs:
http://www.berniesiegelmd.com.
Bernie currently holds a cancer support group the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of the month 6:30 to 8:30PM at Coachman’s Square at 21 Bradley Road, Woodbridge. If interested contact Lucille Ranciato:
lranciato2@yahoo.com 203 288 2839; or Bernie:
bugsyssiegel@sbcglobal.net.
You can fi nd Bernie’s books ad CDs at Wisdom of the Ages in Simsbury, Ct. See ad on this page.
46 Natural Nutmeg - December 2015
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