BERNIE By Bernie Siegel, MD


Why Do We Sleep?


hy do we sleep? It is a dangerous activity from the per- spective of evolution. You are very vulnerable to preda- tors and other dangers. So, what is the reason? Most animals do not sleep or do so for short periods of time. I believe it is to give the brain an opportunity to present us with the wisdom it can only communicate through images when our intellect is stilled but we can still be aware and learn from stories which are truer than the truth.


W If you really want to communicate with yourself and collec-


tive consciousness then you have to do it through dreams and symbols. Images are the universal language. Our myths have the same themes no matter what their cultural, mystical or theologi- cal source is. By working with dreams and drawings the deeper personal and collective truths comes forward unobstructed by ego, consciousness and the supposedly all-knowing intellect we are so used to relying upon.


The body also has its ways of communicating. One is through


feelings which people become very good at denying. Our lives are stored within us and this is verified by the memories carried within organs which are transplanted from one person to another. Dreams can tell us of disease states or wellness which exist within us and the best treatment options too. When we deny our feelings our body can communicate through dream images. Sadly, we too often deny the true meaning of the dream. Most physicians are totally unaware of this source of therapeutic wisdom.


The body also responds to images. Picture a pleasant scene or recall a humorous event and your body will respond. Perform a part in a play and your immune function and stress hormones will change depending upon the role played. If a comedy they are enhanced and if a tragedy they are adversely affected. This has been verified in actors. So, act as if you are the person you want to be. See what you want to see happening and talk to your body with words and images.


Worry is negative or destructive imaging. Nothing is solved by


worrying, by seeing the worst outcome, but much is done which adversely affects one’s will and ability to live. Optimists may not


42 Natural Nutmeg - March 2019


be as accurate about the future but they live longer than pessi- mists. I was brought up to expect problems would redirect me to something better in my life. Charcoal under pressure becomes a diamond. One can keep failing until you fail up. So, create the im- age you want and focus on it.


1.Keep a pad and pencil next to your bed and record your dreams. Review them and discuss them with people who can help you find the meaning and message in the dreams.


2.Describe your feelings or any physical problems and then ask yourself how the words fit your life. Then resolve the problems in your life that you are now aware are affecting your mind and body’s health and wellbeing.


3.Think about how a failure or problem redirected your life and directed you to something beneficial.


4.Spend time walking through a park or along the beach and let nature heal you.


5.Do a guided imagery in which you visualize yourself presenting a problem to an inner guide you meet while walking towards the light and await an answer.


For many, Dr. Bernard Siegel-or Bernie, as he prefers to be called-needs no introduction. He has touched many lives all over the 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. Read Bernie’s


regular blog posts on his website where you will also find his books, articles, and CDs: http://www.berniesiegelmd.com. He is the Co-Academic Director of the Integrative Health and Healing M.A. Program at The Graduate Institute, Bethany, CT


Bernie currently holds a cancer support group the second and fourth Tuesday afternoons of the month 1:30-3:30PM at Coach- man’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 find Bernie’s books ad CDs at Wisdom of the Ages in Simsbury, Ct. See ad on page 18.


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