Today Spirit directed me to pull one of my books off the shelf and take it with me to my doctor’s appointment. The book was PEACE, LOVE + HEALING: BODYMIND COMMUNICATION & THE PATH TO SELF-HEALING: AN EXPLORATION, written by Bernie S. Siegel, M.D.
I have had so many wonderful experiences where Spirit has pointed me on my path and lovingly waited for that fabulous instant when the realization hits and the understanding flows forth, providing me with a huge “Ah ha” moment! I trusted that there was a reason I was taking this particular book and that a very special moment was on its way to me!
So, as I sat in the waiting room, I said to Spirit while my book was closed, “What is important for me to pay attention to in this book at this moment?” I randomly opened to page 88 and was greeted by three lists. The first list read WHAT I KNOW, the second list read THEREFORE, and the last list read PLEASE KNOW. I was immediately pulled to the last list and began to read.
I want to share this with you because I believe it will help you to help yourself and to help others as well. You see, this list was compiled by a man who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and was told by those in the medical community that he would be dead within three months to a year. He was informed that “his chances were small, the radiation he was undergoing useless, and he was sure to have terrible side effects from the chemo (this last at a time when he still hadn’t shown any)….”
He refused to give into the negativity and the hopelessness. He refused to stop living. He refused to allow others to dictate his experience. His Spirit sprung into action and he owned his power by writing out “Edwards’ Credo” and taping it to his wall, addressing it to “any new physician on my case”:
PLEASE KNOW:
1. I know you can help me in a positive way if you want to. But please remember that my life belongs to me, those I love and those who love me.
2. My wife and I are convinced that good medicine is more than protoplasm. We also believe in the body’s mental powers and the help we can get to bring all of these resources to bear on my problem and to help you help me.
3. I have much to live for and I am trying very hard to do whatever I can mentally and physically to make whatever you prescribe or do as effective as possible.
4. I personally know of people with what I have who have done well despite the poor odds. I intend to also, by buying as much good time as I can for me and those I love. Perhaps we can do even more. That is why I am here. Otherwise I would not be.
5. There is hope in my heart. Do not do anything to encourage its replacement with pessimism or bitterness, for it will inevitably lessen my comfort level and worsen my condition.
Now, allow me to move ahead, to 30 minutes after I read this and was in the examining room, door open, while the nurse was organizing the papers in my folder. I was sitting, waiting patiently, when I became aware that I could overhear one of the physicians, who happened to be on the phone in his office, speaking to one of his patients. It was obvious she was scared and in the process of making a big decision which would impact her health.
This man was human. He was warm, considerate, aware, caring, and fully present for her during a scary time. He answered her questions, didn’t push to end the phone call, and reassured her repeatedly that she had to make the best decision for herself. He asked her if she had any other questions! The conversation ended with honor and respect.
I sat on my exam table, pondering the immensity of the gift the man had just given that woman. And, I decided I had to thank him. Yes! He needed to know that someone noticed his loving heart. So, I told the nurse I was going across the hall to tell the doctor he had just done a good job. She called out his name to let him know I was coming.
He looked up from his desk with a look of surprise as I whisked into his office. “I’m sorry to bother you,” I said, “but I just overheard your conversation and I want to tell you I am proud of you.” I reached out to shake his hand. He looked stunned and smiled gently, extending his hand. We shook hands, looked at each other with knowing smiles, and then I quickly walked back across the hall to wait for my doctor.
So, what was that? Hmm….What was that?
THAT, my dear friends was a man practicing COMPASSIONATE ILLUMINATION.
