Dr. Bernie Siegel writes with humorous, down-to-earth wisdom that has improved the lives of countless readers. In 365 Prescriptions for the Soul , he treats us to his most user-friendly work of all: daily doses of inspiration and humor that gently and joyfully help us live more peaceful, loving, and fulfilling lives. “Bernie Siegel dispenses spiritual medicine that’s good for you, and feels good too! I highly recommend these daily doses of eternal wisdom.” — Marianne Williamson, author of Everyday Grace “Bernie is one of the world’s most respected doctors. I would pay close attention to any prescription he offers. I read from this each day.” — Wayne Dyer, author of Getting in the Gap “Dr. Siegel’s soul medicine is dispensed in perfect doses to uplift, inspire, enlighten, and heal you. As always, Bernie’s wisdom and love gave me goosebumps, or should I say god-bumps. Buy a carton of this medicine-in-a-book and administer it to everyone you love.” — Joan Borysenko, PhD, author of Inner Peace for Busy People Dr. Bernie Siegel is a well-known proponent of alternative approaches to healing that involve not just the body, but the mind and soul as well. As the author of several books, including Love, Medicine & Miracles and Peace, Love & Healing , Bernie has been at the forefront of the medical ethics and spiritual issues of our day. He and his wife (and occasional coauthor), Bobbie, live in a suburb in Connecticut. They have five children and eight grandchildren. 365 Prescriptions for the Soul Daily Messages of Inspiration, Hope, and Love By Bernie S. Siegel, Andrea Hurst New World Library Copyright © 2004 Bernie S. Siegel All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-57731-656-5 CHAPTER 1 PRESCRIPTION #1 * * * SOULUTIONS When the soul collects all its interior powers within, and when the body collects all its external senses and unites them to the soul, the Holy Spirit approaches and breathes into this union quietude and peace. — Father Andrew Leonard Winczewski, O.S.B. What is a iTL[soulution? First let me define solution. A solution comes from our intellect. It is an attempt to solve a difficulty or dilemma by figuring out what the right thing to do is in any problematic circumstance. It comes from the mind and is based on thinking. A soul ution helps you to solve your problems by taking a broad approach. It speaks to you through your feelings, dreams, and visions and not through words alone. A soulution leads to right action. It truly resolves conflicts and difficulties in ways that lead to a deeper sense of peace. Soulution of the Day * * * Accept the wisdom of your soul. Listen to the words it speaks, observe the dreams and visions it creates, and respond to your soulful feelings. Read on and pay particular attention to the Soulutions offered in this book. CHAPTER 2 PRESCRIPTION #2 * * * SLOW DOWN There is more to life than increasing its speed. — Mohandas Gandhi My wife is always telling me to slow down, but my years of medical training have taught me to do things quickly to be prepared for emergencies. Although it's been hard to stop walking fast and gulping down meals, I keep trying! The other day a policeman waved at me to slow down as I passed a construction site, and this led me to think about my wife's message. Then, a few days later as I left my office and started walking toward my car, I heard a woman say, "Slow down!" So I did. As I started to walk slowly, I heard another woman start laughing. I turned to see what was funny, and it was me. She pointed out that the person saying "Slow down" was the mother of a little boy who had run into the parking lot as they left the building. I said, "Now you know what my wife and mother have been telling me for years. So I follow orders when I hear a woman's voice say 'slow down!'" Sometimes the Creator works in mysterious ways. If the same message is coming to you from many different directions, heed it! Soulution of the Day * * * As the Sufi poet Rumi says, "Your criticism polishes my mirror." When we hear the same suggestions over and over again, they may begin to feel like criticism. But if you stop to listen, they might just help you to slow down and smell the roses. CHAPTER 3 PRESCRIPTION #3 * * * GREATEST TRUTH Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself. — Kahlil Gibran The greatest truth I know about life is that love is the answer. If you ask me what the question is, I will tell you it is every question you could ever ask. Love is always the answer to every question and problem. We are here to love and be loved and learn a few things in the process. I can never be wrong when I choose to love. Love rewards me by bringing meaning to my life. I know when I choose to love I will always be in the right place at the right time. It provides my life with the order and harmony that bring me peace. All I ask of life is to be given the chance to love, and I pray that I will be able to do that, despite my imperfectio