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Dr. Jane Guttman
“Hope is the thing with feathers–
That perches in the soul–
And sings the tune without words–
And never stops–at all…” – Emily Dickinson
I learned of the work of Bernie Siegel when I was a novice health care practitioner in the 80’s. He became a mentor and a hero. I found him when my mother’s life turned upside down from cancer. I loved his teachings and his heart. I read everything I could find, listened to his tapes and one day had the privilege of attending one of his healing sessions. His life work, devoted to helping cancer patients, still continues although he is retired from practice. His words are tonic for all those living with cancer and all those who love someone with cancer.
If you have been a caregiver, or have had family or a dear one who has walked the long and often dark road of cancer, you know it can be mean. In talking to many over the past few decades who have survived cancer, I have also learned about the gifts of cancer, the lessons that shifted lives and brought deep spiritual awakening.
Bernie Siegel helped his patients to stay positive in the face of a grim diagnosis. He used auto-suggestion during surgery so that there would be optimal healing. His patients lowered their own blood pressure during long surgeries and many, many of his patients did not have adverse responses to chemotherapy and could be seen at a party on the evening of a chemo treatment.
He asked his patients to be bad patients. To not comply with doctors’ orders without questioning those directives. He wanted everyone to know that the doctor was part of a team and that the captain of the team is the patient. Bernie, as he loves to be addressed, indicated that bad patients have a better survival rate.
I facilitated a group for those living with cancer and AIDS while doing wellness work in the desert. We met each week to explore methods and practices for bringing peace and grace into lives shattered by these forbidding conditions. We became one in our quest for compassion and community, listening deeply to the sorrow, fear, loss and angst of uncertainty and disorder. We laughed and cried together as stories were shared and savored.
Jean was a singer from another country that joined our group in her unyielding journey with cancer. Toward the end of her Earth life, we gathered around her in a small space in my office to hear her honor us with her song, a solo harmony of grace. After she passed, and our weekly community assembled, a white dove appeared at the office door. Jean’s friend had come to play some songs in remembrance of Jean and in honor of a soul that brought great joy to all. When she saw the dove, she immediately knew it was a spirit sign from Jean, a message of pure love and inspiration that we had all experienced in her presence.
Two decades later, I recall the moment that the dove appeared and sat beside the door. I, too, knew it was Jean’s messenger letting us know that she was safe and in the metaphoric peace of the dove. I hear her voice, frail yet resonant, her body weak yet her spirit high and absolute. The thread of love that connected us then still rises in a countenance of harmony.
Cancer has deeply impacted my life. My mother lost her battle to live. My nephew is struggling to live through a very tough journey of this mean and harsh disease. Very close friends of mine have walked through the uncertain storm of cancer and are still in its radius of turbulence. Even though I have contributed to those living with cancer for three decades, I still feel the rise of despair when this disease comes close.
Two of my beloved animal companions ended their earth journeys with cancer. And two others that I loved deeply did not survive. As a caregiver, I saw the ravages of cancer and I saw the gifts. Many could easily ask, “Gift of cancer?” And I can say that, yes, truly, the gifts arose in the quiet of night, or the gift of a good day, or the solace of oneness with an adoring heart.
The mailbox is a place of anticipation as a diagnosis is expected. It will bring news of a dearest one’s health status and to announce or clear the concern of cancer. I call it a vigil of hope. Our family is awaiting a mailed diagnosis. We are expecting news that will bring us to song and dance and deepest gratitude to have yet another chance at life without the anguish of cancer. While we wait, prayer crosses our lips and hearts and we wait in hope of having tears flow in relief and in gracious gratitude.
The vigil of hope extends to each one and their loved ones who face the constancy of a cancer diagnosis, with hope that faith, love, a strong wellness team and peace are companions every step of the way. That in the darker hours of night there are hands and arms that will hold despairing dear ones, and that inspiration and positivity can comfort fears and physical hardship.
Surround yourself with positive experiences if you’re living with cancer. Weed out the weeds. Make sure the toxic people, places and experiences are eliminated when possible. Focus on what matters most of all, and let that light guide you as you fill days with the calling of heart and spirit. In sickness we find our reservoir of courage and hope, two pillars that gather around to allow our resilience and inner strength to emerge.
Bernie Siegel has so poignantly stated, “Love and peace of mind do protect us. They allow us to overcome the problems that life hands us. They teach us to survive… to live now… to have the courage to confront each day.” Meet each day with the thought that your body has a physician within, a healer that works in the wings of consciousness to foster well-being. Courage and hope are allies for mind-body-spirit. Welcome their presence in your heart and life. They are spirit warriors and carry you across the vista to peace.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-keep-a-positive-attitude-with-cancer-2248819
Jane Guttman is a bio-energetic practitioner, workshop presenter, educator, retired holistic chiropractor, Life-Wellness doula, and practices focused hearing. Her practice includes Soul Sound, energetic tapping, writing for wellness, memory release, pet hospice care, and crystal well-being. Her process invites deep reflection, self-love, and well-being; her healing work invites the presence of inner peace, an essential energy to sustain wellness and wholeness. Her work with focused hearing and intuitive guidance have helped many to redirect their lives. Jane’s process has evolved over thirty years of study/practice with the late Dr. M.T. Morter, D.C. and the late Dr. Lucille Edwards, an eminent and recognized metaphysical healer, clairvoyant and energy healer. Jane is committed to assisting people and pets of all ages in attaining wellness goals.
Educational and Related Services: (Non-medical) Crystal Well Being – EFT Tapping – Emotive Memory Release – Energetic Balancing – Intuitive Guidance/Focused Hearing – Pet Well-Being – Sound Healing – Wellness Doula – Writing for Wellness.
Contact Info: Drjane4wellness@gmail.com (909)436-9500