By Dr Bernie Siegel
Bestselling author Dr. Bernie Siegel is well-known for his alternative approaches to healing not just for the body, but the mind and soul as well. In 101 Exercises for the Soul: Simple Practices for a Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit he offers simple exercises for the soul, and transforming your life. Here’s a sampling of the guidance and wisdom he lovingly offers:
Exercise 29: Let Your Heart Decide
Sometimes we get into a rut and find ourselves constantly tired or depressed, so that even taking time off or resting doesn’t seem to change the way we feel. The reason is that we have stopped paying attention to our feelings and are no longer listening to our heart. Our inner child wants to be heard and do what makes it happy; it wants to burn up its energy and not burn out.
For this exercise, you will need to meditate. Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed so you can relax and listen to your inner voice. When comfortable, begin by taking deep breaths; focus on the motion of your chest and completely relax.
Ask these questions of your heart: What do you love to do? What do you want to do today? Now open your treasure chest and listen to the answers.
Be open to whatever your feelings tell you. If you need help to accomplish what your heart tells you to do, ask for spiritual direction, too. Your answers will be revealed by how your heart feels, not what your mind thinks. It may tell you things that surprise you, so be ready to begin the journey of transformation.
Exercise 43: Your Theme Song
We all can make music, but do we find the rhythm of our lives? Listen for a moment to the sounds surrounding you right now. Is it noise or music to your ears? We are constantly surrounded by sound, but everyone experiences it differently. For some, the intensity of a city street fills them with energy, while others need the quiet of the countryside to function and find inspiration.
I use music in the operating room to help create a healing environment for patients and staff. There is a reason that certain heart rates are healthy and certain beats of music heal and relax us. Why did someone decide to have sixty seconds in a minute and not a hundred?
Listen to the clock: see how the beat calms you while a more rapid beat would create tension. Films use music all the time to affect how audiences feel as they watch.
Now it is time for you to find your song, the one that speaks to you and motivates you with its words and beat. Choose a theme song for your life. Every time you hear it, you will feel excited and energized. It is your song, and it carries your message of inspiration, which leads you to embrace life.
Exercise 44: Give Compliments
Compliments are the helium that fills everyone’s balloon; they elevate the person receiving them so he or she can fly over life’s troubles and land safely on the other side, to be received with open arms.
When you motivate others with words of kindness, you will receive a surge of creative energy, too. I am not talking about giving false compliments to make someone feel better; I am talking about giving people the en-couragement to face a challenge rather than submit to their fears.
If someone you love is singing or performing in any way, your kind words can inspire the person to share his or her talents with the world.
Sometimes it is the small things in life that truly help us to feel empowered. For this exercise, dedicate at least one week to giving out three genuine compliments a day, and watch how this changes the level of enthusiasm you feel toward yourself and others.
Exercise 44: What Are You Afraid Of?
Face and embrace what you fear and it will become smaller. When you confront fear, the monster that seems to be threatening you will become a little lizard. But if you keep running, the monster will never cease chasing you.
For this exercise, think of something you have always feared doing and do it. This could be something you’ve always wanted to do but were afraid to fail at - such as a sport like skiing or an activity like singing in public - or it could be something that directly addresses a phobia. If you are afraid of heights, then skydive, ride a roller coaster, or fly in a small plane. If you are agoraphobic, just going out in public might be a heroic act.
Once you’ve decided what it is you will do, first take the time to visualize yourself doing the event successfully and fearlessly. See yourself taking part in this activity comfortably. Some relaxing music in the background can help. As you see things occurring, experience the feelings that come to your awareness. At the end of the visualization, see yourself smiling and feeling successful.
Then put your plans in motion. Follow through and do it. Take a chance. Become a kid again, free of the inhibitions and fears imposed by adults. You might just enjoy it!
Dr. Bernie Siegel’s multi-million best-selling first book, Love, Medicine & Miracles, was published in 1986. He is the author of multiple other books including Peace, Love & Healing, How to Live between Office Visits, and Help Me to Heal. Dr. Siegel lives with his wife and their dog, Furphy, and bunny, Smudge, in Connecticut. They have five grown children and several wonderful grandchildren.
Excerpted with permission from 101 Exercises for the Soul: Simple Practices for a Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit © 2010 Dr. Bernie Siegel. Printed with permission of New World Library, Novato, CA. www.newworldlibrary.com or 800-972-6657 ext. 52.