Prescriptions for Living: Inspirational Lessons for a Joyful, Loving Life

Some time ago, Bernie Siegel received the following note from the family of someone who died of cancer: "If you ever do go back into active medical practice, you should redo your Rx pads to say: Prescriptions for LivingFaith, Hope, Peace, LoveReceive and give liberal doses dailyfor the rest of your life."

A pioneer in the field of mind-body medicine, Bernie Siegel has led the way in demonstrating how peace of mind, a sense of meaning in one's life, and the willingness to give and receive unconditional love can influence one's ability to survive even the most serious of illnesses. As a surgeon, he learned about survival behavior from his patients and realized they were teaching him the wisdom of the sages. Now Bernie, as he prefers to be called, updates this wisdom for all of us. He embraces a wider audience of those facing ordinary challenges and offers a compass for navigating a course of happiness and fulfillment.

"Prescriptions for Living" is, in a sense, a storybook, because stories are truer than the truth and easier to understand. It is filled with parables, reflections, and personal anecdotes that illuminate the beauty, magic, and truth in our everyday lives. By helping us to change our attitudes toward our daily lives, Bernie reveals the hope and joy that is everywhere if we know where to look and how to see it. Among the life lessons he shares are how to forgive and love ourselves and others and how to learn from the wisdom of children. With compassion, warmth, humor, and insight, Bernie helps us to find our true selves and manifest our potential, as well as understand life's requirements and how to fulfill them. As Bernie says, "Batteries are not included." He canonly guide, direct, and coach you, but he knows from experience with his patients the talent within each of us and our capabilities. By filling his prescriptions and experiencing the wisdom of the lessons, your life can be changed.