The Pink Paper Winter 2014 Winter 2014 | Page 10

spiritual & Touch Me Understand What Happiness Is By: Bernie Siegel, MD Forgive me if in this column I simply share with you some of the things that fascinate me and teach me about myself and life. I was reading about the problem that thinking is. Our thoughts and ability to think are what separate us from each other and the true nature of life. When we think we know the truth we become closed minded and very unscientific. A true scientist has no fixed beliefs and so can experiment in the hopes of learning the truth. We need to truly be open and gain insights into the nature of life so that we can participate fully in the healthiest way. I know our ability to think offers us options, but sadly too often the options we choose are destructive ones rather than unifying and healing ones. As we look at our common genome we will see how much we have in common and how we share the same ancestry. What do we need to pay more attention to then thoughts? How do we become rational, sensible human beings? What do I recommend? What the song tells us and what I always finish my articles with. Keep in touch. Touch is about feelings and feelings can’t be wrong. They are simply feelings. How we react to them may be a problem because when we start thinking about our feelings and why we are feeling the way we are and who is responsible we are back in trouble. You are responsible for your feelings. No one else makes you feel what you do. You have choices and options but most of us would rather blame someone else for our problems than empower ourselves and take responsibility for our feelings and move on. The song “Touch Me” from Cats gives us a clue. How do animals think and communicate without words? Not to mention their miraculous physical accomplishments that we cannot come close to. Can you make a spider web? Do you know why it is so strong and adhesive? How do slugs and snails create lubricants that allow them to slide over razor blades without being cut? A lot better than a quart of oil does in our car. I could go on but I think you get the point. They have wisdom and can be taught language, but they know symbols and feelings are more important than thoughts. When we think we become irrational. Think how often your thoughts have gotten you into trouble. The times you knew what your mate, friend, boss, coworker, relative, etc. was thinking only to learn you were wrong and what ensued because of your mistaken beliefs. 8 THE PINK PAPER Winter 2014 www.thepinkpaper.com