It's not about curing the disease, but healing the life; then the physical benefits come.
Bernie SiegelRead
I was called a 'CD' by a suicidal teenager, who is alive today because I became her 'Chosen Dad,' who loved her. We all have the potential to re-parent ourselves and others.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the transformative power of love and support in healing oneself and others.
In this quote, Bernie Siegel speaks about the significant impact of being a guiding and supportive figure in someone’s life, especially during their darkest moments. By stepping into the role of a 'Chosen Dad' for a suicidal teenager, Siegel highlights the concept of re-parenting, where individuals can offer love and nurturing not only to others but also to themselves as a way to foster healing and growth. This message reinforces the idea that relationships and our capacity to care for one another can lead to profound changes in life and mental well-being.
Themes
SupportLoveHealingRelationshipsReparenting
In practice
Example use cases
During a mental health seminar, to highlight the importance of support systems.
More from Bernie Siegel
All quotes →Diseases can be our spiritual flat tires - disruptions in our lives that seem to be disasters at the time but end by redirecting our lives in a meaningful way.
Bernie SiegelRead
It is astounding how much the immune system is strengthened by reducing daily mental stress levels with either visualization or meditation. The other great tonic for the immune system is love—loving ourselves as well as others.
Bernie SiegelRead
I truly feel the best doctors are ones who are criticized by nurses, patients and family. They do not make excuses and learn from their mistakes.
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Part of my evolution has been to learn how painful most people's childhoods are. They grow up not liking themselves, not loving themselves. Ask people if they were lovable the minute they were born, and watch them sit back and have to think about it. One lady said, 'I suppose so.' That's painful.
Bernie SiegelRead
Being a survivor doesn't mean being strong - it's telling people when you need a meal or a ride, company, whatever. It's paying attention to heart wisdom, feelings, not living a role, but having a unique, authentic life, having something to contribute, finding time to love and laugh. All these things are qualities of survivors.
Bernie SiegelRead
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