Question for Bernie:
I am just about to finish The Art of Healing. I have read all of you other books. I am struggling to get more insight into my subconscious mind. I have had several unusual dreams during my recent breast cancer treatment. In one dream, I am pulling an albino snake with three or five heads out of my body. Does that represent the cancer and mean that it is gone? In another dream, I am carrying my dead grandfather into church. He is wearing bright red socks. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Bernie’s Answer:
What does a snake mean to you? I think it is a good sign relating to eliminating cancer from your body. Other symbols in the dream are the numbers themselves—not necessarily what they are related to in the dream (heads of the snake). Ask yourself what the numbers 3 & 5 mean to you. What are they associated with in your life?
Red is a color symbolizing passion and deep emotional or spiritual feelings. Its appearance in your dream is trying to tell you something about your emotional and spiritual life. The image in your dream was of red socks—something worn on the feet. The message in the dream could be that you need to walk down the path which brings passion for someone or something into your life. It could also indicate that you are struggling with spirituality and its place in your life.
In dreams, the image of death generally is interpreted as an “ending,” but not of life itself. It could be the ending of a situation, a relationship, a job, or any number of other things, but not necessarily actual death in the sense of a life ending. You may be emotionally struggling with something in your life that has ended. Or it could be acknowledging feeling positive that some phase in your life is over. Think about what is happening in your life as a result of something ending.
Peace,
Bernie
Question for Bernie:
I lost my first ex-racing greyhound to lymphoma three years ago and adopted my second ex-racer two years ago. Kelsey just celebrated her 7th birthday and has been suffering with recent lameness and discomfort. An MRI and spinal ultrasound found inflammation (being treated for non-bacterial meningitis) and thyroid cancer.
Kelsey is a sweet, upbeat therapy dog. I have been very distressed about her discomfort and believe my emotions are affecting hers. Can you offer any guidance on how people can support themselves and their animal companions affected by cancer?
Bernie’s Answer:
Ask yourself WWLD—what would Lassie do? It is about love and living in the moment. Our teachers about how to do that are our beloved pets and precious children. Kelsey is not living in fear of the future—she is taking one day at a time. Learn from observing her and then begin living fully each day yourself.
Also, you can help to heal her using the universal energy. Several times a day, take a few minutes to place your hands on Kelsey. As you do, visualize her living a healthy, joyful life doing what dogs do. Feel yourself being the cables which conduct the energy into her body.
Peace,
Bernie
Question for Bernie:
Thank you for your encouraging and comforting response to my email. Funny—my mother gave me a What Would Lassie Do? book and bracelet years ago, so your opening question got my attention! Growing up with family dogs and watching Lassie on TV, I have always felt the special bond and connection shared with pet companions.
When I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 1990 and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy in 1994 after a major ski accident, I read and listened to Love, Medicine & Miracles. My doctors sent me to Herb Benson’s Mind-Body Clinic at the Deaconess Hospital. When faced with “no cure,” I opened up to complementary therapies and personal reflection. Pain became my signal to stop, reflect, and redirect.
It was the actual reading of my dog’s diagnosis after two perplexing months of Vet visits and tests that inspired me to search for your work the other night. I live and work alone with Kelsey on Cape Cod and appreciate your taking the time to offer healing words and personal experiences shared with your own pet companions. If permissible, may I share your guidance with others who are supporting pet companions with cancer and other illnesses?
Bernie’s Answer:
Yes, please share what I said with all others you know who are supporting beloved pets with cancer and other illnesses.
Please continue to place your hands on Kelsey many times a day and send her energy by seeing her doing all the things she loved and loves to do. Amazing things can happen for Kelsey and you with energy healing.
Peace,
Bernie