http://www.berniesiegelmd.com/

Dr. Bernie Siegel has written a book about it and also has several meditation CD's. He believes! He's witnessed the miracles in his cancer patients. I do have a couple of his CD's and I love them.

I do meditate but when I've been in the throws of painful flares I have to say that it's very difficult to relax enough to get into that state.

A firend of mine is being treated for cancer right now. In addition to the chemo treatments they also had reiki healers on site and would also do the reiki healing.

I meditate for all sorts of reasons. I had done it for my cat when she was wounded. Lots of love and a positive attitude and strong belief in what you are doing does work. However, sometimes the universe has other plans and it's just as important to understand that.

Meditation itself is very healing, whether it be physically, mentally or spiritually. It's a healthy, cleansing benefit all the way around.

If nothing else, positive thinking is helpful because it improves your attitude. Counting my blessings make me feel better by the time I realize there are things to rejoice about in my day. Both of my grandmothers were very positive "silver lining" type of people, and I'm sure that has been a strong influence in my own way of thinking.

Faith can also play a role in improving function. My rheumy is convinced I do as well as I do because of my attitude, taking time out for church activities (as a rest from the regular stress and strain,) and being a vegetarian which gives me more anti-oxidants in my diet.

I love Dr. Bernie Siegel's book, "Love, Medicine and Miracles"! I applied that positive attitude toward rescuing a parent from near death in the hospital (when all doctors gave up on him) and he recovered and made it home. After about 1 1/2 years of taking care of him (alzeimers, post cancer)at home, I developed Sjogren's myself. Somehow I just can't apply a positive attitude toward myself...

Yep, when I feel good it's easy to do but when I'm in pain I panic and I can't seem to get msyelf to a place where I can focus on healing. I think it's helpful if you have someone who can work with you when in a state where you can't do it for yourself, like a Reiki healer, maybe to help you on track so that you can practice on your own.

I know a Shaman healer who poured her energy into the healing of someone else who developed an illness herself after pouring her energy into the person she was trying to heal. On that note, it's not surprising that you developed illness while focusing your attention on your father. Sounds far fetched but that's what I know about it.

Even medical doctors and hospitals now use positive thinking methods to heal and spiritual as well. I am lucky because no matter how bad I feel ... I am a born fighter.
I never get depressed except when the Red Sox lose. :-) I am not sure why? I've been through 7734 and back. I just push on...thinking about good things that happen daily and my dog keeps me sane.

Staying positive and keeping active seems to ward off evil thoughts. Also limit what is on the plate cut yourself some slack because you cannot do what you once could. Find the limits and push'em.

Watch what you tell yourself. Keep inner dialogue as positive as possible. Enjoy small things - once you stop that - ut oh.

When you hurt - keep trudging.