Best of The Aware Show with Dr. Larry Dossey: The Healing Role of Spirituality and Prayer in Healthcare – Part 1

Do you believe the power of prayer can heal?  Are you interested in complementary and integrative ways of healing? Today's guest is Dr. Larry Dossey, a Physician of Internal Medicine whose books are used as textbooks in many universities.  He'll talk about documented studies about the healing role of spirituality and prayer in healthcare.  He also shares proof with us by discussing examples of patients who experienced healing through prayer. He talks about the power of the mind and consciousness. Dr. Dossey is a well-respected leader in bringing scientific understanding to spirituality and an internationally influential advocate of the role of spirituality in healthcare and wellness. During his distinguished career as a practitioner of integrative medicine, he helped establish the Dallas Diagnostic Association and served as Chief of Staff of Medical City Dallas Hospital. The author of eleven books, including the New York Times bestseller "Healing Words," he is executive editor of "Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing." Dr. Dossey has lectured all over world and at major medical schools and hospitals in the United States — Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, and the Mayo Clinic, among others. Info: dosseydossey.com Dr. Larry Dossey passed away recently, and we air this early Aware Show interview in his honor. This is Part 1 of the interview.

Lisa continues her conversation today with Wayne W. Dyer, Ph.D., an internationally renowned best-selling author and speaker in the field of self-development. Wayne shares about his relationship with his ex-wife and children and talks about the meaning of forgiveness. It may take time, but it is indeed possible. He also discusses his compelling film, "Ambition To Meaning," which explores ways to find meaning, fulfillment, and purpose. Wayne is affectionately called the "father of motivation" by his fans. He's the author of more than 40 books, has created audio programs and videos, and has appeared on thousands of television and radio shows. His books "Manifest Your Destiny," "Wisdom of the Ages," "There's a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem," and the New York Times bestsellers "10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace," "The Power of Intention," "Change Your Thoughts—Change Your Life," "Excuses Begone," and now "Wishes Fulfilled" have all been featured as National Public Television specials. It has been 11 years since Dr. Wayne Dyer's passing and his universal wisdom is still relevant today.  This is Part 2 of the interview. Info: drwaynedyer.com.

How do you handle your children's fears as a parent? Because it's "Back to School" time for the vast majority of students, your children might be stressed or afraid to be in a classroom again. Lisa continues the conversation today with parenting expert Susan Stiffelman, who says your children may actually be your greatest teachers.  The very behaviors that push every parent's buttons, can actually be used to help them build awareness and shed old patterns, allowing them to raise their children with ease and enjoyment. Listen today as Susan shares practical advice and exercises from her book, "Parenting with Presence." She also talks about how children today are overscheduled and how it's good to have relaxing downtime. Susan Stiffelman, MFT, is an internationally respected parent educator, therapist, author, and parenting expert. She is the Huffington Post's weekly parenting advice columnist (Parent Coach) and the author of "Parenting Without Power Struggles." Her latest book is "Parenting with Presence: Practices for Raising Conscious, Confident, Caring Kids." Info: SusanStiffelman.com.  

Are you searching for meaning? Would you like to find greater purpose and live more intentionally? Wayne W. Dyer, Ph.D., is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development. Today he discusses his compelling film, "Ambition To Meaning," which explores ways to find meaning, fulfillment, and purpose. He also shares a technique from renowned mystical author Neville Goddard to manifest your wishes by using your subconscious as you sleep. Wayne is affectionately called the "father of motivation" by his fans. He's the author of more than 40 books, has created audio programs and videos, and has appeared on thousands of television and radio shows. His books "Manifest Your Destiny," "Wisdom of the Ages," "There's a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem," and the New York Times bestsellers "10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace," "The Power of Intention," "Change Your Thoughts—Change Your Life," "Excuses Begone," and now "Wishes Fulfilled" have all been featured as National Public Television specials. The very end of August marks 11 years since Dr. Wayne Dyer's passing and his universal wisdom is still significant today.  Info: drwaynedyer.com.

 It's "Back to School" time for the vast majority of students, but what if your children are stressed or afraid to be in a classroom again? How do you handle their fears as a parent? According to parenting expert Susan Stiffelman, your children may actually be your greatest teacher.  The very behaviors that push every parent's buttons, can actually be used to help them build awareness and shed old patterns, allowing them to raise their children with ease and enjoyment. Listen today as Susan shares practical advice and exercises from her book, "Parenting with Presence." Susan Stiffelman, MFT, is an internationally respected parent educator, therapist, author, and parenting expert. She is the Huffington Post's weekly parenting advice columnist (Parent Coach) and the author of "Parenting Without Power Struggles." Her latest book is "Parenting with Presence: Practices for Raising Conscious, Confident, Caring Kids." Info: SusanStiffelman.com. 

Would you like to more deeply connect with your beloved animal companions?  Do you want to communicate and understand them better?  Lisa continues the conversation today with noted animal communicator Tami Hendrix.  Tami explains that animals are pure, unconditional beings, always ready and willing to share love. One of the most challenging experiences happens when our animals pass away. It can feel devastating. Tami talks about how to allow peace to arrive when grief happens. Be open to what is. Be connected to the love. Tami talks about letting go of regret and guilt. The love of an animal companion is sacred. Tami shares a deeply personal story about her beloved dog named Katie and how she was sent a message from the Other Side. She talks about having dreams of deceased animals and what they can teach us. Animals will come when we are in a period of transition. She suggests ways to communicate and feel them. The connection will always last. The heart is the opening, and we all have this ability. Tami talks about reincarnation and our furry companions. They could be a blended soul. They may have similar aspects. Tami believes that looking at photos can help with the connection. She and Lisa talk about moving through grief, with both animal and human relationships. Tami also explains how to see the signs that they send us. She invites us to reflect and ask ourselves, "What are you willing to release?" She explains how grief and love become one. She asks us to be more present and to pay attention. What are you noticing? This helps us to expand. She also explains the importance of listening and how it will connect us. Animals will always help us to connect to our hearts. They always offer unconditional love. This is Part 2 of the interview. Info: tamihendrix.com

Have you been curious about the Law of Attraction and how it works? Do you believe that your thoughts create your reality, even if you are not living your ideal life? Today's guest is Bob Doyle, one of the visionaries in the classic blockbuster hit movie "The Secret," which introduced this discussion powerfully into the mainstream. Bob talks about beliefs that become truths because of our childhood. He explains when we change our relationship to things, using money as an example, our situation can change. If we grew up in struggle, we can change how we are being to become prosperous and abundant. We can get out of victimhood and achieve success. He also talks about relationships and how we attract people into our lives. We can dream bigger and change who we are, while allowing people to be as they are. It's possible to have significant breakthroughs and deeper connections. Bob suggests that the more we can feel gratitude for what we have in our lives, the better things can be. We can focus on the way we want to feel. He explains how this powerful visualization tool is used in the Law of Attraction and for manifestation. Bob Doyle is the CEO of Boundless Living, Inc., and author of the #1 bestselling book "Follow Your Passion – Find Your Power." Since 2002, Bob has been teaching principles of Living Life by Design utilizing the principles of the Law of Attraction. His Wealth Beyond Reason program has long been recognized as one of the most complete and usable online curriculums in the Law of Attraction. Info: www.wealthbeyondreason.com.

Do you have a beloved animal companion? Would you like to more deeply connect with them? Animals provide love with no boundaries. They are pure, unconditional beings, always ready and willing to share love. Today's guest is noted animal communicator Tami Hendrix. She shares her story of being a small child and connecting with animals in her neighborhood. She says it is possible for us all to communicate with them. We can all learn to be in conversation with our animals. They teach us so much, just by their presence. They can mirror back to us. Tami suggests we just "be" with our animals – whether it's a cat, dog, bird, rabbit, horse, reptile, or any other sort of creature. She explains how cats are usually very direct. They are in charge of spaces. They can feel very territorial. Tami explains how animals come into our lives at a certain specific point. She talks about how difficult it can be when they leave, during times of transition. If you look at the timing, you can see how everything is connected. She talks about how to deal with the passing of an animal. She asks us to talk about it, to share our grief if possible. Our hearts are naturally open to our animals. That is part of our job. They ask us to keep an open heart, even during dark times. They help us to feel full and open, with a true sense of belonging. Tami also discusses how animals have their own say in the way they transition. She talks about ways we can connect to their passing by feeling our heart and writing. We can ask them to show us. It's important to include them in the decision-making. We are there to support them and they always guide us. They are there to teach us. We can see their wonder. It can profoundly change us. They allow us to be in our hearts and feel connected. This is Part 1 of the interview. Info: tamihendrix.com

Is it possible to thrive after losing it all? How could someone find peace after experiencing the loss of a child, the loss of a 40-year relationship, the loss of a career, the loss of their dream home, and more? Our guest today, best-selling author Iyanla Vanzant, shows that it IS possible. Today she shares her incredible story of loss, pain, and starting over. Her new book "Peace From the Broken Pieces: How to Get Through What You're Going Through" was written from her own painful experiences. Listen in as she helps us understand that once we drop the drama and the story, we are able to choose how to move powerfully toward peace. Iyanla is an empowerment specialist, Spiritual Life Counselor, and ordained minister. She is the founder and president of the Inner Visions Institute for Spiritual Development and regularly conducts personal growth classes and workshops for men and women worldwide. She has built the foundation for transformation after overcoming numerous hardships, which she considers learning experiences. She proves that it IS possible to thrive and shares her empowering lessons to the masses. Info: Innervisionsworldwide.com and Iyanla.com.

Would you like to have deeper connections with your friends? Lisa continues the conversation today with award-winning filmmaker Barnet Bain, who is known for beloved movies such as the Oscar-winning "What Dreams May Come." His latest book is "How to Be a Friend (In an Unfriendly World)" which was originally developed from a class he taught as part of Columbia University's master's course for psychologists. Barnet talks about how our friends are very much like gardens. You must water them and take care of them. If you do not make an effort with your friends, relationships can dissolve. The connection takes work, but it's important.  Whether good times or difficult times, it requires commitment to prioritize friends. Barnet explains a process to determine your priorities. If work becomes a priority, friendships may suffer, but there are ways to fix this. We all lead very busy lives, but he explains how to nurture friendships and not judge. Consistency is satisfying. Not everyone has to be a close friend. We can have friends from all walks of life.   Barnet also talks about values and commonalities among friends. He discusses ways to bond. Other generations, especially younger ones, develop bonds through social media. Friends can be made this way. Some friends stay in touch via text. That can be healthy and joyful! Even sending silly jokes can help friendships stay alive. He also talks about the importance of having deep conversations. It may be challenging, but we can learn to get out of our comfort zones so we can grow. This is Part 2 of the interview. Info: BarnetBain.com