BEING WHO YOU ARE: THE UNIVERSAL VOCATION is Brother Bernard's latest book. This one is focused on personal growth and spirituality and not part of his monastic mystery book series. Please scroll down a few panels to see more. Available as an e-book now, with print books to follow. Here's a Universal Book Link you can cut & paste or type in to order if you like.

https://books2read.com/u/b5kMdp

VIRTUAL CONSULTS available for PENNSYLVANIA, MARYLAND, & VIRGINIA residents through Amwell.com, Teladoc.com, HealthTap.com & SecureVideo.com. You must be in one of the above states during the time of the session.

ESTABLISHED PATIENTS can obtain nutritional supplements through the mail or through my virtual dispensary on FULLSCRIPT. Feel free to be in touch as needed.

(As a healthcare provider, I am also continuing to provide in-person sessions during the pandemic w/the usual precautions.)

The links above tells you about my virtual practice and provides some of my answers to patient questions. Then you can login/create and account to schedule an online session if you wish. (Insurance companies cover virtual sessions by way of exception rather than the rule. Blue Cross / Blue Shield is currently covering for virtual sessions in most cases and other carriers as well. Virtual sessions can save time and gas, which may help balance things out.
Research indicates the effectiveness of virtual care.)

If you would like to help us when you purchase AMAZON PRODUCTS, just click this link and a .05 donation will come to us and not impact your purchase prices.

http://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-2494017

THE DIGITAL AGE MAKES IT EASY TO READ on your computer, Kindle, or iPad. It's inexpensive ($2.99 per book in this case) and saves a few trees. You can even set your device to read the book to you as you close your eyes and relax. (The volumes are also available in print form.) Scroll down a few panels to see a copy of the cover art for all six monastic mystery e-books. Each book is complete yet the characters evolve along with the book plots. Readers say they learn about spirituality, medicine, and journey to far away lands through the books. The press has called this author the "Mystery Monk." Have fun!

MONASTIC MYSTERY BOOK LOVERS PLEASE CHECK OUT MY BOOK BLURBS ON AMAZON.COM THEN E-MAIL US FOR DISCOUNTED ORDERING - $10 PER BOOK & P&H: $2.50 FOR 1ST BOOK AND $1 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL BOOK / OR $45 FOR THE ENTIRE SET OF FIVE BOOKS & FREE SHIPPING. Also available in e-book format.

SCIENCE-BASED BEHAVIORAL & NATURAL MEDICINE, REVERENCING THE SPIRIT

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST / DIPLOMATE IN BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE

DOCTOR OF NATURAL MEDICINE / CHINESE MEDICINE SPECIALIST

AUTHOR OF THE OFFICE OF THE DEAD MONASTIC MYSTERY BOOK SERIES (PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION OR ABOVE UNDER "ARTICLES" FOR A FREE CHAPTER)

TEDx Talk Brother Bernard did on "Prejudice & Religious Values" http://https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=XRCRl8g2LLY&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DqvhNMI_43nE%26feature%3Dshare


PODCAST RADIO INTERVIEW with Brother Bernard (one of his favorites) http://www.shrinkrapradio.com/?s=seif


A more recent radio interview can be heard by clicking on the "Audio" tab on the upper-right side of this page.
The National Catholic Reporter newspaper ran a well done article, primarily about by work with monastic interreligious dialogue. Here's the link http://http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-159921679.html

Chinese medicine, meditation, and neurotheology captivate me. I use these modalities clinically, along with additional behavioral approaches to health and wellness, in my clinical psychology practice. Clinical Hypnosis and lifestyle assessment, for example, may also be utilized.

Advice on Asian medicinal herbs and Western nutraceuticals may be among the exclusively natural and non-invasive options offered. Saliva, urine, stool, and hair testing through certified clinical & research laboratories is available as needed.

Medical Qigong and other forms of Eastern / Western Bodywork Therapy are utilized when requested and appropriate. I give workshops throughout the country and abroad when time permits and as invited.

Brother Bernard's Chinese name, Cai De Ren (Chinese characters are above under English name), is a goal he strives for. It can loosely be translated as "the Doctor who practices virture, especially compassion toward patients."

PHOTO CAPTION: Oriental Medical Doctor Jampa Mackenzie Stewart (Austin TX), Qigong Master Duan Zhi Liang (Beijing China), and Brother Bernard around a campfire at a gathering of the National Qigong Association USA.

BROTHER / DOCTOR BERNARD SEIF, SMC, EdD, DNM is a Christian monk with monastic vows in the Roman Catholic and Salesian traditions and a Clinical Psychologist (DeSales University, Moravian College-BA, Catholic University of America-MA, Lehigh University-EdD), Board Certified in Behavioral Medicine.

He is also a Doctor of Natural (Integrative - not naturopathic) Medicine (based on above degrees plus post-doctoral training at the Institute of Chinese Herbology, National Qigong Association USA, Crayhon Research Seminars, World Academic Society of Medical Qigong, and Hospital rotations in Asia, leading to a DNM from Arkansas College of Natural Health's 4,200 hour state-authorized DNM Bridge Program for licensed health care professionals) specializing in Classical Chinese Medicine.

In 1987 Brother Bernard was awarded a post-doctoral diploma, i.e., Board Certification in Behavioral Medicine, from the International Academy of Behavioral Medicine, Counseling, & Psychotherapy. (Please see logo in this section or click here.) http://www.iabmcp.org He is also Certified in Clinical Hypnosis by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.

Brother Bernard practices and teaches a healing Asian art known as Medical Qigong, does spiritual direction, and enjoys giving retreats and workshops. He has studied in both the United States and Asia and is well published in scientific and scholarly journals. All of this brings a certain depth and authenticity to his written and clinical work.

Doctor Seif is a specialist rather than a primary care doctor. More simply put, in addition to practicing clinical psychology & behavioral medicine, he provides complementary & alternative therapies, sometimes abbreviated as CAM. (See National Center for CAM / National Institutes of Health link below.)

PS: In case the concept of Behavioral Medicine is new to you, here's a definition from the Society of Behavioral Medicine: "Behavioral Medicine is the interdisciplinary field concerned with the development and integration of behavioral, psychosocial, and biomedical science knowledge and techniques relevant to the understanding of health and illness, and the application of this knowledge and these techniques to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation."

Brother Bernard does not do traditional acupuncture. He works with the Chinese concept of Qi using mind-body techniques and sometimes a hand-held device, no needles.

ROOTED in over fifty years of Catholic Christian monasticism, I believe that the world would be a more peaceful and less prejudiced place if we understood one another better. To this end, I have spent most of my life exploring Eastern spirituality and medicine. Jesus is my Master, and the 16th Century French saints, Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal, are my teachers.

These two famous models of spiritual friendship are depicted here (to the left) in a lively contemporary icon created by Brother Michael O'Neill McGrath, OSFS. The painting is bursting with symbolism that only the artist's explanation can do justice to. More of Brother Mickey's work can be viewed at Bee Still Studio http://www.beestill.com

God and the Sacred are found in the ordinary, be it the daily rhythm of a family unit, the busy workplace, a large monastic community, or a simple hermitage, such as the small Salesian Monastery in which I live out the sacred bond of monastic vows of conversion of life, stability, and obedience. All people are called to holiness and the inner freedom it invites us to, not just clergy and monastics. We find this by being faithful to the duties of our state in life, whatever they may be.

I am respectful of all traditions but, due to my busy practice and teaching schedule, try to sort out those people and places where I would be most helpful prior to working with them. Some find my monastic medical mysteries and qigong teaching video helpful on their journeys through life.

"There is nothing so strong as gentleness, and nothing so gentle as real strength." --Saint Francis de Sales

"Your contentment always comes first with me." --Saint Jane de Chantal

"All through love, nothing through fear." --Saint Francis de Sales to Saint Jane de Chantal

OFFICE HOURS are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. 6 p.m. & 7 p.m. There is typically a waiting list of several weeks.

Patient / client individual sessions are often reimbursed to some extent by medical insurance.

Doctor Seif is a participating provider with Blue Shield, Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, United Behavioral Health, Magellan Behavioral Health, and a number of other health insurance carriers.

Workshops and retreats (see below for schedule) are given when invited by various retreat houses, hospitals, and other venues in the United States and abroad.

"Qi Days" are held each fall and spring at Arsha Vidya Gurukulam (ashram), Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania. These days are offered as a support for personal practice but are open to beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Many people find them enjoyable, educational, and restful.

Saint Benedict, the Father of Western Monasticism, teaches that: "The true monastic is the one who lives by the work of his or her hands." In light of this, the Salesian Monastery is a totally self-supporting, non-profit community.

It is mysteriously and wonderfully difficult work to stay faithful to the life-long process of becoming who we are. It's not once and done, but an ongoing series of discernments. If we are fortunate, we may have a mentor or two along the way to help us. There will also be those people and events that may discourage us. A sense of humor is crucial to the process, so I sprinkled in a few events that may bring a smile to the lips of the reader.

This book is about the call everyone has--our vocation in the broadest sense--to be who we are. People can unintentionally distort or misunderstand our goals in striving to respond to longing to be who we are. It is my hope that these words will help to clarify the variety of ways in which people can live their lives, and also offer some guidance and tools to help facilitate that organic process. Much like a midwife, we can work to draw the new life out of one another.

There is something for people of all philosophies and faith stances in this book, although one may have to dig a little deeper at times to get beyond the Catholic Christian framework in which much of the material is embodied. All are meant to be included as we bring to consciousness our preconceived ideas, accurate or otherwise, and let our monastic archetype reveal itself. What I offer is simply my experience of this process.

QIGONG FOR THE SPIRIT (DVD / Video)

This one-hour color DVD / video was produced in response to requests from others for a teaching DVD / video by Brother Bernard aimed at helping people to learn Qigong at home. It includes a brief introduction to the nature of qigong (a 5,000 year old Chinese synthesis of moving, breathing, and meditating).

Brother Bernard explains that Qigong can be done in order to maintain health/healing (known as "self cultivation," and the focus of this DVD / video), or it can be practiced by a professional in treating others (medical/healing qigong). A series of warm ups and simple Qigong moves follows. After that the "Five Elements" Form of Qigong is presented in word and movement.

Produced in a beautiful outdoor setting, this DVD / video can be used by beginners as well as by those familiar with Qigong. Many of the moves can be done in a seated position (great for wheel chair users). One does not need a great deal of physical stamina to take advantage of the benefits Qigong for the Spirit offers.

$20.00 for DVD or video. Please specify. (+ 3.50 p&h)

(The Chinese calligraphy to the right was created by one of Brother Bernard's teachers, Shifu Jiang Jian-ye. The characters represent "Gentle Strength," the name and philosophy of our Qigong group and Doctor Seif's Eastern & Western herbal & nutraceutical product line.)

ORDER BY E-MAIL. CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ONLY. NO CREDIT CARDS PLEASE.

GENTLESTRENGTH QIGONG COMMUNITY, led by Brother Bernard & held at Arsha Vidya Gurukulam (an ashram), Saylorsburg PA, Saturday, 10-05-2019 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., probably in the Yoga Studio. If we get moved, we often meet in a nearby building but please park in front of the Yoga Studio. (Qi Days are Spring & Fall days of communal support and qigong for those already practicing qigong but there is lots available for those brand new to this ancient Chinese practice.) Pre-register (enter Yoga Studio by lower level & take off shoes there) by contacting: Brother Bernard Seif, monk@epix.net or (570) 992-3448. The following website will introduce you to the ashram facilities where the Qi Day will be held, it is NOT for registrations. www.arshavidya.org http://www.arshavidya.org

WE HAD GREAT EXPERIENCES AT THESE PREVIOUS PROGRAMS

SPIRITUALITY & DEVOTION FOR ALL - a talk by Brother Bernard - Thursday, May 2, 2019 - 7 to 9:30 p.m.
"Introduction to the Devout Life" was written by St Francis de Sales in 1609. It is a synthesis of letters and notes on the practice of living a spiritual life with spiritual direction as a major component. We will explore Salesian Spirituality and how it applies today and to our current walk in life.
"All through love, nothing through fear." -Saint Francis de Sales to Saint Jane de Chantal
Location: St Francis Center for Renewal stfrancisctr.org 395 Bridle Path Rd., Bethlehem, Pa Open to all those with an interest in spiritual growth.
Pre Registration is preferred; Please arrive at 6:30pm for day of event registration. Please contact: Cathy Campanaro, catherinecampanaro@verizon.net, (610) 217-5993
We are offering this as a free program, however in appreciation for the presenter and the Center’s hospitality a "Love Offering" - $15. (more or less) can be made the day of the event. Please do not let this suggestion stop you from attending. (Sponsored by Spiritual Directors of the Greater Lehigh Valley).

QI TALK A interview w/Brother Bernard sponsored by the National Qigong Association. Thursday 5-10-18 - 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Call in live or sign up for the recording.

TO CALL IN TO ATTEND QI TALKS:

Call (712) 770-4160
Enter access Code 797574
TO LOG IN VIA YOUR COMPUTER TO ATTEND QI TALKS:

Connect to www.freeconferencecallhd.com
Click on blue box that says "HD Conferencing"
Click on "Dial in via our VoIP Dialer"
Select the conference phone number (712) 770-4160
Enter Access Code 797574
Enter your name

BUILDING BRIDGES OF INTEGRATION FOR TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, Hyatt Regency, Reston VA (near Washington DC), 10-11 to 1-14-2018. Specifics will follow as conference plans evolve. Information about the wonderful organization that hosts this event can be found at the TCM World Foundation website http://www.tcmworld.org

GENTLESTRENGTH QIGONG COMMUNITY, led by Brother Bernard & held at Arsha Vidya Gurukulam (an ashram), Saylorsburg PA, Saturday, 4-14-2018 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., probably in the Yoga Studio. If we get moved, we often meet in a nearby building but please park in front of the Yoga Studio. (Qi Days are Spring & Fall days of communal support and qigong for those already practicing qigong but there is lots available for those brand new to this ancient Chinese practice.) Pre-register (enter Yoga Studio by lower level & take off shoes there) by contacting: Brother Bernard Seif, monk@epix.net or (570) 992-3448. The following website will introduce you to the ashram facilities where the Qi Day will be held, it is NOT for registrations. www.arshavidya.org http://www.arshavidya.org

JESUIT CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH, Wernersville PA, Directed Retreat 7-31 to 8-08-2014 (limited availability) Contact Jesuit Center registrar (610) 670-3642 or visit http://www.jesuitcenter.org

TEDx TALK RECORDING by Brother Bernard. Lehigh University, Packard Laboratory, Room 101, 19 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem PA 18015. Wednesday 11-30-2016. 5 to 7 pm. Event is free but tickets are required. Check back here for more information about tickets or the Lehigh University website.

PRAYER AND CARE FOR SELF AND OTHERS. Jesuit Center, Wernersville PA 4-29-16 to 5-1-16. (Fills up quickly) Contact Bonnie Staudt (610) 670-3642 or visit http://www.jesuitcenter.org

DAY OF DIALOGUE (Jewish, Muslim, Christian), Whitehall PA, 4-19-2015, 1:45 to 5:15 p.m. Additional Information at www.ijcu.org (Click on IJCU Programs, and then click on Day of Dialogue to obtain a brochure.)

COUNSELING & TREATING PEOPLE OF COLOUR, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 12-7 to 12-10, 2013. Please visit Stony Brook Universityhttp://www.stonybrook.edu and then search for the program title on that site.

SILENT PRAYER, Queen of Peace Church, Brodheadsville PA, Wed. 11-20-13, 7:30 pm - 9 pm. Brief talk and discussion about silence and silent prayer.

BUILDING BRIDGES OF INTEGRATION FOR TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, Westfields Marriott, Chantilly VA (near Washington DC), 10-17 to 10-20-2013. Brother Bernard will be part of a panel about Chinese health and medicine and leading a meditation. http://www.tcmconference.org

QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH, Brodheadsville PA, Tuesday 5-7-13. During this talk Brother Bernard will share he experiences in China based on his yearly trips there. 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel. No charge.

WESTON VT (near Weston Benedictine Priory) 8-10 to 8-12-12. Retreat/Workshop "Embracing a New Heaven and a New Earth" To register online visit http://www.onebodyonespirit.com Contact: Julie Wegryn, MS, MAT, NCC E-mail: julie_wegryn@msn.com

EVIDENCE AND PRACTICE IN PSYCHOTHERAPY, a panel presentation within the Pennsylvania Psychological Association annual convention 6-23-12) Harrisburg Hilton, Harrisburg PA. Contact: Marti Evans (717) 232-3817 or visit www.papsy.org http://www.papsy.org


NB: Brother Bernard is both a National Qigong Association Certified Level IV Qigong Teacher (Sifu) & an NQA Certified Advanced Clinical Therapist. His qigong workshops and retreats, therefore, are accredited for those seeking NQA certification.

PHOTO CAPTION: Qigong Workshop, Kahuna Valley Retreat Center, Kauai, Hawaii

American Psychological Association http://www.apa.org,

American Society of Clinical Hypnosis http://www.asch.net

Breast Cancer & Traditional Chinese Medicine http://www.breastcancer.com

Classical Chinese Medicine http://www.classicalchinesemedicine.org

Community Chiropractic Center http://www.ccc1011.com

Diagnos-Techs Laboratory http://www.diagnostechs.com

Great Plains Laboratory http://www.greatplainslaboratory.com

Monastic Interreligious Dialogue http://www.monasticdialog.org

National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine / National Insitutes of Health http://www.nccam.nih.gov

National Qigong Association http://www.nqa.org

Natural Eye Care http://naturaleyecare.com

Neuroscience Lab http://www.neurorelief.com


Night Prayer From the Office of the Dead: Monastic Mystery Book Series and Brother Bernard Seif at Their Best http://newsblaze.com/story/2011060709150121821.ew/topstory.html


Pastoral Medical Association http://www.pmai.us


ProThera Nutraceuticals http://www.protherainc.com

Qigong Institute http://www.qigonginstitute.org

Qi Journal of Traditional Eastern Health & Fitness http://www.qi-journal.com

Serenity Music http://www.serenitymusic.com

Shrink Rap Radio http://www.shrinkrapradio.com

Spectracell Lab http://www.spectracell.com

Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation http://www.tcmworld.org

ZRT Laboratory http://www.zrtlab.com

PHOTO CAPTION: Prayer wheels, Dalai Lama's temple, Dharmsala, India.