Many of us know someone, or know someone who knows someone, that has cancer. Some cancers are more severe then others, but it is always just as scary. This week I was notified that a childhood friend of mine has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of lymphoma, as well as, she is 17 weeks pregnant. I have been following the updates on her and the baby all week long, and I am thrilled to continually hear about the strength this mother has! She is at peace with herself, and continues to beam. Although, there is much we still have to learn about cancer, one thing that is certain is that the patient’s mindset and attitude can have a big impact on recovery. Meditation is proven as one of the most promising complementary therapies for cancer patients. This is why.
1. Tension Relief
Meditation for cancer patients is often practiced to help reduce anxiety and stress. By focusing on letting go of thoughts to relax the body and ease the mind, patients will find peace that will spread all throughout their bodies. This allows for a stronger healing process.
2. Emotional Strength
You know when you watch a sad movie how you feel sad inside, and you may even cry? Well, actors and directors work to make this happen to their audiences because they want to evoke emotion so there is a relation between the viewer and the story/characters. That is how they make their money. If you tell yourself throughout the movie, “This is just a movie, it is not real”, the chance of you feeling sad or crying is much smaller. Why? It is because you are taking control of your emotions. Meditation helps us to do the same thing when fighting cancer. Focusing on a healthy recovery and a positive attitude has been proven to jump-start, speed up, and even make a recovery happen.
3. Internal Power
Meditation is much like exercise for the soul. The more you practice, the stronger you become. Cancer patients that practice meditation have the opportunity to strengthen their faith, individual purpose, and understanding of life. That power is something you can only give to yourself.
Ultimately, letting go of thought and abiding in emptiness through meditation, will strengthen the soul of caner fighting patients and all people alike. Working to find balance in emotional well-being, over-all mental health, and quality of life can be sought out through meditation practices, and will open up paths to healing.
