Today, a holistic approach to healing includes a thorough awareness of how our minds enhance our recovery process. Mindfulness is a spiritual discipline that calls on the power of your mind to manage physical/emotional pain. For people living with cancer, staying in the present and being mindful about your healing ability is very important. It is easy to overlook the potential to soothe yourself and help with your recovery. Even though you worry, right at that moment, you are safe. Instead of feeling anxious, it is better to focus on what you can do to take care of yourself. Meditation helps you maintain this focus. Cancer patients will realize that there is a deep inner part of your self that keeps you present and valuing right now. Once you experience the calm from Mindful Meditation, you will discover that bad news does not change who you are.
Vipassara, the 2,600-year-old Buddhist term for Mindful Meditation means “sitting on the cushion daily.” It teaches the fundamentals of meditation practice, not Buddhism. It can be used by anyone experiencing stress to develop an ability to be with life as it unfolds.
Meditation decreases suffering. It acknowledges that no matter what is going on, you are okay. Your mind wants to plan and think because it wants a conclusion. By sitting on the cushion you will learn how easily you are consumed by your thoughts about the past or future.
Mindful Meditation makes you aware of this tendency. It creates some space from the clutter in your mind and shifts your focus so you can be physically, emotionally and spiritually aware in the present moment. Instead of feeling heavy hearted, body weary, depressed or anxious, notice your thoughts with a nonjudgmental attitude and listen to your breath.
Meditation gets easier with ongoing practice and is definitely worth the effort. So, pay attention, be awake and gain insight into the present. It will help you discover that the present is a place where you can learn to accept and trust your own experiences. Be mindful and cultivate your inner strength, balance and healing ability to better enjoy life.
weSPARK Cancer Support Center will soon be introducing a class on Mindful Meditation. If you are interested in this class or other healing classes, please call 661-288-2322 to schedule an intake.