How Meditating Helped Me Through My Cancer Treatments: A Personal Journey
Find a quiet space, choose a focal point, breathe deeply, let your thoughts pass, and practice regularly. Follow these simple steps to start meditating and reap the benefits of reduced stress, improved focus, and emotional well-being.
By: Elizabeth Wieck
(A Cancer and Narcissistic Abuse Survivor)
Meditation is an ancient practice that has gained popularity in recent decades as a tool to improve mental health. It involves focusing your attention on a particular object, thought, or activity to calm your mind and achieve a state of relaxation. Meditation has been found to be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and improving overall well-being.
As a cancer patient, my journey has been challenging, to say the least. From the moment of diagnosis, I was overwhelmed with fear and anxiety. The fear of the unknown, the fear of what lies ahead, and the fear of the treatments themselves. It was an incredibly stressful time in my life, but I found a way to cope: through meditation.
At first, I was skeptical. How could sitting quietly and breathing deeply help me through cancer treatments? But I was willing to try anything that could ease my anxiety and improve my mental state. So, I started small. I would set aside just 10 minutes a day to sit quietly and focus on my breathing. I would close my eyes and visualize myself in a calm, peaceful place, like a beach or a forest.
As I continued to practice meditation, I noticed a significant difference in my mental state. I was calmer, more focused, and less anxious. I found that I was better able to cope with the stress of cancer treatments, both physically and mentally.
One of the biggest benefits of meditation was that it helped me manage my pain. Cancer treatments can be painful, and pain management is a significant challenge for many cancer patients. However, meditation helped me to focus on something other than the pain. I found that I was able to control my thoughts and focus on positive emotions instead of the pain.
Another benefit of meditation was that it helped me connect with my body. Cancer treatments can be brutal, and it can be easy to disconnect from your body as a way of coping with the physical and emotional pain. However, meditation helped me to tune in to my body and connect with it on a deeper level. I found that I was more aware of my physical sensations, and I was better able to manage the physical side effects of cancer treatments.
Perhaps the most significant benefit of meditation was that it helped me maintain a positive attitude. Cancer treatments can be draining, both physically and mentally. However, meditation helped me to maintain a positive attitude and focus on the present moment. I found that I was able to appreciate the small joys in life, like a beautiful sunset or a good cup of tea.
Meditation has been a game-changer for me during my cancer treatments. It has helped me manage my pain, connect with my body, and maintain a positive attitude. If you or someone you know is going through cancer treatments, I highly recommend incorporating meditation into your daily routine. It may not cure cancer, but it can certainly help you cope with the challenges that come with it.
Here my friend, I share my own steps that will guide you on how to meditate:
- Find a quiet and comfortable space: Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Make sure you are sitting comfortably with your back straight.
- Choose a focal point: Choose a focal point for your meditation. This can be a word, a sound, or an object. Close your eyes and focus on your chosen focal point.
- Breathe deeply: Take a deep breath in and out, and focus on your breathing. You can count your breaths or repeat a mantra.
- Let your thoughts pass: Your mind may wander during meditation, and that’s okay. Just acknowledge the thought and let it pass, without judgment. Bring your focus back to your breathing.
- Practice regularly: Regular practice is essential to reap the benefits of meditation. Start with a few minutes each day and gradually increase the time.
Now I’ll discuss why meditation is important for mental health:
- Reduces stress: Meditation has been found to reduce the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone in the body. Regular practice can help you manage stress more effectively.
- Improves focus and concentration: Meditation can improve your ability to concentrate and focus, leading to increased productivity.
- Increases self-awareness: By becoming more aware of your thoughts and emotions, you can better manage them and avoid reactive responses.
- Promotes emotional well-being: Meditation can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, leading to a more positive outlook on life.
- Enhances overall well-being: Meditation has been linked to improved immune function, better sleep, and lower blood pressure.
Meditation is a simple yet powerful tool that can help you improve your mental health and overall well-being. By incorporating regular meditation practice into your daily routine, you can experience the benefits of reduced stress, improved focus, and emotional well-being. Start today, and discover the positive effects that meditation can have on your life.
I continue to meditate.
Share in the comments your own experiences or life lessons!
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