Meditation Tips for Patients
Being diagnosed with cancer is probably the most devastating and pivotal time someone’s life. So many emotions occur like shock, grief, anger, sadness and hopelessness, just to name a few. Sometimes what we can do to ourselves, in our mind, is worse than the actual physical ailment. But just the word ‘cancer’ bring even the strongest of people to their knees. It means that life as you know it will be forever changed.
Throughout the journey of cancer, it is so important to maintain peace of mind and a positive attitude. Even though it is hard to look on the bright side of cancer, your attitude could be what saves your life. The mind, body and soul are completely intertwined and what happens in one area, affects all areas. Nothing happens independently. We can actually talk to our cells and tell them to heal themselves. What happens in the body, first originates in the mind. This is why quieting the mind is essential to healing the body. When we quiet the mind, we eliminate negative, compulsive thoughts and instead we tune into the river of peace flowing within us. Peace is the best medicine and hence why meditation is so important when you are ill. During meditation the body and mind experience homeostasis and healing can take place. Meditation is recognized as a valid complementary medicine for healing the mind and body as well as the spirit.
Below are some tips to begin your healing meditation:
• Find a place where you will not be disturbed. Create a sacred space, filled with positive energy. You may place candles around the room and light some incense. Also, place some crystals around the room which bring healing energy and positive vibes. Meditating outdoors is great too!
• You can meditate with or without music. If you choose to play music, make sure it is soothing and calming and not distracting to you.
• Find a comfortable position, either on a chair or on the floor. Just be sure that you will not become uncomfortable, which can be very distracting. Keep your spine straight, as energy flows from the base of your spine up to the top of your head.
• Breathe deeply through your nose and hold the breath for as long as you can, comfortably. Then slowly release the breath. Breathing centers you and connects you to the present moment. Even sitting and breathing, mindfully, for just a few moments is beneficial.
• Visualize yourself surrounded by warm, healing white light. Imagine the white light flooding your entire body and rejuvenating your cells. Incorporate this into your breathing by imagining you are breathing in this healing light and it is illuminating every cell of your being.
• You may chant a mantra or choose a word or a phrase to repeat in your mind. Reciting a mantra helps tame the wandering mind. For example, you may repeat the word “Faith” or “Hope” on every breath. You may also choose to repeat a phrase like, “I am healthy” or “I am strong”. Words, whether said out loud or in your head, have a big impact on the world we experience and using the phrase “I am” is very powerful as it calls upon the creative powers of the Universe.
• Visualize tumors shrinking. Visualize yourself happy, healthy, vibrant and laughing. Visualize a positive check up at the doctor. See yourself saying, “I’m cancer-free!” If you can visualize it, than you can bring it into existence.
• Always give thanks to the Universe at the end of your meditation. Even though cancer doesn’t seem like something to be thankful for, it can behold treasures for your soul. You can gain immense strength and courage from this experience, which is worthy of gratitude. You could gain a whole new perspective on your life that you wouldn’t have had before cancer. You may be grateful for your caregiver or your amazing doctor. There is always something to smile about 
In the turmoil of cancer, it can be difficult to quiet the mind. The mind is very powerful. It has the capability of creating or destroying. Even just a few minutes a day in silence and relaxation can have a profound impact on the body. Meditation can help reduce the pain, stress, anxiety, and fear, associated with cancer. Meditation can play an important role in your healing plan and improve your quality of life.
By: Jessica Taylor
About the author: Jessica Saraswati
