We have probably all heard ever about the value of meditation or mindfulness. Generally, this practice can be valuable in times of difficulty and stress. For patients and survivors of cancer, learning to relax helps to reduce stress, catch up on sleep and, in general, improve the mood and functioning of our body.
Meditation uses the concentration or reflection to relax the body and calm the mind. It is considered a complementary therapy, mind-body, and can be a powerful complement to medical treatment for some health conditions such as cancer.
In addition to help you balance your emotions and feel better in general, various studies have shown that there are many health benefits associated with this practice:
– When used in conjunction with standard medical therapy, meditation can help to reduce the blood pressure.
– Reduces sleep disturbances and mood, stress and muscle and joint pains.
– Helps to reduce anxiety, depression and pain, when used as a complement to medical treatment.
But yes, what is meditation?
The dictionary of Cambridge defines meditation as “the act of paying attention to a single thing, either as a religious activity or as a way to calm down and relax.” Many describe it as "the place where I find my center," "where am I going to calm down", "my happy place" and "fall on me".
In a few words, it is a practice of working with your mind to expand the peace that you experience in life. Meditation is not daydreaming or trying to control your mind. Rather, it is a way of becoming aware of your thoughts and, of course, to allow a state of peace will comfort you.
Eckhart Tolle, spiritual teacher and author of the book “The power of now”, he says: “One inhalation and exhalation aware is a meditation.”.
As you can see, the meditation comes in many forms, and find the right way to practice it, that works for you, is the best way to prepare for success.
Please note that it can take time to feel the benefits of meditation. At the beginning, you may feel more stressed out as you see what occupied your mind. But, if you keep trying to meditate even for a short time each day, you'll find that it becomes easier. Gradually you will feel more calm and less stress. Remember that regular practice is the key.
How do I get started with meditation?
Wherever you are in your journey through cancer, whether you have been recently diagnosed, you're in treatment, in recovery or you're a survivor, here are some tips to begin your journey of meditation:
- Ponte physically comfortable: Let yourself rest or you can even lie down. Allow your body to be fully supported. You'll be able to enjoy more of the meditation and you'll find a feeling of deep relaxation if your body feels good.
- Start slowly: If meditation is new to you since your cancer diagnosis, begin by setting your timer in just 1 minute. Sit down, breathe, and relax during that minute. Do this for a few days and then increase it to 3 minutes. Then, you can increase it to 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and so on.
- Create a dedicated place for meditation: Set a place dedicated to your meditation practice. It can be as simple as one side of your sofa, a corner of your office or even an entire room dedicated to your health and well-being.
- Set realistic expectations: Regardless of how, where or when you meditate, find a pattern that works for you is the key to success. A few minutes every day will give positive results and will probably encourage them to meditate more time the next time. If it feels difficult to you a day or stay asleep, don't let that discourage you from trying again next time.
Nathaly Bosch
Social communicator and Collaborator for Group Morivivi.
