More on Meditation
Posted 5/9/2012
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I wrote a few weeks ago about the possible benefits of meditation for cancer patients (actually, for everyone). Once again, the full disclosure is that I took a course in January and have been meditating twice daily since then. Therefore, I fit the description of a recent convert who is a zealot. To my astonishment, I have noticed a real change in myself with a greater sense of calm and an improved (although imperfect) ability to roll with the proverbial punches. This is an article from Oncology Nursing about various meditation techniques that may be helpful.
Before providing you with that link, however, let me also mention a new book by Elana Rosenbaum, LICSW. Elana is a senior teacher at the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. She is a presenter at our annual Celebration of Life and a lovely person. Her book, Being Well (even when you're sick) ,is (to quote the forward) "a masterpiece of simplicity, clarity, and caring" as she expertly teaches the reader to meditate. There is more information about her and the book here.
Meditation techniques for cancer patients
A CANCER DIAGNOSIS changes a person's life. It entails stress, pain, and anxiety. Meditation is the ancient practice of achieving a thoughtless alertness.
Research has shown that meditation can help reduce anxiety and stress. The classic definition of meditation is the deliberate self-regulation of attention through which the stream of consciousness is temporarily suspended.
The goal is to achieve a thoughtless awareness of one's person and/or surroundings. Many types of meditation are practiced throughout the world. Some types are practiced in a sitting position (transcendental, mindfulness), and some types incorporate movement (aikido, qigong, tai chi). Patients, especially those with chronic conditions such as arthritis or heart disease, are advised to check with their health care team before beginning any type of activity that involves the joints or movement.
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