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Mindful Techniques For Daily Living

By: Naomi Aaronson MA OTR/L CHT
 

Recovercises is an opportunity for me to give back to people living with cancer. I am not a cancer survivor, but have had the privilege of loving someone who has learned to live with cancer for 10 years. Although challenged by this disease, my partner has regained control and well being by being a potent advocate for patient education along with nutrition and mindfulness techniques. I hope that I can help you to learn some skills which will educate as well as empower you. It is an honor to have worked with the many cancer survivors who have learned to live fully, as they have learned to live with cancer.

When living with cancer or any other chronic disease, one needs time to just “be.” To relax and replenish the body, mind and soul is a gift to oneself. How many of us allow ourselves this opportunity? Here are two methods that can help you achieve a state of “being in the moment.” I admit that this is not easy, but it can have a profound impact on ones life. Be aware that you may develop cognizance of new thought processes. If you are not successful at first, just slowly start over. Have compassion for yourself and don’t get discouraged. Give yourself this gift of health. You deserve it!!

  1. Sitting meditation - Close your eyes and bring awareness to your breath. Feel your stomach and chest expand as you inhale and deflate as you exhale. Wherever your mind wanders, let it go and bring attention back to your breath.
    Try this technique for 5 minutes gradually extending the time that you can engage in this process to 20 minutes.
     
  2. Loving kindness - Close your eyes and choose a few phrases that are positive and loving to yourself and others.
    The traditional phrases are as follows: ” May I be safe/ May I be happy/ May I be healthy/ May I live with ease.” You will feel compassion and love for all beings as you do so. Breathe in and out deeply as you say these words silently to yourself.

    Exercise Boosts Recovery From Breast Cancer
    Source: University Of Bristol

    October 8, 2004 — Women should aim for half an hour’s gentle exercise three times a week to aid their recovery from breast cancer, according to early results revealed at a University of Bristol conference on Exercise and Cancer Rehabilitation today.
    Currently the standard treatment for breast cancer involves no exercise therapy. However, the initial findings from a Cancer Research UK trial has shown that…
    Click here to read the entire article

    Naomi Aaronson MA OTR/L CHT is an occupational therapist and fitness instructor who created the Recovercises program for breast cancer survivors at SHARE and Ellen Bodner’s Next Step Fitness. Visit Naomi’s web site at http://www.recovercisesforwellness.com/ and contact Naomi at recovercises@aol.com to schedule her ACE/AFAA approved course in your area.