workshop

Last week I ran a workshop titled "Everyday Healing : Practical Tips for Getting Into Your New Groove."  The workshop was held at Gilda's Club which is a local and national cancer support agency.  The evening went very well and I had a great group of 11 cancer survivors from all ages and walks of life.  It was a very a dynamic group to work with.

The workshop was designed for survivors who were wrapping up treatments and looking to continue their "normal" lives.  Here is a brief overview of what I covered (or intended to cover, since I ran out of time).

1. New Groove = New Mindset

The new mindset is that you survived cancer for a reason.  You are on the planet for a reason and you have something important to share with the world.  As a cancer survivor, you are highly skilled to change the world.  The world is changing fast, and those who will lead us to new horizons are those who've already been through some serious sh*t in their lives.  You are meant to lead and change the world.

2. Define Your Optimal Health

As with anything in life, survivors should have goals for their health in the long and short terms.  There's a saying : "If I don't have a plan for my life, someone else does."  That goes for your health to.  Define what your definition of optimal health looks like.  Post it somewhere you can see it daily for 30 days.

3. Remove Major Energy Drains

My simple view of healing : We get sick when something is draining our energy.  We heal when we find new sources of energy that fill us up.  Cheryl Richardson, author and life coach, says "Creating your best life has more to do with what you remove from it than what you add to it." 

3 Major Energy Drains:

• Not believing you have a choice
• Not being able to say no
• Not finding support

Brainstorm any post-cancer energy drains in your life in the following areas: Work, Environment, Money, Relationships, Mind / Body / Spirit

Having cancer is full license to remove energy drains.  Many people quit their jobs, leave an unhealthy relationship or give up unhealthy habits.  How can you remove your energy drains?

4. Meditation

I credit meditation with being a major catalyst for overcoming cancer.  I discovered it while I was going for chemo treatments and have been meditating regularly ever since.

When you sit without focusing on brain chatter or thoughts, something amazing happens - your body naturally moves into a state of extreme relaxation.  It promotes healing, it clears your mind and brings a deep sense of peace.

Take 10 minutes morning and night to sit quietly in meditation.  Focus on your breath and nothing else.  There are many good books and tapes that teach meditation - check out your local library.

Take the time to be quiet - it's so simple, but it pays major dividends.

5. Connect with Nature

I've been reading about a native man named Sun Bear who promoted native rituals and methods to deeply connect with Mother Earth.  Go and check out some of his books.

Mother Nature has natural healing energies.  When you're in a beautiful place, it's easy to relax the mind and body, to let go of fear or restlessness - to promote healing. Notice the abundance of life around you.  Touch something - sit down and put your hands on the Earth - it's ok to get dirty.

Get out and connect with nature regularly.  Take day trips out of the busy to somewhere where there is forest.  City parks are good, but forest is best.  Enjoy the quiet and sounds of wilderness.  You will feel rejuvenated and refreshed.

6. Giving Back

I have had almost 90 cancer survivors respond to the 2-Minute Cancer Survivor Survey.  What I found was that over 80% of survivors have a deep desire to give back post-cancer. Why? Because cancer forces you to focus on what's important in your life.  People want to give back because they know that giving back is part of discovering their life's purpose.

If you're feeling up to it, go out and volunteer.  Get involved in an organization that resonates with you, or start your own.  You'll find that giving back is healing.

7. We're All Connected

We're all One.  If you beat cancer, then the world gets a little healthier as well.  Remember that what you do and how you live your life is reflected in the world.  We're all connected.

What were your thoughts on the topics I covered above?  Leave me a comment and let me know.

To your Health and Happiness,

Michael