Courage & Cancer by Susan Pataky There are nearly 10 million cancer survivors in America. A staggering number of these survivors have turned to yoga as an integral aspect for their healing. Harnessing the power of yoga asanas(postures), pranayama(breathing techniques) and meditation/visualization practices is helping many deal with the physical, emotional and spiritual toll cancer imparts. Many of my certified yoga therapist collegues hear over and over from their clients, that the single most important part to their recovery is the instantaneous shift yoga brings-a relaxed body, still mind, and connection with their spirit. These aspects are what cancer patients say resonates strongly for them on the road to recovery. Stress and anxiousness can reach intense proportions and utilizing the tools your yoga therapist provides can elicit that support. Yoga has instantaneous adaptability, especially breathing practices. Specific breathing techniques can induce calm if anxious, energize if tired and can be done anywhere, anytime-in hospital beds, in treatment rooms, waiting for test results, etc. Another important aspect is the independence and empowerment that these custom-designed breathing techniques bring to the cancer patient. The sense of helplessness of being poked and prodded by most treatments that are being done ‘to them' they now have something they can do for themselves. This shift in ones mental state to empowerment offers a boost to the immune system. Yoga asanas must be modified with each cancer patient. While many asanas(postures) assist in relieving side effects of medications, chemo and radiation they must always be adapted carefully to the individual needs in that session. This moment by moment assessment is the partnership with your yoga therapist. Important adaptations are necessary to address the mental, emotional and physical needs of each individual in that moment. This approach is prudent whether one is in a state if dis-ease or radiant health. To ensure that your yoga therapy is from a qualified registered yoga therapist check out- http://www.iayt.org/ The following Metta (lovingkindness and forgiveness) meditation was used by collegues at the Yale Prevention Research Center Phrases offering loving-kindness to self: May I be free from danger May I be well May I be happy May I be peaceful Phrases offering loving-kindness to others: Just as I wish to be free from danger, may you be free from danger Just as I wish to be well, may you be well Just as I wish to be happy, may you be happy Just as I wish to be peaceful, may you be peaceful Phrases offering forgiveness to self: For all of the ways I have hurt or harmed myself, knowingly or unknowingly, I offer forgiveness. Phrases offering forgiveness to others: I forgive you for whatever you have done, intentionally or unintentionally- through your actions, words, even through your thoughts. Through what you did, and what you failed to do. However the pain came to me through you, I forgive you. Phrases asking forgiveness of others: I ask that you forgive me for whatever I may have done, intentionally or unintentionally, through my words, my actions, or even through my thoughts. However I may have hurt or injured you-I ask your forgiveness. I've implemented these with my cancer clients in the meditation portion of their sessions with for some remarkable results and highly recommend them for use by ALL of us on a daily basis. Courage in health-Courage in healing Namaste'