Healing and mindfulness

Healing occurs on many different levels. Many researchers believe that doing something creative, pursuing a dream or passion can be key to physical and emotional healing. Mindfulness is a means of paying attention on purpose, in the moment, and without judgment of anything. You can exercise mindfulness in almost any way, including walking, coloring, journaling, writing poems or sewing.

Meditation

Find a quiet place where you can be undisturbed, sitting or lying down. Set a timer so you don’t focus on the time (start with 5 minutes and increase the time as it feels right to you.) Close your eyes. Start paying attention to your breath or to your body sensations, whatever works best for you. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the breath or body sensations. Don’t judge yourself or your thoughts.

Meditation websites:

• The Mindfulness App: themindfulnessapp.com

• Calm: calm.com

• Insight Timer: insighttimer.com

Massage

Massage therapy can help with skin hydration, stress and anxiety reduction. Massage for cancer patients should be gentle; deep pressure massage is not advised for people receiving chemotherapy or radiation. Many insurance companies cover oncology massage with a co-pay. Christus St. Vincent Holistic and Wellness Center offers massage and acupuncture.

Call 505-913-3820.

Emotional care

Christus St. Vincent Regional Cancer Center’s oncology social worker is your point person for your emotional, psychosocial, financial and spiritual needs. To make an appointment with Karen Gano, LCSW, call 505-913-5731.