Many patients feel betrayed by their bodies following a cancer diagnosis. Because cancer comes from your own cells it can leave you feeling as though you are fighting with yourself. In addition, cancer treatments often take a toll on the body which can have ripple effects years beyond treatment. Therefore, it is not surprising that many of the patients that I treat share with me that they struggle with body image. Challenges with self-image are not just due to the physical changes that have taken place but also because they view themselves differently both during and after treatment.
Many patients have expressed that their relationship with their body has changed. Some share that their favorite feature has been distorted or overshadowed by scars or other physical changes resulting from surgery or radiation. Others express a sense of mistrust in their own physical strength that combines with an awareness of their own mortality leaving them feeling shaken and unsure. People may even struggle to put into words what has changed in their relationship with their own bodies other than to say that they feel a strong sense of disconnection. No matter your experience, it is important to honor how your relationship with how your body has changed and mindfulness is a wonderful avenue to help you to gain a greater sense of peace and wholeness during and after cancer treatment.
How to Use Mindfulness to Change the Relationship with your Body
Being mindful simply means to pay attention in the present moment. Mindfulness allow you to focus in a way that allows you to appreciate what has gone wrong, in terms of how your body makes cells, while also acknowledging the many things have also gone right. Mindfulness can foster a mindset that centers on appreciation of your body and the many amazing things it does just to keep you breathing and moving all day long. The body is a dynamic and amazing thing if you can take the time to appreciate it in that way. Making time to try these different exercises can help you change your experience of your body. The goal is to recognize what has changed and tune in to the wonderful things your body continues to do.
Body Scan
This form of meditation invites you to become aware of the experiences of the body in the moment and is a great place to begin.
3-minute Body Scan from UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center
10-minute Body Scan with Christy Cassica (UCSD Center for Mindfulness)
21-Minute Body Scan Meditation Video (Memorial Sloan Kettering)
Mindful Movement
Simple yoga poses are a wonderful way to connect with your body in a gentle way and can help those who have difficulty sitting in one position for an extended period of time.
Mindfulness-based Cancer Recovery is a wonderful book that includes a range of gentle poses for cancer patients to use.
Additional Meditations for the Body
There are many meditations focused on helping people with specific challenges. This meditation exercise focuses on sitting with both difficult emotions and bodily sensations.
Mindfulness Meditation for Working with Difficulties
Tara Brach is a renowned meditation teacher that has a mediation focused on finding a home and happiness in your own experience moment to moment.
Being Home (Dedicated to Maya Angelou)
The regular practice of mindfulness meditation can help you to process and examine your own relationship with your body. While change will not take place in one sitting, the goal is to develop and deepen and new understanding of your connection to your physical form over time. Have patience with yourself and know that this is an evolving journey.
If you are having challenges related to body image or your sense of self related to your cancer experience that are interfering with your day-to-day functioning then working with a licensed therapist may help you to address those difficulties in a safe and nurturing environment.
Additional Resources
UC San Diego: Center for Mindfulness
UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center
If you have questions about this blog or any information included on this site please feel free to contact Dr. Davidson at info@cancerpsychologist.com.
Dr. Davidson is a health psychologist, in Los Angeles, whose practice focuses on support for those with a range of medical illness. Her specialization in cancer allows her to help patients adjust to their diagnosis, cope with treatment, and transition back to work and family responsibilities after treatment has finished. Dr. Davidson has assisted patients in finding new ways to achieve a greater sense of wellness as they adjust to a "new normal". Her focus is on helping patients improve and maintain the quality of their lives regardless of illness trajectory.
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For more information about Dr. Davidson please visit www.stephaniedavidsonpsyd.com