Meditation Heals More Than the Spirit!
In 1990 I was told I had a tumor in my lung (No–I did not smoke) and I had a 30% chance of living. Well, I was stressed to put it mildly. I always meditated, but as the time for the surgery drew closer, I began to read everything on meditation that I could which reflected the kind of alternative hope that I was sure would work for me. I meditated diligently to maintain a positive attitude throughout the grim news that seemed to bombard me daily.
My surgeon was pensive as I discussed my need to bring a meditation tape into the operating room to ensure that I would work well with him during surgery. I explained that I had carefully scripted a tape that would keep my body functioning within normal range in keeping with his plans for a successful procedure. Looking down, he curbed a smile as he agreed that he had heard of this kind of thing, but never personally experienced the process. Bottom line, he said he would do anything that would make me feel more comfortable. Time passed.
The surgery was very invasive, but I was fortunate indeed. I had a small piece of my lung removed and with no other ill effects. The tumor was benign. Recuperation was ongoing and I was healing fast. I got well and was back to work in weeks rather than the 4 months predicted. I spent the next year meditating and drawing Mandela’s to focus meditation more effectively and meditation has been a part of my life ever since. If you have a story of how meditation has helped you get through a surgery or live a healthier life, please pass it along so I can share your story! I would love to hear from you…Be well, Shirley
Hi Shirley,
I had a similar experience a few year back - - although nowhere near as scary as that which you describe.
In my case, I needed to have surgery to remove my gallbladder (through a scope). To prepare for the surgery, in the days beforehand I started making a list of everything I wanted to let go of–my goal was the symbolic removal of any resentments or worries or regrets along with the gallbladder.
In addition, I put together a bundle of lavender and rosemary (my two favorites) and asked my friend who would be in the recovery room to bring the bundle so the first thing I consciously smelled after surgery was lavender and rosemary, NOT hospital.
The result? When I was wheeled into the surgical suite, I felt totally surrounded by a protective bubble - - and somewhere in my conscious I was aware of a racoon under the gurney (!). In the recovery room I smelled the herbs and instantly felt my whole being relax.
My surgery was at 2pm and at 7pm the same night I was home eating chicken soup. I took one pain pill but never had a need for any more.
Nancy
Comment by Nancy Hendrickson — April 14, 2006 @ 4:20 pm