Ever since I was first diagnosed I have suffered from anxiety. It’s a feeling deep in your stomach which you don’t feel in control off and this feeling can then increase your mental worry and thoughts. It can also make you shake and panic in whatever environment you are in.
When I feel anxious I start thinking about the future or in my case a lack of it, this then makes me more anxious you then get caught up in a vicious cycle. From 2012 I have practiced living in the moment. This is very difficult to practice and to be honest I haven’t been totally successful because the past number of weeks I haven’t been living in the present because I have been living in a future that has not happened yet nor is it a correct future.
Today I was with Action Cancer charity and learned mindfulness, a relaxation and living in the present technique. I felt anxious going into the session and as the councellor talked me through it I was able to identify where I felt my anxiety, how to comfort that anxiety and eventually how to take away the anxiety. I felt great afterwards and will keep on practicing.
Anxiety can be a terrible experience and can magnify your situation, bringing your body and mind into a place of calm and in the moment can totally transform your present situation even though the outcome will be the same, for this moment in time it all can be less worrying.
And this is what we all want to be in a place of calm of every moment!
Richards Cancer Journey 