Healing

Survivorship requires healing, healing the body, mind and spirit.
I've been thinking about what I might need to heal and realizing that it's an ongoing process. Eventually, the physical scars will become less noticeable. Skin recovers, hair grows back.
(As you can see in this pic, my hair came back!)
I must be strong like the bear.
The most important healing must occur in the mind. Thoughts must detach from the negative power of the illness. I want a disciplined mind, positive thoughts. I've written about feeling empowered, the importance of being your own best friend, self-kindness--but healing is where the rubber meets the road. It's the gateway to successful survivorship.
I'm becoming an affirmations junkie.
I'm working to live outside the C Monster's intimidating shadow.
Those of us who have battled the C Monster know the mind must become a mighty fortress. The battles require strategy, finesse. An army of Thoughts fight the lurking C Monster. Wizardly powers defy the monster's energy and cast spells which provide divine protection. This wizardly power is fed by prayers.
At the same time, getting out of your head is refreshing. Time spent in the natural world is how I worship. Spending time with those who appreciate our cathedrals of wildness inspire me. I imagine the spirit of the largest and tiniest natural beings ... a grizzly bear ... a village of native grasses.
This week I'm grateful to Canada's poet Tom Wayman and the lyrical straight shooter Sid Marty for supporting, writing about and appreciating the natural world.
Off to explore and heal!
image from www.siec.k12.in.us/cannelton/animalsunite/grizzly marked as Eastern Slopes Grizzly Bears Project image -- grizzly bear enthusiasts can Google Dr. Stephen Herrero, Charlie Russell and Sid Marty for profound insights