Second Chances and Silver Linings: 5 Things I Learned from Beating Cancer Meryl B Lowell
have a fear of heights, yet in the past year have jumped out of an airplane, learned to rock climb, flown in a helicopter, and paraglided. Each time I overcome my fears, I feel exhilarated. A few years ago, I was introduced to a form of meditation called Yoga Nidra. It is an ancient meditation tradition from India, which incorporates a specific sequence of mindfulness techniques that profoundly relax the body and quiets the mind. It is very effective and user friendly. When practicing it, one simply lays down as comfortably as possible and follows the directions given by a trained Yoga Nidra facilitator. I loved the technique so much that I got certified as an Advanced Level facilitator at the Amrit Yoga Institute in Salt Springs, Florida.
“If you have cancer get a horse,” came the words in November, 2004. As you might imagine, the words got my attention, but with the holidays coming, I set them aside. Shortly thereafter, I noticed a very small lump near my right breast, which I dismissed as probably a cyst caused by drinking coffee. Besides, I had my annual mammogram scheduled for January. The holidays came and went, as did my mammogram. Nothing abnormal showed up. A month later, I went on vacation with my oldest friend, and shared with her how the words had come to me and about my mammogram. She encouraged me to make an appointment with my gynecologist to get checked out one more time. I did, and the doctor ordered a biopsy of the lump, just to be safe. The day before my 43rd birthday, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. A whirlwind of appointments ensued, after it was determined that I had a very rare form (less than one percent of women with breast cancer have my type). I wouldn’t wish cancer and its treatments on anyone, but for me, it was the wake up call I needed to truly participate in and celebrate life. I had suffered from depression for a number of years, yet when faced with the possibility of death, I chose to live I wanted to stay alive to raise my two daughters. I began to read books about spirituality and healing. Throughout my chemotherapy and radiation treatments, I listened to soothing guided meditations, which conjured healing images and positive feelings. I began to meditate. I started listening to my inner voice and honoring the “yeses” and “noes” as I became aware of them. One of the first things I did after my treatments, was to go on a zip line. I was terrified but wanted to be a good role model for my daughters, so I did it anyway. I loved it! Looking back, I think that was the beginning of trying things that scared me, and not allowing my fears to stop me in life. Last winter, my yoga teacher trainer put words to it that I could relate to. He said that most of us are trying to maintain a small “circle of serenity,” struggling to keep out people and ideas and activities that scare us, in order to feel comfortable. He suggested that our power lies in expanding our circle of serenity. I use many of the tools of yoga (mostly breath, concentration, self-study, and meditation) on a daily basis. My goal is to challenge myself and constantly try to expand my circle of serenity. I 12
Just over a year ago, I was in Phoenix for a few months to do a yoga teacher training. Throughout the program, I was constantly thinking about and trying to integrate the tools of yoga. One day while I was hiking, it occurred to me to incorporate the mindfulness techniques I had learned as a facilitator into a book for children. In March I published The Dolphin’s Secret: A Meditational Journey for Children. My hope is this book empowers children to experience peace, ease, and happiness through learning mindfulness techniques at a young age. My takeaways from my bout with cancer are: 1. Trust your gut. On some level, my body knew there was a problem. 2. Take good care of yourself. Do the activities that nourish your body and soul. 3. Don’t take things for granted. Life can change in the blink of an eye. 4. Find a way to be brave. It’s okay to have the fear—And, do it anyway! 5. Follow your passions. Do something that is meaningful to you. I view the years I’ve been given since being diagnosed with cancer as a special gift. I was given a second chance. I try to take nothing for granted. The silver lining has been becoming aware of my relationship with my Higher Power and learning the tools of yoga to create a happier and more fulfilling life. Meryl Best Lowell has been exploring and practicing different forms of meditation since 2005, when she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. Lowell believes that Yoga Nidra makes meditation and deep relaxation accessible to everyone. She received her certification as an advanced level facilitator of Yoga Nidra at the Amrit Yoga Institute in Salt Springs, Florida in October of 2016. In the spring of 2018, Lowell was hiking in Arizona when she was inspired to write a series of children’s books, which incorporate the mindfulness techniques of Yoga Nidra. Her first book in the series, The Dolphin’s Secret: A Meditational Journey for Children, focuses on giving children a direct experience of meditation. Lowell currently resides in South Lake Tahoe, California, with her Toy Australian Shepherd, Blaze. She credits the practices of Yoga and Yoga Nidra with giving her the inner resources to venture into rock climbing, skydiving and parasailing. Connect with Meryl Best Lowell on Facebook @merylbestlowell and Instagram @merylbestlowell and visit www.merylbestlowell.com.
www.livingwellmagazine.net
May 2019
