Iris Mini: Meditation
“Your goal is not to battle with the mind, but to witness the mind” - Swami Muktananda
Meditation is the act of eliciting a physiological state where you are relaxed while at the same time alert and focused. Meditation methods are quite variable, but they all involve regulated breathing, and control over thoughts and feelings that come to mind.
Key Features of Meditation
A quiet location with as few distractions as possible
A specific, comfortable posture
sitting, lying down, walking, or in other positions
A focus of attention
specially chosen word or set of words, an object, or the sensations of the breath
An open attitude
letting distractions come and go naturally without judging them*
Meditation and Cancer
Clinical practice guidelines and some research support meditation as supportive care to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue in patients treated for certain cancers.**, ***
Explore Iris Oncology Minis on Mindfulness Exercise and Relaxation Response
Take a Moment With Meditation (American Cancer Society)
Meditation Exercises (CancerCare)
Mindfulness Meditations for People with Cancer (This is Kara)
Healing Light Meditation (Cancer Support Community)
What is the Science Behind Meditation (video - CNN)
Meditation Tips | Meditating with Beginner’s Mind (video - Headspace)
*National Institute of Health. Meditation and Mindfulness: What You Need To Know. Accessed 1/30/2022
**Greenlee H, DuPont-Reyes MJ, Balneaves LG, et al: Clinical practice guidelines on the evidence-based use of integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment. CA Cancer J Clin 67:194-232, 2017.
***Matchim Y, Armer JM. Measuring the psychological impact of mindfulness meditation on health among patients with cancer: A literature review. Oncol Nurs Forum 2007; 34: 1059–66. PMID: 17878133.
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