The Ahead Of The Game Foundation is excited to present a brand new Wellbeing class, led by the talented Natalie. As a qualified yoga and mindfulness instructor, Natalie regularly teaches yoga, meditation, and breathwork sessions across the Wirral. With her expertise in Mantra meditation, she is the ideal guide to introduce this powerful practice, especially designed to support those with a cancer diagnosis.
Mantra meditation is a form of meditation that involves the repetition of a specific word, sound, or phrase—called a "mantra"—to help focus the mind and promote a state of deep concentration and inner peace. The word "mantra" comes from the Sanskrit words "manas" (mind) and "tra" (instrument or tool), which together mean "instrument of the mind."
Mantra meditation can offer a range of emotional, psychological, and physical benefits to someone with a cancer diagnosis. While it cannot replace medical treatment, it can be a supportive practice that complements traditional cancer care. Here are some of the key benefits that mantra meditation may provide:
Reduction in Stress and Anxiety
A cancer diagnosis often brings intense emotional reactions such as fear, uncertainty, and worry. Mantra meditation helps calm the nervous system by promoting relaxation and mindfulness. The repetition of a mantra can act as a tool for focusing attention away from stressful thoughts and encouraging a sense of peace. This can reduce anxiety and help manage stress during treatment or times of uncertainty.
(Lowered stress hormones (like cortisol), improved emotional regulation, and enhanced sense of calm.)
Emotional Healing and Resilience
A cancer journey can be filled with emotional ups and downs. Meditation helps to cultivate emotional resilience by teaching mindfulness, which involves observing feelings without becoming overwhelmed by them. The mantra provides a gentle anchor to return to when negative emotions arise, fostering a sense of emotional stability.
(Greater emotional balance, improved ability to cope with fear, sadness, and frustration.)
Improved Sleep
Cancer treatment and the stress of a diagnosis often disrupt sleep patterns. Mantra meditation has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce racing thoughts, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. By calming the mind before bed, mantra meditation can improve sleep quality, which is crucial for both physical healing and mental well-being.
(Improved sleep quality and more restful sleep, which supports overall health.)
Pain Management and Reduced Discomfort
While mantra meditation is not a replacement for medical treatments, there is evidence that mindfulness practices like mantra meditation can help manage the perception of pain. By focusing the mind on the mantra, individuals may experience a reduced sensitivity to pain or discomfort. The relaxation induced by meditation also helps release endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers.
(Reduced pain perception and enhanced ability to cope with physical discomfort.)
Enhanced Sense of Control
A cancer diagnosis often leaves those diagnosed feeling helpless or out of control, especially when undergoing treatments. Mantra meditation offers a simple, accessible way to take charge of one's mental state and well-being. Repeating a mantra gives you a tool to regain a sense of agency, providing a small but significant way to regain control over their emotional and mental experience.
(Increased sense of empowerment, control, and agency in the face of illness.)
Promotes Mind-Body Connection
Mantra meditation is an excellent practice for cultivating mindfulness, which has been linked to improved physical health. By focusing on the mantra, individuals become more attuned to their body and its sensations, which can foster a deeper mind-body connection. This increased awareness can help individuals better manage the physical symptoms of illness or treatment, such as fatigue, nausea, or tension.
(Heightened awareness of bodily sensations, fostering a greater sense of connection to oneself.)
Improved Immune Function (Indirect Benefit)
While research on the direct impact of mantra meditation on immune function is still evolving, some studies have suggested that mindfulness and meditation practices, including mantra repetition, can have positive effects on the immune system. This could be due to the overall stress-reduction and relaxation benefits, which support the body’s ability to heal and fend off illness.
(Enhanced overall well-being, which can support immune function indirectly.)
Facilitates a Positive Outlook
Cancer treatments can often leave individuals feeling physically and emotionally drained. Mantra meditation can help cultivate a positive outlook by shifting attention away from negative thoughts toward a more centered and hopeful state. The practice helps to reframe challenges in a more manageable and positive light, which can be an important part of emotional healing.
(Positive mental shift, greater hope, and a more optimistic perspective.)
Deep Relaxation and Healing
In addition to its emotional and psychological benefits, mantra meditation can promote deep physical relaxation, which supports the body’s healing processes. Relaxation is important for people undergoing cancer treatment because it can reduce tension, lower blood pressure, and promote the body's natural healing mechanisms.
(Deep relaxation, which supports the body’s ability to heal and recover.)
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙨:
Each class will be hosted at The Ahead Of The Game Foundation Cancer Rehabilitation hub attendees - maximum of 5 people per session (this will increase in the spring, when the Mantra Meditation class will be held on the outside yoga deck)
First come, first served basis
Fully funded classes are available to ANY cancer diagnosis and a loved one of your choice.
Each class is fully funded by Ahead Of The Game Foundation
You do not need prior experience, Natalie will be teaching and holding the space for your session.
All March Wellbeing workshops are funded by
https://www.magentaliving.org.uk
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