My surgery has been scheduled For Friday September 7. The studio will be closed from September 10 – 16 and will reopen on Monday September 17. I was initially disappointed not to get the August date. It is hard to think of walking around with cancer for nearly another month. The nurse practitioner who works with my surgeon assured me that a 3 – 4 week wait is normal, and that my cancer is very slow growing, so the delay does not put me at greater risk. The September date will also allow me to prepare for surgery in a more calm and thoughtful way. I will have time to receive Reiki, listen to Belleruth Naparstek’s Meditations to Promote Successful Surgery, get my healing team organized, and continue to work with yoga and nutrition to be in optimal condition for successful surgery.
A hospital can be a frightening place, especially for someone like myself who has seldom seen the inside of a hospital. It is like a foreign country, whose landscape and customs I do not know. I have decided to view the hospital as a temple of healing, my surgeon as the Medicine Buddha, and the surgery itself as a healing ritual. When it is closer to the date, I will share some affirmations and request that my support network use them when they are praying or dedicating their practices to my healing. I will also be asking the doctors to say these affirmations aloud during surgery. While under anesthesia, I will be in a highly suggestible state, so anything that is said has a strong impact. I will request that the doctors tell me that the surgery was a great success, that I will wake up feeling comfortable, and that I will heal easily and completely.
The image here is of a beautiful painting of White Tara by Marianna Rydvald that I will be using for my meditation support through surgery. White Tara represents health and longevity. This is the image that was used in White Tara initiations I have received from Tibetan teacher Gelek Rinpoche, the lama who married Cliff and I. I have also received the empowerment from the Dalai Lama. If it works for you to visualize Tara pouring rainbow healing light onto me, that would be lovely. If it feels better for you to visualize the Universal Divine Spirit in some other way, please honor your own faith tradition and inner connection and use whatever imagery works for you to send me love and healing energy.
I appreciate your prayers so much. And if you remember, even though you are practicing for my sake, please dedicate all your prayers and mantras to the benefit of all beings. Thank you.
Love,
Karen
My dear Karen, you are in my thoughts and heart.
Karen, your outlook on everything is so awesome. I will pray for you and for your recovery to go as smooth as possible. I know you feel all the love out there from myself and from everyone you have helped and are still helping everyday. I will check your blog often so I can see how you are doing.
Love, JoAnna
Karen,
Thank you for your inspiration. I look forward to future yoga studies with you. Best wishes on your healing journey,
John
Dear Karen, you continue to inspire us to integrate yoga sadhana and buddhadharma into our worldly existence. I am grateful for your courage and
openness during this journey!
Much love,
Shaw
I like how you are thinking about this, and what you say, “I have decided to view the hospital as a temple of healing, my surgeon as the Medicine Buddha, and the surgery itself as a healing ritual.” It sets a deliberate intention for healing.
Lots of love,
Karen HC
OMG Shaw said exactly what I was feeling, reading this second post! Thank you Shaw:) Thanks, Karen, for continuing to teach, you just can’t help it;) Here’s another dose of healing rainbow light today. XO
I waited over a month before I had my masectomy and I was nervous at first, but had the same assurances, and it did give me a chance to calm down my nervousness about it and get into “awesome” physical shape. I looked at it more as an athletic conquest…running a marathon for example, so I did the elliptical, drank green drinks, etc. to get ready.
I also love your ideas about the hospital…to this day I cringe and get upset when I have to go…I’m going to try that!! Luck, love, laughter and longevity! Lori
You inspire me Karen. Thank you for sharing your journey. It’s making me feel more positive about life’s challenges. Prayers & blessings.
Dear Karen, I am sending you all the positive thoughts I can! I think your approach to this challenge is wonderful. There are so many people out there sending you love. Count me among them!
Julie Friedman
Karen, the depth of your compassion and wisdom inspire me beyond words. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Much love,
Jan
PS I see you have lots of movie suggestions. One of my favorites is “Enchanted” with
Amy Adams. It’s such a sweet, feel-good movie. Also, how about some “Glee” episodes?
karen. through another osu alum got word of your diagnosis. my thoughts and prayers with you on your journey. i teach yoga everyday and there isn’t a day that goes by that i don’t say “my very first yoga teacher once said…..” and that was you.
so grateful for your wisdom – going to follow your blog.
Fresh pineapple juice every day for a few weeks leading up to and after surgery has been recommended to me. And, of course, arnica. I am picturing the members of your surgery team at the top of their form, attentive, patient, and completely present. Even now, they are being prepared for the day they will lend their minds and hands to your healing.
Dear Karen,
Wishing you the best on your journey to recovery.
My prayers are with you.
Love,
Marina
Dear Karen,
As part of my practice, I will say this prayer from A New Zealand Prayer Book:
God of the present moment,
God who stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
bring hope and courage to Karen
as she
waits in uncertainty.
Bring hope that you will make her the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring her courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you.
Denise
Dear Karen,
I’m praying as I type and will continue to pray throughout your journey for your health, healing and highest good, and for the betterment of all beings. You are an inspiration to all of us! Your images and approaches to the health care system will serve you well. If I can ever be of any help to you, please know that I worked in hospitals for 17+ years and can attest that they are filled with scores of very dedicated, kind, compassionate and talented healers. Good for you for forming your requests of them. It takes courage to enter into that “foreign country”, and bolstering your mind, body and spirit before your “travels” is so wise. Thank you for sharing your inner and outer journey, it is so kind and generous of you.
Be well, my friend!
Love,
Mary
Karen,
Your courage and thoughts are so inspirational. I will be thinking of you and send you much love and blessings.
Barrie 🙂
Dearest Karen,
I loved the cd you referred to by belleruth. It really helped me stay calm and prepare for my knee surgery. I am deeply moved by your generosity in sharing your healing journey. You are an inspiration in more ways than you can know. I am sending you hugs and love. thinking of you tons-ellen
ps will be thinking of funny movies to send you way. xoxo
Karen-
You’re in my thoughts and prayers daily. Thank you for your strength and inspiration. If you’re still on the lookout for hilarious movies, some of our favorites are: The Jerk, Death to Smoochie, This is Spinal Tap, Airplane. xo
Hey cuz! You have a great outlook and attitude about all of this and staying positive is the best choice anyone can make in life no matter what is thrown our way. I know you will come thru this better and stronger then ever on the other side. as always my prayers are with you
Love Victor
Dear Karen
You have been in my thoughts a lot recently. My pregnancy ended up being an ectopic that had to be removed with surgery. I am so grateful for all my friends and family. It sounds as if you are in the midst of wonderful friends and family as well that will help speed you through recovery and support you during your journey. For that we are all grateful. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Regarding comedies; although not a classic my husband and I think the tv series Arrested Development is hysterical. If you are interested I can lend you our copy. One caveat, while belly laughing may be good for the soul, I have found it is quite painful after abdominal surgery. Just putting that out there.
Much love to you and your family
Jill, Jed and Adelaide
Karen,
I know you are already receiving lots of love and support from Lemont, PA, but please know that Chris and I are holding you in our hearts and visualizing your healing. And perhaps some Springsteen is in order.
Love,
Steve
Dear Karen,
I’m wishing you strength on this healing journey. I will be saying those affirmations for you, and I am giving more dedication to my practice in your honor and to benefit all. Your positive approach is inspiring!
Beth
Karen- so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Have you heard of Love, Medicine and Miracles? Great book … You are in my daily prayers.. Ann Hasenstaub