Staying in Touch with Joy During Cancer

I've never met anyone who was sitting aroundone of my radio co-hosts, used her "good days"
with a bunch of extra timeon their hands whenafter her diagnosis to go hiking. Anotherwoman
they found out they had cancer.with advanced cancer loved to visit her local
Getting second opinions, researching treatmentcasino with herhusband during "good" periods.
options, going fortreatment and testing, dealingBut even 5 minutes of Sabbath time can brighten
with treatment side-effects -- all thesethings takea day. You mightspend the time praying,
time. Cancer disrupts whatever rhythm we hadmeditating, reading, cuddling a pet, listening
betweentomusic, phoning a friend, journaling, drawing,
"getting things done" and taking time for delight.sitting in a chapel orbeautiful outdoor space, or
Yet now more than ever, there's a need for timesavoring a cup of fragrant tea.
to stay in touch with thethings that refresh usTaking time for joy is a powerful spiritual tool
and give us joy.during cancer. If it isn't partof your "spiritual
Traditionally in the West, this time for delight hastoolbox" yet, why not give it a try today?
gone by the name ofTIP: When our schedule is very tight or our
Sabbath. It involves ceasing from labor andphysical condition limitsour activities, it's fine to
feasting on being andloving, appreciation andstart small. Any time we can give to activities
delight.thatfeed our joy will be valuable.
For example, Stage 4 cancer survivor Agi Lidle,