As I’ve been attempting to utilize these key factors in my life, I’ve been challenged with releasing suppressed emotions. I’m getting some support and insight from another book I’m reading called Edgework: Exploring the Psychology of disease: A Manual for Healing Beyond Diet and Fitness, by Ronald L. Peters, MD, MPH.
He agrees that we don’t know what causes cancer. There are some things that are known risk factors, but they only predict the likelihood of someone becoming ill. They are not sole causes. For example, smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer, but not everyone who smokes gets lung cancer. What is the difference? Our current understanding is that people become ill through a complex interaction of factors such as genes, lifestyle choices, environmental conditions, etc. Thoughts and emotions are rarely considered in this equation. Based on his twenty years of holistic family practice, Dr. Peters believes that thoughts and emotions may be the most underrated factor in the causation of disease, and may be that elusive factor that tips the balance.
He talks about a typical cancer personality profile, and says that based on what he has seen in his patients, the non-expression of emotions is a hallmark of the cancer personality. He believes that cancer demonstrates the unity of mind and body more consistently than any other disease. “The nature of the bodymind offers us a stark choice: express your feelings, or your body will.”
I am again exploring what feelings I may have suppressed or repressed. I know that I was taught to suppress my feelings as a child. My mother was ill and I was told that if I got angry or had a temper tantrum, it would upset her and could kill her. I learned at an early age to keep quiet so I wouldn’t disturb or hurt someone else. How do I uncover and express those feelings now? And if I can, will it really make a difference in my body’s expression of cancer? There are exercises in the back of Edgework that I haven’t done yet, and I’m eager to do them.
As I continue to employ the other eight factors that Kelly Turner mentioned, I need continual reinforcement and inspiration to maintain control of my health and maximize the health benefits of my diet. I know I will get what I need at the Cancer-Fighting Kitchen: Nourishment for Life workshops in Macon, GA, on May 30th, and in Seattle on July 12th. Nutrition makes a big difference in my health and I learn something and feel more empowered every time I spend a day taking in the wisdom from Lise Alschuler and Laura Pole.
As always, I welcome your comments; to reply please click here.
In the Spirit of Healing,
Jan Adrian,
MSW Founder and Executive Director
Hi Jan, Thanks for your powerful update and for introducing me to Dr. Peters’ book; I look forward to learning more about his work. For emotional release from childhood, I think that EMDR and BodyTalk/energy kinesiology are great techniques. I have a few practitioners I could recommend if you’re interested (if so, just email me).
Best,
Kelly Turner, PhD
Hi Jan,
I too am a MSW cancer survivor. I had stage 1 ovarian cancer 8 years ago. I was very lucky that my cancer was caught early.
There is something about the “cancer personality” thing that bothers me. The “cancer personality” term does not mean to do this, but some people will think that it implies blame. “”If only I did……….., I would not have cancer.”
I am a clinical social worker/psychotherapist in private practice. Part of my work involves helping people work through their feelings. But I think that the “cancer personality label can do more harm than good.
Sincerely,
Halle Condit
Seattle, WA
Hi Jan,
Here is a book I read last year that helped me with my mind/body connection and how it affects my health and other aspects of my life. “Emotional Chaos to Clarity” by Phillip Moffitt. He also has a website at http://www.emotionalchaostoclarity.com and teaches in San Rafael.
I look forward to the conference in September!
Ruthe
Jan,
I have healed emotionally by doing emotional processing work using The Journey. I am now a practitioner as well. I highly recommend this program for getting in touch with repressed emotions and stored cell memories. http://www.thejourneyna.com.
Kerri
Hi Jan,
I always feel so connected to you when I receive any communication from you. Thank you! I have learned several things that I want to pass on. The first one is “Radical Forgiveness” by Colin Tipping. He has amazing work sheets that go with his work and people are healing in both physical and emotional ways. I too did a worksheet on Wedneday evening in a group and worked on an issue I have done many times and thought I knew everything to know…NOT! I received such insight. The woman that introduced me to this has healed herself from being molested by her Father. Last year she even invited him to visit after years of having nothing to do with him. I could go on, but you get the point. Another woman is healed from breast cancer after doing work around her Mother. I believe in this work.
The other important work that I want to share and you might want to bring this into your workshops? I have been brought into knowing about is called “The Vision Alignment Project.” You can find it online. It is an international project. This project is working for the highest good of the Universe, Mother Earth, Ourselves, and Everyone Everywhere. It is sponsored by The Entenders of the Highest Good in alignment with the people at Create One Love. What I am proposing is that you or your team write a vision of the hightest good for all people who live with or have had a life threatening disease. Maybe you have already done something like this, but maybe not? Check it out and see if it is something you might use.
In deep love for you and your amazing Healing Journeys,
Avanell Kirchman
I appreciate all your responses and suggested new resources. I believe the “cancer personality” does NOT imply blame any more than breathing toxic air as a child implies blame. We are not responsible for our personalities or what we were taught or fed as children. We did NOT create our cancers. AND we can make use of new information to have an affect on the progression of our cancers. I’m excited to learn about actions I can take now that might make a difference. No blame; no guilt; we are doing the best we can with the information we have.