Speak to Me Stillness

Since my first cancer diagnosis in 1993, I have practiced meditation. Nothing fancy, just following my breath. I was initially breathing myself away from the loud speakers in my head suggesting that I work harder to get well or do a better job, in general.

Many years later, I am able to follow the breath for an hour. But every practice, no matter how short, …

Writing & Healing Contest Winners

When asked if I could help create a writing contest with winners, I thought to myself that each writing and submission would already be a winner in the important ways.

They were all a pleasure to read, offering many feelings through interesting objects. There was joy and grief and humor as well as a great deal of resiliency.

The three winners all told their story …

Book Giveaway Contest: Writing About Feelings Through Story

Editor’s note: Breastcancer.org is hosting a writing contest! Author and four-time breast cancer survivor Pamela Post-Ferrante is generously giving away three copies of her book Writing & Healing: A Mindful Guide for Cancer Survivors to three contest participants. No writing experience is necessary to enter. Pamela will review all submissions; winners will be announced in November.

Simply complete the writing exercise below, and send your …

The Healing Breath

Spend a minute or so becoming aware of your breath coming into your body and going back out.

Is it slow and calm? Or is it fast and frantic? Is it in-between? The breath is with you all of the time; it’s easy to take it for granted. Maybe you only notice it when you are out of breath, when it is hard to catch …

Prompting the Healing Power of Writing

Writing & Healing: A Mindful Guide for Cancer Survivors uses a “prompt” to literally prompt the writing. It could be an object from a basket, as seen in the picture above, with the suggestion to then write as if you were that object. “I am Helen, a heart, who has…..”  or “ I am a bottle top and I live in…” etc. Providing a prompt …