I'm really humbled by this offering, Jeff. Thank you so much for your ever-present, ever-affirming, ever-edifying teachings.
Life has been so crazy since my diagnosis that any and all meditation skills I had gathered seemed to go out the window. When I initially received your response to my message, it was synchronistically on my last day of radiation. I was sitting anxiously in the waiting room of the hospital's radiological oncology center when I opened my email and saw your signature hello. I cried. During that final radiation session, I was able to use this meditation to help me through by finding the tiniest part of peace at the back of my neck to focus on. I didn't realize I was quite as stressed as I was. But I also didn't realize that I was (and am) able to conjure up kind and peaceful presence amidst an acute stress response.
Truly grateful for you friend. Thanks again for holding my proverbial hand through that moment and many more.
So happy to do it, Karen! I love hearing the specificity of how you made the practice your own. Hope it continues to be a support, good to be connected.
Hi Jeff. I’ve been a follower of yours for some time. Having been diagnosed with a 2nd major Cancer I happened upon your 10 min meditation “ when everything is f*#kef” …..it’s absolutely mindblowing - Thank you. The only trouble is I cannot find it anywhere !!! I’m a full Calm subscriber too …. So trying this App in case you can help point me to hear it again. With much thx. Cheers. Mark
Mark it is actually in the actual post. It’s not at the top because we hadn’t yet experimented with that format. It’s in the middle. Glad it was so helpful!
Thank you Jeff for this. I listen daily to you on Calm and participate in your Sunday DNP, this was the icing on the cake this week. Karen sending healing thoughts and prayers. I do not have cancer but have chronic illnesses there are no cures for and very little to help, so daily thoughts and pains are similar. May we all take “just this moment” to love and care for ourselves a little more.
This one made me cry. I read it over and over a few times until something deep within felt validated and supported. I am so grateful for your abject honesty and transparency as always. From 10% Happier to here, you always seem to know exactly when to send out a much needed dose of perspective. Thank you! Much love and metta to Karen. May each moment help you on to the next. <3
For Karen. I push my own consciousness out to you - send you loving kindness in metta practice. You’re an excellent writer. Thank you for your vulnerability.
Jeff this is one of the most moving, specific and helpful things I’ve ever read about how to handle the unimaginable. I’ve been looking for something like this for years. Thank you for going to the trouble to put your process into words. Karen my heart goes out to you during this time. I can’t imagine! Praying for your peace and complete healing. Sending you lots of loving energy.
Jeff. I found you on the CALM app. I’ve tried to meditate for years but you are the first teacher that I’ve connected with. I love your meditations. Thank you so much ❤️
Thank you Karen for sharing this very vulnerable intimate part of yourself. It takes courage and so much more, to open the door to the dark places.
I don’t have cancer. I do have 3 rare genetic diseases, the main one affecting connective tissue. The whole body is made of it. My whole body is in chaos, continually. I can relate to your pain, the frustration, frightening emotions, the overwhelming feelings.
I read this post so many times as I lie here recovering from my first of 2 foot surgeries. I cry every time, knowing you are also out there dealing with a harrowing journey. In the comments more people doing their best to get through. My heart is still whole, and my soul speaks to all of us in this world who are suffering, struggling, but still here, walking our path. May you, Karen , find love and comfort in this beautiful community. I am here in this moment and my heart is with you and anyone else out there.
Thank you Jeff for everything you’re doing. When you announced you were coming to this space, I was overjoyed. You have shown time and again, you’ve walked this way of passage, felt the pain, and made it easier for me to accept and share my own. You are real life, and always, for me, the massages come at a time I need them most.
You have brought my practice to a place of self kindness that resonates with everyone in my life.
Pain can be so overwhelming- this meditation creates a beautiful feeling of a “mini pain vacation”.
Blessings to Karen who obviously has the heart of a lion, and thanks to her indomitable spirit we are here with her. I send love and healing energy for full recovery. The life we are given is always a gift. We are here together for a reason. Thank you for sharing your journey.❤️
To Karen: I am almost one year out from a sarcoma diagnosis and 8 months post-op from major resection and reconstructive surgery. It is a bewildering and brutal ride. I can identify with nearly everything you said because at the worst of my pain, I was both anchored to my body that was no longer a safe space and disconnected from it when at my most medicated. I was in a liminal space that felt impenetrable at times, even by those who love me the most. Just know that an Internet stranger empathizes with you deeply, and I’m sending all the best vibes your way.
This made me cry because I can apply it to mental drains. My overthinking, my crippling connections with the past, my worries. I love the idea of going into another space. I find taking walks in nature or going into an empty church helps. I will incorporate "Just this moment." So beautiful. Thank you!
I listen to you every morning and sometimes at night on Calm....Everytime you say This is Jeff, I reply, "Helloooo Jeff." :) My grandchildren love the meditation Catastrophe. My Hairdooo looks magnificent. They laugh but they also breath. :)
Sending love and light to all who are impacted by emotional and physical pain. Thanks for kicking off Sunday with some timely reminders on grounding, no matter how difficult to get back to, or grumbling while we get there.
Thank you Jeff and thank you Karen. Sending you gratitude, contribution and connection. This meditation and your written words resonate with me. All of December and all of January, I've been extremely nauseous while pregnant. It's been really hard waking up and getting through over 60 days of full on queasiness. It's there when you're at work, with your family, trying to figure out something to eat, and when you're trying to fall asleep. I felt awful, stuck and helpless. Not knowing when it would stop was daunting. I've had some better days now in February, so I'm able to shift my mindset and have a more optimistic outlook. I started a singing class with a group of women, which feels amazing. And I reached out to an art therapist who invited me to try bilateral drawing - it was so transformative for me. And now this meditation 🩷 It brought much needed relief after a rough day yesterday. Thank you again. I really appreciate this community.
Khristine, I’m glad you’re finding things that help. My partner Sarah had brutal nausea while she was carrying our second kiddo, much worse than our first.
Anyway, interesting about the bilateral drawing. Hadn’t heard of that. Hope the homeopathic remedy (suggested below) helps too!
Thank you so much for writing Jeff! Sorry to hear Sarah had a rough time. This kind of nausea is on another level - talk about a marathon! I'm finding different artistic venues that are really helping me, like the drawing, the singing and even dancing. There's something about the movement of the body that helps settle the mind. It's a relief to find out there are things I can do to help alleviate the symptoms. And I also enjoy doing nothing whatsoever on Sunday nights. Merci beaucoup for the DNP 🩷
Hi Kristine, there is a homeopathic remedy called Ipecac that is really good at helping nausea in pregnancy. Search on the net for info but try 30c every time the nausea overtakes you. Wishing you well and sending love to you.
I'm really humbled by this offering, Jeff. Thank you so much for your ever-present, ever-affirming, ever-edifying teachings.
Life has been so crazy since my diagnosis that any and all meditation skills I had gathered seemed to go out the window. When I initially received your response to my message, it was synchronistically on my last day of radiation. I was sitting anxiously in the waiting room of the hospital's radiological oncology center when I opened my email and saw your signature hello. I cried. During that final radiation session, I was able to use this meditation to help me through by finding the tiniest part of peace at the back of my neck to focus on. I didn't realize I was quite as stressed as I was. But I also didn't realize that I was (and am) able to conjure up kind and peaceful presence amidst an acute stress response.
Truly grateful for you friend. Thanks again for holding my proverbial hand through that moment and many more.
So happy to do it, Karen! I love hearing the specificity of how you made the practice your own. Hope it continues to be a support, good to be connected.
Hi Jeff. I’ve been a follower of yours for some time. Having been diagnosed with a 2nd major Cancer I happened upon your 10 min meditation “ when everything is f*#kef” …..it’s absolutely mindblowing - Thank you. The only trouble is I cannot find it anywhere !!! I’m a full Calm subscriber too …. So trying this App in case you can help point me to hear it again. With much thx. Cheers. Mark
Mark it is actually in the actual post. It’s not at the top because we hadn’t yet experimented with that format. It’s in the middle. Glad it was so helpful!
Wow ……. That was super fast ….. thx Jeff. You are genuinely brilliant with an amazing gift. 👍👍👍
Love you McGee!!!
LOVE YOU LILS🩵
Thank you Jeff for this. I listen daily to you on Calm and participate in your Sunday DNP, this was the icing on the cake this week. Karen sending healing thoughts and prayers. I do not have cancer but have chronic illnesses there are no cures for and very little to help, so daily thoughts and pains are similar. May we all take “just this moment” to love and care for ourselves a little more.
Thank you for your well wishes, Lorene. Sending healing prayers and wholeness back at you.🐌💕🙏🏼❤️🩹 “just this moment” indeed.
This one made me cry. I read it over and over a few times until something deep within felt validated and supported. I am so grateful for your abject honesty and transparency as always. From 10% Happier to here, you always seem to know exactly when to send out a much needed dose of perspective. Thank you! Much love and metta to Karen. May each moment help you on to the next. <3
- Nethra
Thanks Nethra - good to find you here on Substack.
For Karen. I push my own consciousness out to you - send you loving kindness in metta practice. You’re an excellent writer. Thank you for your vulnerability.
X2!
Thank you, Jules! I'm so warmed and appreciative. <3 Much metta.
Jeff this is one of the most moving, specific and helpful things I’ve ever read about how to handle the unimaginable. I’ve been looking for something like this for years. Thank you for going to the trouble to put your process into words. Karen my heart goes out to you during this time. I can’t imagine! Praying for your peace and complete healing. Sending you lots of loving energy.
Jeff. I found you on the CALM app. I’ve tried to meditate for years but you are the first teacher that I’ve connected with. I love your meditations. Thank you so much ❤️
You’re welcome Liv!
Thank you Karen for sharing this very vulnerable intimate part of yourself. It takes courage and so much more, to open the door to the dark places.
I don’t have cancer. I do have 3 rare genetic diseases, the main one affecting connective tissue. The whole body is made of it. My whole body is in chaos, continually. I can relate to your pain, the frustration, frightening emotions, the overwhelming feelings.
I read this post so many times as I lie here recovering from my first of 2 foot surgeries. I cry every time, knowing you are also out there dealing with a harrowing journey. In the comments more people doing their best to get through. My heart is still whole, and my soul speaks to all of us in this world who are suffering, struggling, but still here, walking our path. May you, Karen , find love and comfort in this beautiful community. I am here in this moment and my heart is with you and anyone else out there.
Thank you Jeff for everything you’re doing. When you announced you were coming to this space, I was overjoyed. You have shown time and again, you’ve walked this way of passage, felt the pain, and made it easier for me to accept and share my own. You are real life, and always, for me, the massages come at a time I need them most.
Blessings to you, Karen, and all beings.
May there be peace within just for this moment.
Laura
Thanks Laura, and thank you for your words. Glad you’re here with me.
Thank you, Laura. Much love and many blessings to you. Sending strength, softness, love and understanding. <3
I am so happy I found you Jeff!
You have brought my practice to a place of self kindness that resonates with everyone in my life.
Pain can be so overwhelming- this meditation creates a beautiful feeling of a “mini pain vacation”.
Blessings to Karen who obviously has the heart of a lion, and thanks to her indomitable spirit we are here with her. I send love and healing energy for full recovery. The life we are given is always a gift. We are here together for a reason. Thank you for sharing your journey.❤️
Awww Tricia, this is SO kind and so heart-warming to me. 🦁♥️ I am really touched. I receive your love and healing energy with open arms. 🤗 Hugs.💙
To Karen: I am almost one year out from a sarcoma diagnosis and 8 months post-op from major resection and reconstructive surgery. It is a bewildering and brutal ride. I can identify with nearly everything you said because at the worst of my pain, I was both anchored to my body that was no longer a safe space and disconnected from it when at my most medicated. I was in a liminal space that felt impenetrable at times, even by those who love me the most. Just know that an Internet stranger empathizes with you deeply, and I’m sending all the best vibes your way.
This is the sweetest, warmest knowing, Angie. THANK YOU for your words and your encouragement. I'm with you - thanks for being with me. >>hugs<<
This made me cry because I can apply it to mental drains. My overthinking, my crippling connections with the past, my worries. I love the idea of going into another space. I find taking walks in nature or going into an empty church helps. I will incorporate "Just this moment." So beautiful. Thank you!
I listen to you every morning and sometimes at night on Calm....Everytime you say This is Jeff, I reply, "Helloooo Jeff." :) My grandchildren love the meditation Catastrophe. My Hairdooo looks magnificent. They laugh but they also breath. :)
Ha! Laughing is good breathing practice!
Wonderful. Thanks so much Jeff. Sending healing and soothing vibes to you Karen 🙏 🫶
Jeff, this is an awesome writing! Thank you!!!
Such powerful teaching here my friend! Thank you. 🙏🏾 You are a treasure!
Thank you kindly Jeff-sending positivity and strength to all who need it 🙏🏻 I find my meditation is medicine too 🧘🏻♀️
Sending love and light to all who are impacted by emotional and physical pain. Thanks for kicking off Sunday with some timely reminders on grounding, no matter how difficult to get back to, or grumbling while we get there.
Thank you Jeff and thank you Karen. Sending you gratitude, contribution and connection. This meditation and your written words resonate with me. All of December and all of January, I've been extremely nauseous while pregnant. It's been really hard waking up and getting through over 60 days of full on queasiness. It's there when you're at work, with your family, trying to figure out something to eat, and when you're trying to fall asleep. I felt awful, stuck and helpless. Not knowing when it would stop was daunting. I've had some better days now in February, so I'm able to shift my mindset and have a more optimistic outlook. I started a singing class with a group of women, which feels amazing. And I reached out to an art therapist who invited me to try bilateral drawing - it was so transformative for me. And now this meditation 🩷 It brought much needed relief after a rough day yesterday. Thank you again. I really appreciate this community.
Khristine, I’m glad you’re finding things that help. My partner Sarah had brutal nausea while she was carrying our second kiddo, much worse than our first.
Anyway, interesting about the bilateral drawing. Hadn’t heard of that. Hope the homeopathic remedy (suggested below) helps too!
Thank you so much for writing Jeff! Sorry to hear Sarah had a rough time. This kind of nausea is on another level - talk about a marathon! I'm finding different artistic venues that are really helping me, like the drawing, the singing and even dancing. There's something about the movement of the body that helps settle the mind. It's a relief to find out there are things I can do to help alleviate the symptoms. And I also enjoy doing nothing whatsoever on Sunday nights. Merci beaucoup for the DNP 🩷
Hi Kristine, there is a homeopathic remedy called Ipecac that is really good at helping nausea in pregnancy. Search on the net for info but try 30c every time the nausea overtakes you. Wishing you well and sending love to you.