A couple of months back, we shared a wonderful and inspiring letter that a patient, Bob Linden, wrote. He has written another piece that we believe is powerful and important.
Written by Bob Linden
The player stands at the line, ball in hand. The entire arena is focused on him. He, in turn, is focused on the basket. The routine is the same as he has done many times before in games and practice. Eyes on the rim, three dribbles, left hand is the guide hand and the right hand is under the ball as well as the right elbow. Ball on fingers no palm. Knees bent. Upward launch and the ball releases off the fingertips. The wrist bends down and the arm extends as if to grab the rim. The ball sails toward the basket, proper rotation, until it majestically falls through the cylinder, hitting no part of the rim, only nylon net, completing the perfect free throw. The player opens his eyes and has just practiced the perfect art of visualization. He is at home, preparing for the real game in his mind.
Everyone uses visualization in some form. Sports figures have done it, generals see plans for battles in war in their minds, ordinary people see events coming up and plan way ahead of time, and business persons see new ventures and how to achieve success or how to handle a crisis. The battle with cancer is the perfect opportunity to use this technique.
I believe the mind is capable of many things and is a tremendous weapon against sickness. You must have a plan and use it everyday. I feel that the fight against cancer is a war. Cancer must be defeated cell by cell to gain victory. In order to do this, you must be a warrior. Your focus needs to be relevant to the situation.
Cancer is a life or death struggle, there is no in between. So what better example than a gladiator? In ancient times, gladiators went into the arena with the same choice; live or die. So they prepared accordingly. Train, eat, sleep and mentally focus on the opponent. Find the weakness and strike the blow to kill him. Walk out of the arena a free man.
Let me take you through my daily routine. In a quiet place, I close my eyes and there is the arena. The sand is hot beneath my sandals, my armor is heavy and the sun beats down causing sweat to drop from my body. The crowd is boisterous and screaming for action. I feel the sword in my hand and adjust my helmet. Finally, the gate opens and out steps my vile opponent, cancer, ugly and monstrous. It looks invincible. I move toward it, sword and shield ready. I swing; it deflects my blow and slashes my arm. I recoil and with all my strength, I strike blow after blow. I am now relentless in my pursuit and cancer is confused. It did not expect such a fight. With all my effort, I finally strike the fatal blow into the heart of the beast. With a look of surprise and confusion, it falls dead to the arena floor.
Tonight I have won another round. Tomorrow I will start another day and do all the things to make me strong, physically fit and mentally prepared. Tomorrow night I will face my foe again. Some day I will leave the arena a cancer free man. Cancer knows I’m coming for it.
Find your visualization technique and use it. It can help through the hard times. It’s always great to feel the thrill of victory, even in your mind. It can help see you through the bad days and lead to more good days. As always, be well.
Remember, there is an adage in sports that somewhere, someone, is working harder than you. Don’t let cancer outwork you!!!!!
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