Cancer: Pathway To Enlightenment

By Claire Schrader

In June I went to get the results from a small operation, I was told by my surgeon (somewhat bluntly) that they had found a small invasive cancer in my breast. I was shaken to my core. According to my intuition I was completely fine.

The fact was I didn't have time to have cancer. I was half way through the challenging process of opening an office in the Bay Area during one of the worst recessions in my lifetime, and juggling things between two countries was stressful beyond belief.

A friend of mine (who had also been through the cancer journey) and I joked about it: "I am terribly sorry doctor, there's no way I can have cancer! I can't fit it into my schedule!"

Luckily I was in England and eligible for free treatment, so I didn't have the extra worry of payment and insurance companies. Once I had accepted my diagnosis and had got over the initial shock, what I began to experience took me completely by surprise. Instead of feeling devastated and helpless, as I was expecting, I felt the exact opposite. It was as if a warrior spirit was coming through me. I also noticed that I was experiencing the world (particularly Nature) in a new way. The colours were brighter and everything seemed more strongly three dimensional. I was seeing the leaves on the trees in much sharper focus. And hearing music was truly extraordinary.

I found myself weeping at hearing such extraordinary sounds. I believe this is what people describe when they experience enlightenment. Unfortunately these physical experiences did not last but the feeling of empowerment and aliveness did.

But the important thing for me was what the cancer brought to me, not what it took away. And many people say this. It has strengthened my resolve and the work that I am now doing with people or that is coming through me is quite exceptional. One thing is for sure: my health and well-being are more important than ever. I don't have time for stress!

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