How to do Cancer as a Buddhist
By Lydia Hunziker
Written on October 9, 2021
As I struggled with what to write for my first essay as part of a new writing course, the universe sent me something.
My breast cancer returned yesterday in the shape of 4 noble lumps. I say 'noble' because I have decided they will be part of a second phase of my life growing deeper and wider. As an SGI Buddhist, I have a few ideas on how to enjoy the ride.
1. Take full responsibility for my situation
This can sound like a whole pile of guilt, but that's not the lens I'm using. I created my life so I can create something different. No 'why me?' or blame to go around. If my life is fully mine then no one has power over it. The opposite would be a waiting game for people to change or the world to change before we had any freedom at all. Responsibility is taking the steering wheel and opening a new path. It's freedom.
2. Take the opportunity to 'discard the shallow and seek the profound'
Illness lets you go deep, beyond the noise and find out how awesome just being alive
really is. Last year I reconnected with everyone that ever meant anything to me. I used
each interaction to laugh, encourage and be encouraged. I still do. And since the world
was a little stormy I used my regular buddhist chants by Zoom to make a little hope and
revitalization for all the people who joined me. We turned some lights on. Life after cancer can be way better than life before cancer.
3. Win over the negative and everything that dims your light
There are two types of battle in illness. There is the physical aspect, that your doctors
focus on and the spiritual aspect, which you have 100% control over. The good news is
the latter can affect the former. The spiritual battle is against the thoughts, feelings, and
influences that weaken our energy and vision for the future. I'm focusing again on
slaying one demon after another - fear, despair, sadness, anger - and not letting anything dimmish my innate ability to live a great life. A f*** you attitude can be useful in battle. The demons don't stand a chance.