Mindfulness Can Help the Chronically Ill

 “Achieving mindfulness is important for everyone but especially for the chronically ill patient. A diagnosis of a chronic condition at any age, such as cancer, diabetes, stroke, neurological disease, or debilitating injury, unleashes a flood of negative emotions and concerns that can overwhelm and immobilize the patient” says author Richard Cheu, author of Living Well with Chronic Illness: a Practical and Spiritual Guide. Typical emotions, including fear, grief, anxiety, anger and despair, only make things worst. He defines mindfulness as “a calm mind and a peaceful heart” which can counteract these concerns and improve the patient’s mental, physical and spiritual health. It gives the patient courage and strength to focus on achieving the important things in life.

In his book, CHEU shows the reader how to overcome limiting thoughts and feelings and expand life beyond chronic illness. Specific actions to achieve mindfulness include:

• Take charge of your emotions and thoughts
• Let go of negative emotional baggage that is holding you back
• Develop a new perspective and plan for the future
• Use your illness for personal transformation.

A chronically ill patient, like a wounded warrior, is often times in shock and unable to take even the smallest step forward. If, however, the patient will ask, “What do I do now?” others will reach out to help. If it takes a proverbial village to raise a child, it takes a virtual army to support a patient with a chronic condition. The patient’s helpers can includes an ever-changing cast of healthcare providers (doctors, therapists, nurses, aides, and social workers), support groups, caregivers, family members and friends.

Achieving mindfulness is not a do-it-yourself project. The patient who says “I’ll take care of myself” is like a ship’s captain without a crew. The ship is headed for a disaster. The path to mindfulness begins with an openness to change and a willingness to acknowledge that accepting help is a sign of strength and not weakness.  Only then can others reach out and accompany the patient on a journey to a calm mind and a peaceful heart.


The Author

Richard Cheu is an author, ordained deacon and hospital chaplain in the Archdiocese of New York, stress-management consultant, and caregiver. He provides pastoral counseling at Bellevue Hospital, the Visiting Nurse Service inpatient hospice, and other New York City medical facilities. He formerly was a neurophysiologist and Emergency Medical Technician.

His new book, Living Well with Chronic Illness: a Practical and Spiritual Guide, will be released on April 2, 2013. For additional information visit www.ChronicLivingWell.com

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Living Well with Chronic Illness by Richard Cheu.

Mindful Wellness

Wellness in mind and body is like the pendulum affect. Your body is in constant homeostasis (a relatively stable state of equilibrium or a tendency toward such a state between the different but interdependent elements or groups of elements of an organism, population, or group). Merriam-Webster* Living well isn't having luxuries money can buy, although it may seem as if it were easier if we just had this or that. Living well is being happy with what you do have and knowing what that is, is key.

We at Mindful want to guide you to wellness. Ask yourself, “What brings me back to balance?” Does a monthly massage get you back on track? Breathing in the clean air on a mountain top on a sunny day? Sand in your toes, maybe you can't go to the beach every weekend but you can make yourself a Zen garden in your yard. Maybe, you like to learn new things and have been dying to take a nutrition class but just keep putting it off. If going to the gym is your thing, make time for it. Sometimes, Space Clearing or Energy work is just what you need to start fresh.


Find what makes you; You on your very best day and remember to nurture that part of yourself with what ever it is that brings you balance. In doing so be mindful of change; mindful of change in the mind, in the body and all around you. How does season affect you? Do you need something different in the winter than in the summer? How about a warm soothing body treatment? A trip to the Chiropractor may be the trick to getting your health stable. Do you need to change your diet or supplement with herbal remedies? Knowing yourself may take a little mindfulness on your part but your body and mind will thank you for it. 

Remember what the flight attendants says just before take off … “secure your own mask before helping others.” Take care of yourself before you take care of others. This is true in life and will keep you at full strength. Give your body and mind what it needs and it will take care of you. You deserve that!