Dr. Blake Suzelis' survey research of individuals who experienced spontaneous cancer remission offered theoretical and practical implications to support future research and practice for individuals seeking an integrative mind-body-spirit approach to a cancer diagnosis.
Previous qualitative research reported six overarching themes of individuals who experienced spontaneous cancer remission: self-responsibility, autonomy, emotional regulation, mind-body awareness, deepening of love (spiritual or relational), and meaning-making of their cancer journey. The current quantitative research supported previous findings while deepening understanding presented as a three-phase path with milestones. A brief description of each phase follows.
The first phase suggests the importance of an integrative approach. The path begins with an individual seeking support from their primary care physician, oncologist, and medical specialists. The survival brain drives this external approach for acute support. Family, friends, cultural norms, and significant others undoubtedly influence choices.
The second phase is driven by a growth mindset, expectancy, self-responsibility, and doing what they have control over. The individual has calmed down their survival brain enough to use the thinking brain while making health decisions based on what they think, not what others tell them. Activities they engage in include seeking holistic treatment, researching healing cancer, making dietary changes, taking dietary supplements, praying, meditating, spending time in nature, and starting a gratitude journal.
The final phase begins with a leap of faith, which is why most individuals diagnosed with cancer do not make it to the third phase; their minds prohibit it. The individual must surrender to healing the internal psyche through the four psychological milestones: self-forgiveness, self-acceptance, self-love, and self-trust. This phase does not neglect the previous but invites the individual into their intuitive heart, where they experience being or spirituality. Common spiritual milestones include an expanded sense of self, oneness with everything, oneness or wholeness within, being free to be oneself, a renewed spiritual sense of purpose, and communicating with a non-physical realm. Each path is unique as each person is individual; therefore, building self-trust through intuitive heart, self-love-based choices guides the personal path to balanced alignment.
It is crucial to recognize that self-healing is a process that everyone progresses through. No phase is better than another. Each phase offers its own vital experience to personal evolution. However, self-healing is found in the journey, so keep going!
If you need a guide, consider participating in the Vital Evolution Retreats. Whether you are seeking solace in stories of hope, looking to explore alternative healing modalities, or simply yearning for a community of like-minded individuals, Vital Evolution Retreats offer a sanctuary for those embarking on the path to remission. Join us in uncovering the transformative power of the mind-body-spirit connection and embark on a journey toward holistic healing and wellness.
It's easy to forget while walking around in life that we really are mind/body/spirit. Makes you really pause and wonder what parts of us need to most attention, the most healing. Also makes you wonder what's possible! Thank you Dr. Blake.