I was one of the guest speakers on Theresa Grainger's Conscious Living video

[Click here to visit Pip's YouTube channel]

[Click here to visit Pip's YouTube channel]

[Click here to visit Pip's YouTube channel]

[Click here to visit Pip's YouTube channel]

(This article was published in the April/May 2010 edition of Rainbow News and is reproduced here with permission)

After 15 years of trying for a baby, a miracle happened; I fell pregnant naturally at 44. My husband John and I were ecstatic, but then the world dropped out from beneath us when I was diagnosed with choriocarcinoma – a rare, aggressive form of uterine cancer.

Although I received wonderful hands on Reiki, the spread of my cancer was relentless. Being a Nurse and Midwife, I was well aware of the toxic side effects of chemo, but I needed to make an informed decision that involved chemo because I had seen a ‘grey veil’ over my face alerting me to the graveness of my condition. And so I began chemotherapy in December 2008.

In the midst of chemo my good friend asked “Why have you got cancer Pip?” I used ThetaHealing® and established that my body held 13 historical beliefs that I wanted, needed and wished to die of cancer! With the help of my teacher I set to removing these beliefs pretty quick!

I used specific herbal remedies and infusions, vitamins and minerals, initially a raw vegan diet, then vegetarian. I used kinesiology all the time to check myself, the ‘Wave’ food plan, acupuncture, reflexology, tuning in spiritually, rest, allowing the day to flow, crystals, positive focus, laughter and lots of water.

I learnt to ask open questions, fact-find to establish my truth, as then I could make sense of what was being planned for me and feel safer with the process.

By taking personal responsibility for my thoughts and actions through reflection, I created a still place within. This, along with visualisation, helped me to cope better with unpleasant medical procedures.

The universe does have an order, but I had forgotten that, when absorbed in the ‘Oh why me’, I had been so angry at ‘Life’ for having to be ill with cancer. A revelation happened early one morning when I awoke knowing my spirit guides were with me and after an emotionally charged dialogue with them, they explained that the chemotherapy was the only way to clear me on a deep cellular and physical level, so that I could ‘do my work’. I immediately felt accepting peace, knowing I was OK.

During my cancer journey I stayed positive inside, and reflecting that outwardly was a much easier thing to do than being negative. I made an effort to watch happy films, not get involved in negative stuff, and have stimulating fun friends around. My aim was to achieve the best outcome for my highest good so that I could maintain wellness around me whilst my body was being healed with toxins on the inside.

I got to know what I could manage physically whether that meant a little gentle moving whilst sitting in my chair or using the ‘Nintendo Wii’, being driven to a place to stroll along the level ground, or just sitting on my bed and moving a limb.

I realised that it was important for me and my husband to speak out about our true feelings, so we could work through our respective fears together and not alone. I became aware of my limitations and became stronger. I was being inundated with concerned phone calls which made me very tired repeating what was happening.  Cancer stirs up triggers for people and it would’ve been easy to allow this to drain me, so John became the monitor and started a web diary for us all to share on. We learnt to be creative. Email meant that I could answer when I felt up to it.

During the treatment, I was physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually weakened and could easily be affected by stress. Some days my mind was so ‘fuzzy’ that just focusing on the basic requirements of life was the challenge. It was imperative that I listened to myself so that I could live the best that I could be at that moment.

I wasn’t able to do what I wanted when I wanted so I had to accept my limitations and rely on other’s kindness, love, support, nurture and help.

I wrote ‘pros and cons’ lists to help me work out a solution to things. I made a mental note of synchronistic moments, subtle and magical signs to keep me spiritually sane at a time when this illness was testing my truth to the core. Inspirational card lay-outs created a visual map of intuitive options – so cool!

Upon reflection, my true gift from experiencing cancer was loving myself and knowing that I am worthy of my life. I found joy, true love, friendship, gratitude, deep core healing and importantly have reconciliation with my family.

This February, 10 months on from finishing chemo and now eating a full diet, doing Pilates each day and working again, I feel great. A Naturopathic assessment showed only minimal effects from the chemotherapy. So at 45 my Wii fit age is 30! (It was 52 when in the midst of chemo)!

Attachments:

RN38 low res.pdf

[Pip's original article in Rainbow News - Touched by Cancer]

(This article was published in NZ Carer's Magazine and is reproduced here with permission)

When I was receiving treatment for uterine cancer, the intense feeling of being out of control was a big issue for me.

During my personal cancer journey I chose to complement my orthodox medical experience with holistic therapies, which I fully researched after consulting with my doctor. I am responsible only for my experiences, which may not work for others, but you may enjoy reading about them.

I did much positive thinking, took rest, vitamins and minerals, Chinese and New Zealand herbs, and ThetaHealing®, Reiki and crystals, liver and kidney detoxification and acupuncture. I was also fortunate to have lots of loving, happy support. I watched The Secret and lots of fun films! I completed my chemotherapy before the anticipated time, feeling well and balanced compared to others I met. I can offer no miracles, but wrote my book and designed my cards to share the magic of helping others to remain at peace amongst any chaos.

Intense fear of the unknown while receiving chemotherapy rose up from my stomach area as feelings of twisted acid. Through my developing knowledge about the properties of colour, I learned that yellow is the associated psychic colour of the stomach (known as the solar plexus emotional centre). In an unbalanced energy situation such as fear, the colour of the centre may change ... becoming stronger, weaker, or changing to another colour. It can be beneficial to learn about colours and their meanings so you can help yourself to regain balance.

When I was fearful in hospital, I focused on a beautiful white light in m stomach and abdomen to calm me. I also held a large, clear crystal to help me maintain my focus and achieve feelings of inner connection. Also, by making this time for myself, I was able to relax before a procedure, and coped batter. I breathed in rainbow coloured light in my mind, which helped me to be peaceful. While doing this I could locate a still place inside myself and focused on sending light to this place, while telling myself I was safe. Even though I could feel pain, I was not reacting as stressfully, so retained my valuable energy for healing.

The gifts of my healing journey

Accepting my reactions as my own, learning to trust my feelings and act upon them wisely. Getting to know myself better helped me to develop feelings of self-worth, and to believe that I deserved the best. Introducing colour healing while I was ill helped me to feel balanced and whole at a deep level. I learned to speak out and say no when things didn't feel right.

Wellbeing exercise

Imagine that you are a beautiful light. Your light radiates from within you. Imagine the rays of light you produce are reflecting outwardly too. There is no place for darkness. By being and acting within the light, others may feel your light too. Give it a try!

Look within

Inspired by her own journey with cancer, Pip developed her Being in Colour inspirational cards and healing tools to help others with health and disability needs. The set of colourful cards is designed to help you work through issues to find a solution that feels right for you.

Attachments:

NZCarersArticle.pdf

[Pip's original article in Carers Magazine]