How I stop experiencing the side effects of everything.
Immersing in the perception of change if only for a moment.
Housekeeping: Don’t forget to sign up to yvonnemcclaren.com for more inspiration and time is ticking for the launch celebration Special Offer on GAG.| eating life subscription - SALE ends March 2.
ONLY 12 hours left.
One of the many reasons I enjoy Thru - hiking (through -hiking) so much is that I literally (almost) forget about the treatment side effects of cancer.
Why is it that I do not notice the treatment challenges when hiking?
Well, not notice might be a stretch, but certainly reduced to the point of relief mentally if not physically which is an interesting phenomenon.
Thru-hiking is a very specialised form of backpacking that's more focused on long distances and high daily kilometres to complete a hike within a given time frame as compared to most backpackers who take weekend or week long trips.
My last hike for example was 6 weeks in duration, 800kms give or take.
Whilst walking the Camino (all 3 of them so far), a path that not only tested my physical endurance but also my mental resilience, as I navigated the hike, I found myself in a meditative state.
It was as if the side effects of my treatment had taken a backseat. My focus had shifted, and what I concentrated on became my reality. It's a powerful reminder that our focus shapes our experience.
What we focus on becomes our reality.
When I completed my first hike (Camino Portuguese Coastal route) upon arriving home I noticed that I’d not thought much about side effects whilst away, they were definitely secondary thoughts to eating and navigation.
I recognised I had been focusing on the walking, new people, attention to the air, map navigation, elevations, next coffee and the sheer beauty of what I was experiencing.
Immersing ourselves in the perception of change on the Camino means embracing the way each step reshapes our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. The trail is more than just a physical journey—it is a transformation unfolding in real time. The landscapes shift from rugged mountains to rolling vineyards, the rhythm of our footsteps evolves from hesitant to steady, and our sense of solitude dissolves into unexpected camaraderie. We begin to see discomfort not as struggle but as adaptation, uncertainty not as fear but as possibility. The Camino teaches us that change is not a single event but an ongoing experience, one we can either resist or lean into with an open heart and mind.
Hiking day after day becomes a meditation.
The new sights, the new sounds, the air, the food and that becomes your focus not the inability to swallow or speak or group dine.
You need a foundation of meditation and I discovered mine quite by accident.
Joseph Goldstein's analogy about the importance of letting go in meditation. He compares it to rowing across a lake while still tethered to the shore-no matter how hard you row, you won't make progress unless you untie the boat.
This metaphor illustrates how clinging to attachments or resisting experiences can hinder our meditation journey.
So it was I released much of what I was holding on to.
I noticed the fear had gone, the sadness and longing for an old life.
Gone or at least diminished considerably.
The Flight of Apprehension
I recall my first international flight post-treatment with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. Would the cabin pressure affect my speech or the dryness of my mouth? As it turned out, my worries were unfounded. The real challenge was staying hydrated on long-haul flights. I even fainted on the way home once, likely due to exhaustion and dehydration. Lesson learned: In future I will advise cabin crew about my situation or advise my travel agent (I use one for flight bookings and other technical situations I don’t have access to) so that I can have access to water - particularly if you happen to live in Australia as that flight to “anywhere” internationally is very long.
The Power of Focus
As I continued my hike, I noticed a fascinating shift. The longer I walked, the less relevant my side effects became. My focus was on consuming enough calories, reaching my accommodation, and ensuring my backpack was ready for the next day. These became my priorities, and the side effects faded into the background.
Bringing It Home
Now that I'm back home, I strive to apply this mindset to my daily life.
Each new environment offers a chance to reset and focus on the present moment. It's a practice of mindfulness that keeps me grounded and helps me navigate the challenges of life post-treatment.
So, dear readers, as you embark on your own journeys, remember that what you focus on becomes your reality.
Embrace the adventure, stay hydrated, and keep your sense of humour intact.
Eat Well.
If you have been thinking of becoming a paid subscriber here’s your chance.
This special offer ends in a few hours on March 2. I’d love you to have you join me here too yvonnemcclaren.com - be good to see you there. 🧡
Don’t miss out!