[Ailist] How to stay positive with cancer?

[Rob Voyle]

Hi Michael

I wonder whether trying to stay positive can create a problem, because it also 
calls negative into consciouness. And trying to stay positive when much negative 
stuff is happening may actually get people to become phoney and deny their 
current experience.  Rather than trying to stay positive I would wonder about 
focussing on what is life-giving. At the group, what would happend if the 
participants shared stories of what they had found life-giving in the past week. 

In a semon the Sunday after 9/11 my associate Chris Rankin-Williams said "the 
challenge of this life is not to stay alive, the challenge of this life is to stay in 
love."  So I would also wonder where people see and find love, for I know that in 
the midst of love I am in a positive frame.

Best Wishes

Rob
  
Robert J. Voyle, Psy.D.
Director, Clergy Leadership Institute
For Coaching and Training in Appreciative Inquiry
Author: Core Elements of the Appreciative Way 
http://www.clergyleadership.com/
503-647-2378 or 503-647-2382 

On 9 Nov 2008 at 13:08, Michael L. Schwartz wrote:

> Hi all,
> 
>  
> 
> As a Cancer survivor, I regularly attend meetings at Gilda's Club.
> Gilda's
> Club was set-up by Gene Wilder and Michael Radner, following the
> death of
> Gilda Radner to cancer, as a place where anyone "touched by cancer"
> can go
> for support.
> 
>  
> 
> In a recent Men's Group meeting, the subject of staying positive
> came up.
> Two items in particular:
> 
> 1.      How important a positive attitude is.
> 
> 2.      How can we remain positive with all the "challenges" faced
> in
> recovery.
> 
>  
> 
> I think an AI approach could help and I would like to do something
> of this
> nature for my local Gilda's Club.
> 
>  
> 
> I am seeking any suggestions as to how to structure this.
> 
>  
> 
> The Men's Group typically has between 4 and 10 attendees, and meets
> for 2
> hours.
> 
>  
> 
> Alternatively, this could be offered to all members of the local
> Gilda's. We
> would still have about 2 hours. I have seen groups range from 6 to
> 30+.
> 
>  
> 
> Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
> 
>  
> 
> Thank you.
> 
>  
> 
> Michael L Schwartz, PE, PMP
> 
> President
> 
> Positive Concepts, Inc.
> 
> Phone: 248 828 7701
> 
> Fax: 248 828 7708
> 
> Email: MSchwartz at PositiveConcepts.biz
> 
> Web: www.PositiveConcepts.biz
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> Enhancing the positive.
> 
>  
> 
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