Cancer Recovery: Part 1 Diagnosis

About This Class

Part one of a four-part Cancer Yogic Journey series, this approachable 26-minute class is specifically framed for anyone facing a new or ongoing cancer diagnosis — or any serious health challenge. Instructor Hilaire Lockwood opens with a candid, moving account of her own thyroid cancer diagnosis and survival, grounding the class in lived experience and deep empathy. The practice centers on a guided seated meditation using visualization (sending love and light to areas of disease or injury), the "I am whole" mantra, and Ujjayi pranayama to help students release fear, anger, and grief while cultivating a sense of bodily unity rather than self-blame. Key concepts include Mula Bandha (pelvic floor engagement), Prana (vital life force), Chittavritti (mental chatter), Dharana (single-pointed focus), and Metta (loving kindness). The class closes with a collective Om (AUM) chant and Shanti. Twisting is referenced as a future element for detoxification. The overall intention is emotional processing, inner listening, and re-establishing a compassionate relationship with the body during diagnosis — preparing students for the "I CAN" focus of part two on treatment.