Patricia’s bout with breast cancer lead to spiritual growth
When Patricia Beck, a Hongik Psychotherapist and a member at the Dahn Yoga Center in Burke, VA, began taking classes in 2005, she viewed it as physical exercise and overlooked its spiritual aspects. “I had a good job and a loving family,” she says. “With that type of comfort I resisted pushing myself.”
Then, in 2009, a diagnosis of breast cancer made her question her life. “I wanted to do a whole lot more than just be content.” Though focused on the prescribed medical program, she soon realized the complementary value of her Dahn Yoga experiences.
“The mind/body/energy connection that I developed through my classes helped me use this situation as a healing experience, with less fear and more acceptance. Throughout my life my focus had been external; on a fundamental level, my cells weren’t being nourished.”
After a few private sessions with her center and regional Dahn Yoga manager, Dami, Patricia realized the enormous potential of Dahn Yoga and took the Brain Management Training. “BMT blew my mind! Any obstacle, even cancer, can be used to change your pattern of response and to grow beyond who you think you are.”
Even her psychotherapy practice has changed. “I had been putting a limitation on people’s growth. Now, I present new ways of doing something, like physical exercise techniques from the Dahn practice. My clients just love them,” she says, adding, “Rather than working on a specific problem, we utilize that problem to talk about how it enhances or limits their life’s purpose.”
Now she shares her most personal insights with her friends and family. “We are talking about things that we have never talked about before, like spiritual issues and what is important in life, with total acceptance of each other’s values.”
“I used to think of spirituality as a function of the mind, now I realize it is a function of the mind and body. The illness accelerated and intensified my spiritual growth. My soul has always urged me to be more awake and I am on that path now. My biggest gratitude is for my continued expansion. I feel so lucky to grow in this way. ” Pat smiles, “Now, I am not just content with my life – I am excited about it!”
— Rebecca Tinkle