Are you the “cup is half full” or the “cup is half empty” type person?

Gratitude is definitely an attitude I find that it is important to cultivate. It does take some attention to this attitude. To begin, I am positive by nature, but there are times when I find it challenging to live a genuinely happy life. For me, a genuinely happy life includes feeling comfortable in my own skin and not comparing myself to everybody else or feeling that I would rather be someplace else than where I am.

There will always be someone who is younger, prettier, luckier, or more successful than me. When I spend too much time on social media, flip through magazines, or watch TV, it becomes easy to lose my gratitude and slip into doubting myself and not feeling comfortable in my own skin.

Being a scuba instructor, I have spent several years traveling around the world and living out of a backpack. I recall that when I lived on islands without newspapers or internet access, when I walked barefoot everywhere, and ate freshly prepared meals, I felt happy and grateful every day. I thought I was so lucky. I was filled with gratitude for living this life.

Life‘s simple things felt like enough. A beautiful day on the beach, calm seas while underwater, perhaps even a shark encounter and a freshly prepared fruit platter after diving was all I needed to be happy.

Now, years later, I have settled in California. I have a loving husband and son. I am healthy. My home is five minutes away from the Pacific Ocean. My passions allow me to make a living: scuba diving, stunt work on Hollywood movies, and creating empowering jewelry from healing gemstones I find along the way during my world travels.

Perspectives on Gratitude

Even though I have everything I need (and perhaps more!), there are definitely times when I have to remind myself to be grateful for what I have and the life I live.

I look around and see that I am not alone. Some of my friends and family members, who seemingly have everything, are not completely happy.

When I reflect on these people, I notice some of the following observations. They have a home to live in; they are healthy. They don’t have debt. And they may have well-paying jobs with flexible schedules. These people have spouses and families. With opportunities to travel a couple times a year. They may even belong to clubs with benefits. Yet–very often–I see their lack of content with their good fortune. I’ve heard people say that they would be happier when they have more money, live in a bigger house, take one more trip, or have one more kid…

On the other hand, through my travels, I have seen true happiness that doesn’t come from having more of anything.

I’ve thought about the relationship between happiness and having.

There also seems to be a relationship between generosity and having more. Sometimes the most generous people willing to share their food and homes are not always the people who live in the largest houses. Generosity isn’t always related to what we have. What if it is related to our gratitude?

What do we need to feel grateful, content, and as though we have enough?

Sometimes we need to take a step back and look at our lives from a different perspective to really see how lucky we are and to remind ourselves to be grateful.

A Story of Perspective

I have a young son who was born and raised in California. To him, life in Southern California by the beach is the benchmark of normal.

Through my work as a professional scuba diver, I am able to travel and take my family with me. I host family weeks every year on a beautiful island in Fiji. The first time we went, my son was excited to meet the local kids, see their school, and play with their toys.

One day we walked outside of the fancy resort and through the modest village to reach the island school. Once we arrived, my son looked at me confused and asked, “Where are the toys?”

The kids were so excited to see a kid visit their school from another country. Their playground was a field with trees. The kids were barefoot wearing hand-me-down clothes, playing with items they found in nature such as sticks and rocks as well as a very used football. They were content and so was my son. He played with the kids every day while we were there.

Spending time with the local kids gave my son the perspective of gratitude when it comes to his own room filled with toys, books, and a calendar filled with activities. Not to mention the trampoline in our backyard and the three parks nearby equipped with swings and playgrounds.

Realizing Gratitude from Experience

It feels fruitless to me to have to explain to someone how lucky they are and for them to be happy with what they have. This realization comes from experience.

Gratitude is a choice to recognize and be grateful for what we have.

Gratitude practices including gratitude meditations mean slowing down and being fully present in the moment. When I can do this, I feel that I have all I need.

Gratitude is an Attitude: How to Practice

There are so many ways to practice gratitude and train your mind to be thankful and grateful for everything that you have.

Gratitude Journals

You can use gratitude journals. Start with a blank notebook and find and write down things each day that you are grateful for. You can pick any number as your goal. Some people just write about one thing a day that went well, while others commit to finding 10 things every day to be grateful for. I even know a girl who paints each day in her journal.

Prompts for Gratitude Practice

Another gratitude practice involves prompts. Start with a journal. On each page, for each day, write down what you are grateful for in your life. To make it easier on you, these prompts help you get started. A sentence for example will start like:

• Today something that went well…
• Today I learned something new…
• Today I helped someone…
• Today I overcame an obstacle…

Meditate: Gratitude is an Attitude

Some people meditate on gratitude while others use daily gratefulness reminders in the form of pictures on their walls.

Jewelry for Gratitude

I create and wear jewelry for gratitude. I find it helpful as part of my regular day-to-day practice towards living a happy life. I combine crystals for cultivating Gratitude with hand stamped reminders to be Grateful.

Gratitude Altar

I created a gratitude altar where I have gathered crystals and other ceremonial tools. What gemstones bring gratitude? Rose Quartz and Tiger Eye are some of the most popular crystals for gratitude.

The Choice: Gratitude is an Attitude

I believe that we all have a choice to train our mind to try and look for the silver lining in everything that happens to us. I’m not saying it is easy. When my parents died or when I was diagnosed with cancer, gratitude was not the first thing that came to my mind.

Training the Brain for Gratitude

With practice, I have trained my brain to find and focus on the little things that bring me joy and happiness. It can be a cup of tasty coffee in the morning, my cat walking by and rubbing herself on my feet, a beautiful flower blooming in my garden, a good smelling candle, a relaxing bubble bath, an interesting book, a chance meeting with someone, the smell of freshly cut grass, the waves of the ocean, a rainbow after a summer storm, a sunflower field, birds chirping, and more.

By focusing on these little things helps me get through difficulties that I am facing in my life. Gratitude is an attitude. We all have a choice between focusing on what went wrong or the small miracles we are surrounded with each day.

The Attitude Adjustment of Gratitude

I truly believe that we can adjust our attitude and practice gratefulness.

Compassionate Living Membership

For the month of June, I have prepared tools to practice Gratitude as part of the Compassionate Living Membership.

Enter to Win

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN an Energy Healing Crystal Jewelry Set! ($300 value)

These individually crafted empowering crystal bracelets are simple, yet elegant with uplifting messages and healing gemstones, meant to be worn every day and made to last a lifetime.

Enter at dojomojo.com

Szilvia Gogh

Szilvia Gogh is a Professional Scuba Diver, Stuntwoman, Yogi and Jewelry Designer: SzilviaGogh.com.
Learn about female scuba enthusiasts: Miss-Scuba.com
View Szilvia’s inspirational jewelry: GoghJewelryDesign.com

The post Gratitude is an attitude: Shift to a Full Cup appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Crystal Healing as a Form of Energy Healing

Crystal Jewelry Supports Change that Comes from Within

The healing and positive power of crystals have been used for thousands of years by ancient civilizations (and maybe even your neighbors). Crystal healing is a belief that semi-precious stones hold a unique power to help heal the body and mind or power our intentions. This “power” has been used by shamans and gurus, or those who practice earth-based religions such as Wiccans and Druids. Although there is no definitive or scientific proof to back these claims, those who practice the art of crystal healing believe that the power lies in the beholder.  With that in mind, I have designed a unique line of pieces where I transform nature’s most basic elements into stunning accessories meant to celebrate life and the world around us.

Crystal Healing Basics

According to practitioners, semi-precious stones and crystals such as amethyst or quartz contain vibrations and energy that connect us to the Earth. These vibrations help us channel and manifest particular intentions in our lives. They also help us connect with the Earth. For example, quartz alone makes up 12% of the Earth’s outer crust.

The work of Marcel Vogal theorized that crystals have the power to transfer thoughts and energy from the human body.

How do Crystals Work?

By holding a crystal or keeping it on your person, the stones can interact with your Chakras. Chakra is a Sanskrit term, and it means “wheel” or “disk.” It is the term used to describe the wheels of energy that flow within all living things. The human body has seven different Chakra energies, and crystals can amplify these and help focus your intentions.

Choosing the Right Crystal

Some people may know precisely what healing crystals they need, while others have no idea what to choose. Check out Gogh Jewelry’s crystal healing reference guide to help you decide which stones are best for the intention you wish to bring into your life.

Once I Choose a Crystal, What Do I Do with It?

Before you start wearing your healing crystals, you’ll need to first cleanse and “program” it. To cleanse your crystals, you can use a variety of methods, but burning sage or placing it the sun or full moon for a few hours should do the trick. This method will take away any previous programming or negative energy that the stone might be holding onto.

Once they have been cleansed, hold your crystal or crystal jewelry in your hands, and take a few deep breaths. Focus on the intentions you want, such as positive thinking, fortune, or even love. Focus on your faith, whatever that may be, and chant either out loud or in your head, “I desire this crystal to hold the intention of . . .” and finish the sentence with your personal needs. Do this at least three to five times.

Get Started with Crystal Healing

One of the best ways to utilize the power of crystal healing is to wear your crystals and intentions directly on your person every day. At Gogh Jewelry Design, I have created beautiful jewelry that contains these powerful stones and positive intentions just for you. Begin your journey into the world of crystal healing today!

Gemstones Meaning & Healing Power

Abalone

Abalone reminds us of the beauties of the ocean on a sunny day. Ocean symbolizes love, life, and flow, and Abalone shell contains the energy of the ocean. It is also used as an amulet for people who are involved in ocean or water. Abalone shell is a gemstone with a unique pattern. Many kinds of colors are on the black surface.

Agate

Agate is THE stone everyone should have for protection. Agate is believed to enhance intelligence, and make its wearer more articulate. It attracts strength, protects from bad dreams, stress and energy drains. Carry an agate when you have to make an important decision. Agate’s most noticeable properties overall are balancing yin/yang energy, courage, protection, healing, and calming.

Amazonite

Called the stone of courage and the stone of truth, Amazonite empowers one to search the self and discover one’s own truths and integrity, and to move beyond fear of judgment or confrontation with others to live in alignment with those beliefs and values. It provides the freedom to express one’s thoughts and feelings.

Amethyst

Amethyst is the perfect stone for you if you are facing stressful times in your life.  This crystal helps people cope with stress by supporting mental calm. It also provides protection from addiction. Amethyst is a stone traditionally worn to guard against drunkeness and to instill a sober mind. It has been worn by Egyptians as protection from self-deception, as well as a protection against witchcraft. Amethyst is a gemstone often worn by healers, as it has the power to focus energy. Amethyst is the birth stone for February.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine has a rich color and has long been a symbol of youth, health and hope. It increases one’s access to courage. This gemstone was believed to protect sailors, as well as to guarantee a safe voyage. The serene color of aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded. Its pale, cool color beautifully complements spring and summer wardrobes.

For centuries, this timeless gemstone has been a symbol of youth, hope, health and fidelity. Since this gemstone is the color of water and the sky, it is said to embody eternal life. It was long thought that Aquamarine has a soothing influence on married couples, making it a good anniversary gift.

Carnelian

Carnelian is known as the self-esteem gemstone because it is such a powerful motivator. It helps you to overcome the various parts of your personality that may be holding you back allowing you to step out into the world and claim your destiny. As a major grounding stone, carnelian helps you to focus on where you are currently at in life and to get you through times of stress so you can concentrate on your confidence. If you happen to become a little loss for words, don’t sweat it, just draw upon the energies of carnelian and allow your inspiration to bloom and your creativity to find solutions.

Citrine

Citrine is said to be a gift from the sun. As a healing gemstone, citrine brings happiness, joy and optimism into your life. Citrine is one of only two minerals on the planet which do not hold or accumulate negative energy, but dispels and transforms it. Citrine helps people laugh more, as well as feel fundamentally safer and more positive about reality.

Clear Quartz

Clear Quartz is known as the “master healer” and will amplify energy and thought, as well as the effect of other crystals. It absorbs, stores, releases and regulates energy. Clear Quartz stimulates the immune system and brings the body into balance. While you are wearing your crystals as jewelry, the crystal vibrations work continuously on your imbalances.

Garnet

Ruby red garnet is known as “the Stone of Happiness”. It enhances your internal energies to bring forth an intense level of inner joy while increasing your presence. Garnet is also known to raise your healing power during illness. Legends say that Garnets light up the night and protect their owners from nightmares. Garnets have long been carried by travelers to protect against accidents far from home.

Hematite

Hematite has an excellent grounding and balancing energy, as well as being a powerful aid to stimulate the mind. They enhance memory and evoke deep thought. They have a highly protective energy and are good to help women who lack courage.

Jade

Said to be a “Very Lucky Stone”, Jade is associated with peace, serenity, memory, vitality, harmony, wisdom, and long life. Jade has been used traditionally to increase  courage, wisdom, justice, mercy, emotional balance, stamina, love, fidelity, humility, generosity, peace, harmony, lungs, heart, thymus, immune, kidney and blood detoxification and the nervous system. It is a very popular gemstone projecting universal love, health, wealth and long life.

Jasper

Jasper protects against negativity and aids in grounding you to the stabilizing energies of Earth. It balances yin and yang. Jasper sustains and supports through times of stress, and brings tranquility and wholeness. It encourages honesty with one’s self, provides courage to assertively tackle problems, and aids quick-thinking and promotes organizational abilities. Jasper stimulates the imagination and transforms ideas into action. It supports during prolonged illness and re-energizes the body.

Labradorite

Labradorite contains energies that boost ones ability to repel anxiety and depression, and inspire the wearer with a sense of enthusiasm and self-confidence. It inspires perseverance and strength when constantly bombarded with conflict. Labradorite aides in relieving insecurity, and boosts confidence in ones own abilities. It has within it a deeply felt resonance that is very powerful, and it can be used to bring amazing changes to your life.

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is a symbol of truth, as it brought you to see yourself for what you really are, and at the same time helps you to accept those parts of yourself that you may see as undesirable. The Philosopher’s Stone is supposed to bring self-awareness, enlightenment, and to open the mind to all possibilities. Lapis is very well known for its purifying and healing abilities. On the elemental side, Lapis Lazuli is known as the water stone.

Lava Stone

Lava stones are excellent for calming emotions thanks to its grounding qualities. Formed from cooling magma, lava is thought to symbolize rebirth, and aid in releasing emotional baggage. These stones are great accessories for aromatherapy since they hold essential oils for up to eight hours as they are porous. You can add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil to a lava stone.

Onyx

Onyx helps one have self-control and anchors one’s flighty energy into a more stable way of life. It is this stone of inner strength and endurance, helping one to carry even the most difficult task to completion. Onyx is supportive in situations such as acquiring a goal, working on self-mastery, a weight loss program, an exercise regime, or even just feeling the need to focus your energy. This gem is also great for someone who has an abundance of ideas, but lacks the discipline to carry those ideas out.

Pearl

Pearl is the “Stone of Truth, Faith and Love.” The energy it holds enhances personal integrity and helps provide focus and deep meaning to the object of your attention, bringing you wisdom and spiritual guidance. Pearl signifies sincerity, faith and loyalty to your cause. Pearls help one connect with the Goddess, the ultimate feminine energy. These have been used to treat disorders of the digestive tract and muscular systems, as well as to aid fertility and to ease childbirth.

Prehnite

Prehnite is a stone of unconditional love and it enhances inner knowledge, showing the path forward to growth through attunement to divine energy. Prehnite connects the will and the heart. In so doing one’s actions attain the highest good.

Rose Quartz

Rose quartz is an excellent heart-healing gemstone. This pink-hued crystal carries a  gentle and soothing energy and gives comfort to anyone whose heart has been wounded.

Rutilated Quartz

Rutilated Quartz is considered to be the crystal of truth. This means it can promote self-realization, since self-discovery means finding the inner truth about our own being, purpose and destiny.

Tiger’s Eye

Think of the qualities of the Tiger. Patient, focused, determined, alert, with perfect timing and slow, deliberate action. This is Tiger Eye’s gift to you. It is a healing stone that promotes the balance and strength needed to get through difficult phases of life.  Tiger’s Eye can help relieves doubt and bestows decision-making with vision and clarity. It helps a person cultivate greater practicality.

Tanzanite

Tanzanite is an extraordinary gemstone. It is named after the East African state of Tanzania, the only place in the world where it has been found. The almost blue magical color of a perfectly cut Tanzanite is one that not only suits confident young women; it is also excellently suited to underlining the individuality of the more mature woman.

Tourmaline

Tourmaline aids in understanding oneself and others. It promotes self-confidence and diminishes fear. Tourmaline attracts inspiration, compassion, tolerance and prosperity. The watermelon tourmaline is a rare variety that displays three different colors in the same crystal – green (the skin of the watermelon), pink (the sweet fruit) and white (the rind). The colors of the watermelon tourmaline occur 100% naturally. This is rare in nature.

Turquoise

Turquoise is a purification stone. Its energy is excellent for depression and exhaustion, it also has the power to prevent panic attacks. Turquoise is believed to bring luck and to possess powers, including the ability to promote wealth, attract love and bring happiness. In ancient Persia it was once believed that the wearing of turquoise talismans would protect the wearer from death.

Choosing Stones for a Purpose

This guide will help you choose the perfect stone to suit your life goals – some know exactly what healing crystals they need, others have no idea what to choose. Here is a quick reference to use when choosing a stone for a particular purpose:

Abundance: Citrine
Anxiety: Labradorite, Aquamarine, Malachite
Bad Dreams (avoiding or relieving bad dreams): Agate
Balance: Agate, Jasper, Onyx, Garnet
Calming: Amazonite, Amethyst
Compassion: Tourmaline, Tanzanite
Change: Labradorite
Communication: Amazonite, Aquamarine, Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli
Courage: Aquamarine, Carnelian, Jasper, Hematite, Tiger’s Eye
Creativity: Carnelian
Depression (relieving): Carnelian, Citrine, Rose Quartz, Turquoise, Labradorite, Amethyst, Tiger’s Eye
Discipline:  Onyx
Energy: Clear Quartz, Jasper
Enjoy the Journey: African Turquoise
Empowering: Amazonite, Tanzanite
Feminine Energy: Pearl, Tanzanite
Fertility: Moonstone, Rose Quartz, Pearl
Freedom to Express Yourself: Amazonite, Tanzanite
Good Luck: Turquoise
Grounding: Hematite, Onyx, Lava Stone
Happiness: Citrine, Garnet
Healing: Clear Quartz, Rose Quartz (heart)
Hope: Aquamarine, Garnet
Intuition:  Amazonite, Turquoise, Labradorite
Motivation: Carnelian
Love: Rose Quartz, Pearl, Garnet, Prehnite
Negativity (reducing):  Jasper
New Beginnings: Labradorite
Optimism: Citrine
Protection: Agate, Amazonite, Jasper, Turquoise
Self-Awareness: Lapis Lazuli, Tanzanite
Self-Control: Onyx
Self-Esteem: Carnelian, Citrine
Self-Love:  Pearl, Silver, Gold, Crystal, Chakra Stones
Sobriety: Amethyst
Strength: Amazonite, Carnelian
Stress Reduction: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Hematite, Jasper, Jade
Tolerance: Tourmaline
Tranquility: Prehnite
Travel: Amethyst, Aquamarine (water), Garnet
Truth: Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Rutilated Quartz
Understanding: Tourmaline

My intention for Gogh Jewelry Design is that it is a grounding and comforting identifier for these times. It’s likely that moving towards freedoms and returning to “normal” life will also be anxiety-inducing. All the more reason to utilize energetic talismans for grounding or soothing. Gemstones can be worn to support change that comes from within!

Szilvia Gogh

Szilvia Gogh is a Professional Scuba Diver, Stuntwoman, Yogi and Jewelry Designer: SzilviaGogh.com.
Learn about female scuba enthusiasts: Miss-Scuba.com
View Szilvia’s inspirational jewelry: GoghJewelryDesign.com

The post The Art of Crystal Healing appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Photo of Szilvia Gogh by David Young-Wolff.

In my own cancer journey, I found that the support from family and friends was invaluable. We all want to be that supportive person, yet there are times when we may not know what to do or say. Here are some suggestions informed by my own experience that I would like to share. If you have friends, family members, co-workers, or community members with cancer, one of these tips to support people with cancer might just make their day.

1. Offer specific things you can help with, such as taking the dog for a walk, picking up kids from school, or dropping off groceries. Saying, “Call me if you need anything,” doesn’t give your friend enough direction as to how you can help. Someone with cancer may be feeling overwhelmed and may not know how to say what they need.

2. Along those lines, remind her to BREATHE. When a person is diagnosed with cancer, it’s hard to think straight. Millions of thoughts zigzagged through my mind.

3. Encourage him to seek out a second opinion and maybe even a third! Sometimes they might not agree, but opinions offer choices.

4. Show up for a visit in person. Don’t just call. It means a lot.

5. Go for a walk together – short or long, depending how he feels. Fresh air does great things to the body and mind.

6. Bring over your friend’s favorite foods to provide comfort and to tempt the palate. Eating is hard after chemotherapy.

7. Deliver soups. One of the side effects of most pain medications and chemotherapy drugs is constipation. Lack of exercise makes it even worse. Soup is a remedy to help get things moving and encourage proper hydration.

8. Tell her about the Look Good, Feel Better program: lookgoodfeelbetter.org. It is a free beauty workshop for cancer patients. This program taught me how to make eyebrows when mine fell out during chemo, among other things. As part of the event, people received a personalized bag with the make-up that we would need, all donated by cosmetic companies.

9. Offer to drive to a doctor’s visit, test, or chemotherapy treatment. Some facilities even allow friends to stay and hang out during treatment. Bring books, jokes, music, headphones, eye pillows, warm socks, or other comfort items your friend may have forgotten to pack.

10. Be there even months after the treatment. Everybody comes out of the woodwork when their friend becomes sick and reaches out. However, cancer treatment is a long journey and individuals and families need support months later as well.

Szilvia Gogh

Szilvia Gogh is a Professional Scuba Diver, Stuntwoman, Yogi and Jewelry Designer: SzilviaGogh.com.
Learn about female scuba enthusiasts: Miss-Scuba.com
View Szilvia’s inspirational jewelry: GoghJewelryDesign.com

The post 10 Ways to Support People with Cancer appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Photo of Szilvia Gogh by David Young-Wolff.

I did not choose to have breast cancer. However, the choice I do have is how to go through my journey.

I could have been depressed when hearing the news. After all, I had a horrible year leading up to my diagnosis. All in one year: My grandmother died of old age (that I can accept). My mother went through treatment, yet died from breast cancer. My first cousin died at age 39 of breast cancer. Now, I have cancer at the age of 39.

While I could ask myself, “Why Me,” after all—I eat organic; I exercise every day. But I could also simply consider what I needed to do to take action.

I chose to look at the positive side of everything from the past year. For example, my grandma was 97 and she had a beautiful life. My mom was 67; she saw my sister and me grow up. She was with me when my son was born two years ago, and she was gifted with a granddaughter last summer from my sister. Fortunately, my own cancer was detected early.

The only reason I even got a mammogram was because I was advised to do so after my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. After my first mammogram in 2015, everything was clear. I didn’t feel a lump or any other signs, but in January 2016, after my routine check-up, I was called back for a follow-up ultrasound.

Then I had a biopsy the day before I flew to Europe to see my mother one last time as she was losing her battle with cancer. In only one year, the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, liver, and pretty much everywhere else in her body, despite all treatments the doctors tried.

As soon as I landed in Budapest, Hungary, I called the doctor who performed my biopsy, and given my circumstances, she made an exception to her usual policy and promised to give me the results on the phone. Even before we spoke on the phone, I had a feeling. Deep inside I knew that she would say that the biopsy showed cancer. I was afraid that I would not see my son grow up. Then, I shook myself, took a deep breath and said to myself, “Let’s do this! Whatever I need to do, I will. I will see my son grow up. I have unfinished businesses here. It’s not my time to go.

After the initial shock of hearing the news that I did, in fact, have breast cancer, I knew I needed to come up with a plan. Yet there I was, with my mother who was in a hospital. Her lungs had filled with fluid and her liver was failing. Yet she and I had two days together; she was so happy to see me we even took a short walk through the hospital garden that first day. The second day, I had to push her in a wheelchair. When I left, I felt horrible; I knew that I would not see her again. But my experience with family members taught be that time was of the essence in my own case. So we said our heartfelt good-byes and I flew back to LA.

During my 11-hour return flight from London to LA, I reflected my life: I have been making inspirational jewelry for years, and now I needed that inspiration to buoy myself up. One of my favorite inspirational affirmations—and one that I use in many of my jewelry designs— is: “Never, Never, Never Give Up!” Winston Churchill said this more than 70 years ago. Yes, I reflected, that sentiment is a good place to start.

As soon as my boots touched the ground at LAX, I headed to meet my oncologist. He said he had bad news and good news. My answer was, ”I already know I have cancer, so give me the good news.” Here was the good news: My strain of cancer responds well to hormone therapy and at the time of diagnosis it was Stage 1 (since the largest of my three tumors was only 19mm and the cancer had not spread beyond the initial tumor).

After meeting with a few surgeons, I made a decision that I felt comfortable with and I decided to move forward with a double mastectomy even before I would learn that my cancer had a genetic component (from my father’s side). This surgery allowed me to avoid recommended radiation—and I would be able to get a nice boob job out of it.

Even though they removed the cancer during the surgery and it had not spread to my lymph nodes, my doctor did recommend chemotherapy based on the tumor type testing which revealed that my cancer is one of the most aggressive types. By the time of my operation, just one month after my diagnosis, my tumor had already grown to 24mm, progressing it into Stage 2 (which meant that is was locally advanced).

I don’t know any other way to say it, but overall, chemotherapy was not fun. Although there were many challenges, one of the things that hit me hardest was losing my hair. After all, looking in the mirror every day is a constant reminder—and as a stuntwoman and scuba teacher, I work with people all the time so my look is obvious. Yet, when I considered my options, I decided to be bold and be bald since the lifestyle of a scuba diver does not easily lend itself to wigs. Most importantly, however, I did not want to pretend that everything was normal.

Over the past few months, I have had good days and bad days. On every good day, I made a point of going outside for a walk, practicing yoga, and eating well. On every bad day I reminded myself that this is only temporary. To lift my spirits, I would remind myself that my cancer was detected early and I am on my way to recovery. To support my recovery, I watched movies and slept a lot to give myself time to rest.

The presence and loving care of my husband, son, and friends gave me the strength to feel better on good days, and gave me hope that that I will be better on bad days.

I’m still on my journey at this time, but I feel that I am over the hump. To celebrate, a week after my final chemotherapy treatment, I organized a girls’ day on Catalina Island. We practiced yoga, went scuba diving, and shared a chocolate circle.

I believe that it is important to have things to look forward to when going through challenging experiences. This summer my family  (my husband, my son, and I) traveled to Ireland on a castle tour celebrating my 40th birthday. This birthday means a lot to me as I am glad to be done with 39. The age 39 in my family is like 27 for musicians – my father died at age 39 from cancer; my cousin died at 39 from cancer last year; and I was diagnosed with cancer when I was 39.

Szilvia Gogh still wearing the drains post-reconstructive surgery. Photographed by David Young-Wolff.

At this time, I’m also in the midst of reconstructive surgery that requires several weeks of recovery and in this photo, the drains are still in place that are part of the healing and recovery process. Even with these challenges, I still believe in staying strong and maintaining positive activities like my yoga practice.

In order to have something else to look forward to, we are planning to celebrate my new bikini body and my re-grown hair with a scuba dive trip to the Maldives at the end of the year.

I could feel sorry for myself, and my family, for what we have had to go through, but I choose to feel grateful. Cancer brought us closer together and made us stronger.

Szilvia Gogh

Szilvia Gogh is a Professional Scuba Diver, Stuntwoman, Yogi and Jewelry Designer: SzilviaGogh.com.
Learn about female scuba enthusiasts: Miss-Scuba.com
View Szilvia’s inspirational jewelry: GoghJewelryDesign.com

The post Breast Cancer, A Journey of Strength appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.