“Does it spark joy?” This is the central question of the widely popular Kondo organization method from Marie Kondo’s best-selling 2014 book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. The popular Netflix show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo swept the nation with a wave of decluttering. Donation centers overflowed. Social media feeds showed off newly decluttered homes.
Kondo’s famous question, “What sparks joy?” is an exercise in assessing the value of our household belongings in order to let go and get rid of “clutter.” Stuff not only takes up space but also can be mentally distracting and emotionally distressing. If something is no longer serving us, Kondo invites us to take a moment to thank the item for its service, and then let it go. The Konmari method is a gratitude practice that begins with greeting and thanking the house itself upon entering and ends with bidding farewell to things that no longer spark joy. The result of a decluttered home is a freer body, mind, and spirit.
DECLUTTERING & CANCER
With the stress of living with neuroendocrine cancer or caring for someone who does, cleaning out the metaphorical closet might be the last thing we feel like doing. Overwhelmed by doctor’s appointments, scans, monthly injections, researching and learning about the disease, and managing the symptoms, the sheer act of making a decision sometimes feels near-impossible. This is because the diagnosis of cancer or news of recent progression is traumatic. The traumatized mind wants to cling to things that give a sense of stability, structure, and safety, making it exceedingly more difficult to identify and let go of “clutter,” whether that is physical, mental, or emotional.
Other than physical possessions, what else is no longer serving us? What “clutter” might not be serving us? What has become unnecessary “clutter” in our minds and spirits?
A cancer diagnosis provides an opportunity to re-evaluate one’s priorities and let go of commitments that may be less important. Perhaps this might involve releasing time commitments, career ambitions, old habits, or relationships. Or maybe it means letting go of certain pressures and expectations you have of yourself. Letting go of clutter creates space for possibilities that spark joy.
SPARKING JOY
Here are some ideas of ways to explore possibilities that might spark joy in your life:
Taking up a new hobby
Engaging in spiritual practices
Exploring a city with a free tour by foot
Listening to music (such as original compositions by NET patients Giovanna Joyce Imbesi and Tom Bajoras)
Laughing (with NET patient and comedian Steve Mazan)
Visiting museums (click here to discover SoCal museums – free!)
Attending cultural events (TodayTix) is one way to access discount tickets for shows.)
Watching FREE Hollywood Bowl Rehearsals. Call 323-850-2000 for a rehearsal schedule.
Traveling
NETRF shares some helpful travel tips for cancer patients here.
Checking out your local medical institution or cancer support centers for free healthy lifestyle classes.
Simms Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology offers supportive programs open to all (including non-UCLA patients) such as Healing Through Art and Circle of Reflection.
Cancer Support Community offers virtual classes including yoga, t’ai chi, reiki, Zumba, nordic walking, circle singing. They also offer adult social activities such as watercolor painting, creative crafting, writing, and cinema wellness. SoCal locations include:
Tower Cancer Research Foundation offers FREE virtual sound healing Meditation, group movement, yoga, and exercise classes.
Connecting through personal stories with other NET patients:
Read LACNETS “Be Inspired” blogpost, published December 19, 2018
Watch inspiring stories from NET patient and caregiver
Enjoy Carcinoid Cancer Foundation’s 50th Anniversary video series featuring NET patient stories
SPARKING JOY THROUGH COMMUNITY
We at LACNETS desire to provide a community of support and education for those with neuroendocrine cancer. We offer a safe place to share our experiences and learn from each other. Community is a wonderful way to explore new possibilities of finding joy. While summer might signify vacation for many, we understand that cancer doesn’t take a vacation. Neither do we! We hope you can join us for one of our upcoming webinars and virtual support groups.
Written by Lisa Yen, NP, NBC-HWC
Director of Programs & Outreach, LACNETS
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