spring 2014 | cancer fighters thrive 7
cf thrive. com
the last rays of sunshine
bathe the desert in a warm
orange glow, one deep
echoing beat radiates from the slap of a
hand across the tightly stretched leather
of an African drum. It is the beat created
by a patient who has been asked to express
how he felt when he was frst diagnosed
with cancer. It is a lonely beat, a hollow
beat, an expression of pain and fear.
The patient continues with the slow,
methodical beat, and soon others in the
drum circle are asked by the facilitator to
join in and express how they are feeling
today. The rhythm grows faster, more
upbeat, conveying a sense of hope and
strength, creating a powerful chorus of
emotion that flls the desert twilight with
sound. It is a symphony that swells with
energy, ending with a formidable chant
that punctuates the night sky: "We are
here," the group exclaims in vibrant uni-
son. "We are here!"
A SACRED SPACE
For many patients music plays an impor-
tant role in spiritual and emotional heal-
ing during cancer treatment. Whether it
SPECIAL FEATURE
As
Music is the language
of the spirit. It opens the
secret of life bringing
peace, abolishing strife.
―Kahlil Gibran
cftSp#23vky.indd 7 2/4/14 11:17 AM