At first glance, it may seem a bit odd to put together two such apparently diverse phenomena as Polycystic Kidney Disease and meditation. And you’re right. It is odd.
The connecting concept is how we experience life, and for PKD patients, our disease.
Aside from the physical experience of the disease, there is what is known as the “meta” experience of the disease.
Let me explain. In Neuro-Linguistic Programming, the concept of “going meta” is to look at not only the direct experience of something, but also what you experience ABOUT the initial experience.
Example: Two people of similar age and social standing get the news that their kidneys are failing and that they need to decide which method of dialysis they will undergo. Obviously, this is hard news to absorb, no matter how long you’ve known it was coming. One person, A, even after a day or two to digest the information, goes into a fairly serious depression. The other person, B, again after a few days, takes a deep breath, and thinks, “OK, this is what is for me to do, so let’s do it!”
Same news, different response. Why? Both receive the news hard. Who wouldn’t? But what the first person thinks ABOUT the news is very different from what the other person thinks ABOUT the news.
A is using his mind to compare his present state of health to what it was, what it should be, what he wants it to be, and generally over-thinking ABOUT his situation.
B, on the other hand, thinks ABOUT his present state basically as “It is what it is,” and, if not totally ready, (I doubt anyone is ever ready for dialysis) at least is willing to take the next steps without letting his mind go crazy with the “shoulda coulda wouldas.”
My personal with meditation (I have experienced several methods) has helped calm my mind so as to largely slow down the “meta” experience whenever I receive less than positive news.
There are times when our “gut level, fight-or-flight response” serves us well. And that is good. But there are times when we have to “override” and initial reactions and calmly (as possible) RESPOND to situations which aren’t all that pleasant.
For this reason, I really suggest that, if you haven’t tried it, to quickly learn some form of meditation and give a good try for several months. Chances are, you will better to be able to control the “reactive”nature of your mind, and make better responses.
OM! Namaste!
Coach Richie Perl
