Our society encourages us to push ourselves to achieve, regardless of the stress on our body and spirit.
When we are chronically ill, we need to learn exactly the opposite. This is what the Buddha taught - taking things slowly; looking after ourself with kindness; befriending our body; finding delight and satisfaction in our own company when we are isolated by illness; making space for rest and healing; living with physical pain and depression in a self-caring way; learning to let go of hopes and fears, and find happiness in the present without worrying about future or past; valuing ourselves just as we are, regardless of whether we have achieved great things in the world, or what people think of us.
A group of people with M.E. have been working for many years with Dido in England.
An article by Dido on meditation and chronic illness can found at:
Free your mind - Dido Dunlop explains how learning to relax can improve your quality of life
For further information contact Dido Dunlop at dido@wisebirds.org