Mindfulness's Irony: Why 'Take a Deep Breath' Is Not Comfort

In many meditation practices — including those recommended by BC Cancer — the focus is on the breath. The guidance usually goes something like: “Feel your lungs expand and contract with ease as the warm air enters, moves through, and gently exits your body.”

The problem is, some of us don’t breathe so effortlessly. Sometimes, breathing comes with effort — or with coughing. I don’t expect traditional meditation techniques to change, but perhaps those suggested by cancer care programs could be more mindful of the largest group of cancer patients — those with lung cancer — and consider skipping the breath-focused imagery.

This morning, someone in the People Living with Metastatic Cancer channel posted the attached picture. She’s a lovely person, and I understand the sentiment — the metaphor of breath as life. But maybe it’s worth reminding the broader community that for lung cancer patients, “breathing” can be a loaded word.

I sense a need for a dedicated meditation app in the lung cancer community.

I asked our support group, "Am I being oversensitive?"

Claire wrote:
No you are not being over sensitive - I have felt the same way in guided meditations when they talk about filling your lungs with air... it made me feel uncomfortable. I think having lung cancer is really hard because it's so connected to breathing and we are all so conscious of this on a daily basis in whatever form that might take. I certainly think about it often when I exert myself physically.

PD wrote:

Luc-sometimes i cough when i breathe, sometimes i hear that gawd awful wheeze, on some days i just breathe-but i continue to breathe…I think we can become very sensitive when we fear that our breath is being taken away ❤️

Wendy wrote:

I also feel this @Luc Isaak.  Ever since I can remember, I have always had a fear of not being able to breath, that something would happen to me and that is how I will die.  I feel uncomfortable when breath work, or breathing is referenced, it triggers that fear back to the forefront of my mind, even if just for a second or two I feel it.

Denise R wrote:

I have to say regarding breath work, now that the pleural effusion has subsided I do breath well and enjoy breath work. However, this doesn’t mean I do not empathize with those that do have difficulty. I know there will come a time that it is difficult for me to breathe. Especially with the lack of care at BC Cancer. I’m sorry but i have never really had a cough. Only when the pleural effusion was so bad that when I lay down I would cough.

Denise V wrote:

I actually appreciate the breathing cues.  I find I don’t breathe and feel like I’m holding my breath, esp if I’m in a crowded room (protective of my lungs).    I think, like exercise, we have to find our own rhythm and limits.

Angus wrote:

I used a meditation app (calm) for a long time to relax. But the constant focus on breath with my pleural effusion is too much. It's when I sit up that I have to cough a few times