If Joan of Arc Had Cancer: Finding Courage, Faith, and Healing from History's Most Inspirational Woman Warrior

by Janet Lynn Roseman, PhD

Overview

Reclaim Inner Strength, Courage, and Faith Joan of Arc, the fourteenth-century teenager who led the armies of France before facing the Inquisition, stands as the quintessential icon of feminine courage and faith. These are the attributes most needed by women facing a diagnosis of cancer or any life-threatening disease. Drawing directly from the words Joan spoke at her trial, author Janet Lynn Roseman presents thirty-one Flames of Courage and thirty-one Gateways to be used over the course of a month or a year to resurrect inner fortitude and create an environment for healing. Her approach encompasses body, mind, and spirit and will help you access and reclaim your personal power to find healing and peace in your journey. “Instead of discovering on our own how to survive when confronted by a life-threatening illness, why not learn from those who have preceded us and made the wisdom of survivor behavior available to us all? Janet Lynn Roseman’s book shares that wisdom, which I know from experience, and speaks the truth. Survivors’ stories, and the wisdom of the sages, all have common themes. Read Janet’s and Joan of Arc’s wisdom and let it guide you on your journey through life.” — Dr. Bernie S. Siegel, author of The Art of Healing and Love, Medicine, and Miracles “As an advocate working in the cancer world after my own diagnosis, which, happily, was twenty years ago, I know very well how important the mind-body connection can be. I yearned for happy, healthy role models when I was dealing with the disease. In that moment, a book like If Joan of Arc Had Cancer would have been a wondrous gift to me. Sadly millions of us each year will hear the words ‘You have cancer.’ This book will make that journey so much easier.” — Ann Fonfa, president (volunteer), The Annie Appleseed Project

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781608683192
Publisher:	New World Library
Publication date:	02/16/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Janet Lynn Roseman, PhD, is a medical educator and teacher. She created the Sidney Project in Spirituality and Medicine and Compassionate Care™, a program for physicians to help improve the medical culture. She teaches arts-based workshops for oncology patients and healthcare professionals and lives in Boca Raton, Florida.

Read an Excerpt

If Joan of Arc Had Cancer

Finding Courage, Faith, and Healing from History's Most Inspirational Woman Warrior

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By Janet Lynn Roseman

New World Library

Copyright © 2015 Janet Lynn Roseman
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-60868-319-2

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CHAPTER 1

Flame of Courage 1

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VALOR

Among the definitions of valor are "boldness," "determination in facing great danger (especially in battle)," and "heroic courage." Valor is derived from the Latin word valere, meaning "to be of worth" or "to be strong." The definitions of both valor and its Latin root are personified in the life of Joan of Arc. Her remarkable courage is well documented in books and films, and resides in the words she spoke on her own behalf during her trial. She succeeded in crowning a king, defeating the English troops in battle, and lifting the spirits of her people when all hope was lost. You are being reminded today that Joan's valor is available to you. No matter what is happening during your cancer journey, you are being told directly that you too can call upon your own internal "remarkable courage" that you may have forgotten but that dwells inside you. You only have to resurrect that memory.

TRIAL

One of Joan's prized possessions was the sword that she carried with her into battle. The story of how she received that sword is just as magical as her military abilities. She was literally led by her Divine voices to the discovery of the sword — a sword that no one knew existed — inside the Church of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois. The sword had added meaning for her because Saint Catherine was one of her trusted voices. She told Charles VII, the future king of France, that it would be found lying by the altar. He sent for it, and the sword was found in the exact spot where she claimed it would be. The rusted sword with five crosses engraved on it was given to her, as a gift, for her first battle at Orléans. This was the first time Joan had even seen a sword, much less used one. No doubt the churchmen who discovered the sword were just as startled to find the rusty weapon as she was to receive it.

JOAN SAID

"It was not very deeply buried underground, behind the altar. Just after the sword was found the men of the church gave it a good rubbing and thereupon the rust fell off without effort."

MESSAGE

Remind yourself of a situation in your life when you exhibited valor. It doesn't make a difference if this happened last week or many, many years ago. Make a list of the times when you felt full of valor. Ask yourself the following questions:

Who were the characters in your drama?

How did your body feel when it was full of valor?

How did you feel emotionally?

How long has it been since you felt like this?

Write down the small steps you can take to honor, preserve, and revive those moments of valor in your life now. Dust off your memory and let the rust fall off so you can use that wisdom now.

MEDITATION

Close your eyes. Think about the word valor. Let any images that occur to you arise, and simply watch them appear before you in your mind's eye. Direct your intention clearly and affirm that you wish to receive your truth about the word valor from Joan of Arc, a message that speaks to your own life at this time. You may see a symbol or image, or receive words or a message. Document everything you saw or experienced in the pages of your journal so that you will have an important and revelatory record for further reflection.

CHAPTER 2

Flame of Courage 2

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PATIENCE

There is a prevailing belief that "patience is a virtue" and that if you don't possess this quality, somehow you are misbehaving. But patience is not always a virtue. Unless you have experienced what it is like to wait, you can't really understand the depths of frustration it can cause. Spending hours in the waiting room for a doctor's appointment (or a meeting with a healthcare professional), waiting for the results of medical tests and procedures, or waiting for a report that will shed light on your medical challenges and subsequent treatments will test anyone's patience. You know the difficulties. But do you really need to be patient?

Scrutinize your situation. Try to understand if your impatience is truly serving you. Is your impatience justified? This is key. Ask yourself the following questions to find out whether your impatience is a hindrance or a benefit:

Could there be any complications you aren't aware of (records sent out of state, a second review of tests, physicians out of town)?

What is a reasonable time frame?

How long have you been waiting for a return call?

If you are waiting for your appointment in the aptly called "waiting room," you have the right to ask how late your healthcare provider is running that day and whether you can return at another time. If it has been more than a half hour, don't hesitate to ask when you can expect to see your provider.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Realize that your time is valuable and that you cannot be expected to wait for hours on end without any information. Patience takes practice, but be clear whether you are feeling virtuous or your patience is making you a victim.

TRIAL

Joan ventured through enemy territory on horseback for 375 miles from the town of Vaucouleurs to Chinon, where the future deposed king, Charles, lived in exile. He was a "king" the French people had little faith in; Joan was the only person who believed in his destiny, a destiny the messages from her voices had revealed to her. Charles was twenty-six years old, emotionally unstable, and struggling with his mother's claim that he was illegitimate. Just as Joan was about to meet with the dauphin (as she called him), the first of many cross-examinations began. Theologians who were part of his entourage asked her to produce a "sign" from God. Joan was not only fatigued by her long journey; she was also frustrated by the lack of faith the supporters of King Charles showed in her claims.

JOAN SAID

"By the name of God, I haven't come to give signs. Lead me and I will show you the sign for which I have come."

MESSAGE

Sometimes you need to assert yourself and claim your answers! Don't back down or let other people intimidate you. Search for the specific information that will help you in your medical journey. Ask questions and demand answers. Time is of the utmost importance, and I truly understand that struggle. I want you to take control as much as you possibly can, as I did.

MEDITATION

Close your eyes. Take a few moments to think about what the word patience means to you. Notice how similar it is to the word patient. What images, symbols, memories occur to you? Write them down or draw the images.

When you feel this exercise is complete, take some time to examine the material that has come forward in the meditation and allow this information to reveal any insights.

CHAPTER 3

Flame of Courage 3

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SURRENDER

The wide array of sometimes forbidden emotions that arrive and depart and return again can create emotional chaos that is not helpful to you. Second-guessing yourself, self-blame, or playing the "What if?" game has no value to you and is simply destructive. Period. You are being reminded that the more you can allow yourself to surrender and remove these wounding patterns, the more opportunity you have to invite peace of mind into your life. Give yourself permission to surrender your self-doubts completely.

TRIAL

For six days in 1430, Joan learned from her voices that she would be taken prisoner. "My voices told me that I would be captured, that it had to be so, that I should not be amazed but that I should take it favorably."

MESSAGE

Surrender is not an act of self-defeat, and it can be an act of peace — emotional peace — for yourself. Although you may be enveloped by fearful thoughts, you can use your own will to choose to surrender to the "what is" at this moment in your life. Surrender, my dear friend, knowing that you can resurrect yourself emotionally and physically when you are feeling stronger. The act of surrendering can be very empowering and can also provide you with greater insight. How would it feel if you surrendered all of it? Can you relinquish your doubts to trust your healing process?

MEDITATION

Close your eyes and think about what surrender means to you. Does it have a particular texture? A color? A shape or size? Is it located within your body? In what area do you find it? Can you pay attention to its message? Ask yourself if you are ready to surrender to what is occurring in your life.

When you have received your personal message of surrender, you will create a words-of-power statement. A words-of-power statement is akin to an affirmation. It is a series of words, or a single word, that has particular meaning and personal power for your life at this time. Below you will find some words-of-power statements written by other women.

"I surrender my challenges, knowing that I will be safe and protected at all times."

"Although I am terrified of what will happen next, I surrender to my higher wisdom."

"Surrender offers me the opportunity to accept my challenges and to live my life as I see fit."

Feel free to adopt any of these statements until you create your own words-of-power statement.

CHAPTER 4

Flame of Courage 4

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PRAYER

Choose a form of prayer for your healing. Prayer is a deeply personal choice, and it is important to honor your personal beliefs about prayer. For some women, traditional prayers from their respective religions are powerful; for others, spiritual prayers do not have a religious connection. The invocation of prayer can be practiced in various locations — a traditional religious setting (such as a church, temple, or mosque), a beautiful garden, a mountaintop, or the privacy of your own bedroom. Painting, dancing, walking — these activities are also prayers if you intend them to be. You may choose to recite prayers from sacred texts or from literary texts you love. You can also create your own prayers, using words that have a particular resonance for you, perhaps the name of a loved one whose heart you hold. The form of prayer you choose must speak to you authentically if it is going to have any personal value. Schedule your prayer ritual during a time of day or night when you are sure you won't be disturbed. Write it down so it becomes an important part of your daily schedule.

TRIAL

When Joan was asked during her trial what words she used when she prayed, she answered, "I beg Our Lord and Our Lady to send me counsel and help and they send it to me."

MESSAGE

Whenever I was confused or scared, I invoked the power of prayer to help me. I didn't know how to lead a military battle or command an army of men. I was terrified. I didn't know what words to speak at my trial, and I prayed so I could hear my voices and listen to their advice. I needed to receive the comfort of their words. I was only a young girl, and I knew that I needed Divine guidance. I could not have accomplished any of these feats without this guidance. You can access Divine guidance for help. Guidance was always provided to me, even when I felt emotionally drained. It will be provided to you as well. I invite you to choose a prayer ritual that you can commit to each day as I did.

MEDITATION

When you think about the word prayer, what images come to mind? You may recall your childhood place of worship or a place that currently holds sacred meaning for you. If you aren't feeling well enough to travel to a particular location, that is fine; you don't need to go to a particular setting for sacred guidance. Joan received her visions while she was in prison, hardly a setting that you would imagine offering spiritual direction. She received guidance everywhere — in prison, on the battlefield, and at the end of her life — and so can you. Know that in your meditation, you can create your own sanctuary of prayerful healing, and remember that you can return to this interior place of solace whenever you wish.

CHAPTER 5

Flame of Courage 5

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QUIET YOUR MIND

The healing attributes of meditation are well established, and it is no wonder that meditation has been an integral part of the world's spiritual practices. The purpose of meditation is to allow yourself to quiet your mind's frantic thoughts so that you can access a higher wisdom, a wisdom that you possess. Dedicate ten to twenty minutes each day to a meditation practice. Grant yourself the opportunity to become still, clear your mind, and breathe. Pay attention to each breath and release all thoughts of the day. With practice, you will find yourself calmer and better equipped to handle each day's challenges.

TRIAL

During Joan's eight-month prison sentence, she was shackled to her bed at night and forced to wear leg irons during the day. It is extraordinary that, in such extreme circumstances, she had the emotional fortitude to make spiritual contact with the voices she trusted so much. But she did. During her hundreds of spiritual encounters, she received the guidance she needed. It is reassuring that even Joan of Arc admitted she did not know what the next step in her life would be, and she accepted that. She used her prayer meditations to help her through her battles, both on the military fields and while she was imprisoned by English soldiers. Remarkably, through her meditations, she always found a way to create the sacred space she needed, and you can create that same sacred space.

MESSAGE

I was often surrounded by the peculiarities and ugliness of war. I always made time to pray, to meditate, to make contact with my voices. It was this inner world that provided me the strength and courage to go on, even when I often didn't know how. I could not connect with the voices until I was still and quiet, and this form of meditation offered me great peace and comfort, especially when I was alone and scared. Practice quieting your mind so that you can have the tools to calm yourself and remove the fears that may be troubling you, to let the healing powers of the spiritual worlds enfold you.

MEDITATION

Close your eyes. Envision a ray of green light entering your body from the top of your head and let this gentle stream of light travel throughout your entire body. Allow the light to focus on the areas of your body that need special healing. Let this light linger and wrap around the areas that need the most attention. Take all the time you need.

When you are ready, let the green light pass through your body until it reaches the tips of your toes. When you are finished with this light meditation, invite (through your imagination) a vibrant stream of golden light to radiate around you. Let it enfold your body tightly like a well-worn and cozy blanket. You may feel tingling sensations in your body and a deeper sense of calm. Remind yourself that this beautiful blanket of golden light is available to you at all times.

CHAPTER 6

Flame of Courage 6

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TRUST

Trust your instincts. It is tempting to relinquish your self-trust when you are on a journey that is unfamiliar. Your medical journey is unknown and new terrain for you to travel; however, remember you have also had experiences in your life that were unknown and times when you didn't know where you were headed, but you arrived safely. If you choose to navigate this journey with trust — complete trust in yourself — you have the chance to slowly and effortlessly build a strong, unwavering foundation of emotional independence so that you can regain control during your life's challenges. Know that your instincts are intuitively based and can be trusted now and in the future. The more you live this feeling of trust, the easier it will be to rely on its wisdom. You will make the correct decisions. Trust that your journey can lead you through the process of deep self-discovery.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from If Joan of Arc Had Cancer by Janet Lynn Roseman. Copyright © 2015 Janet Lynn Roseman. Excerpted by permission of New World Library.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Contents

Introduction,
Why Joan of Arc?,
About Joan of Arc,
Finding Your Flame of Courage,
The Art of Wabi Sabi,
Guidance with Joan of Arc: How to Use This Book,
PART ONE THE FLAMES OF COURAGE ACTIVATED,
Flame of Courage 1: Valor,
Flame of Courage 2: Patience,
Flame of Courage 3: Surrender,
Flame of Courage 4: Prayer,
Flame of Courage 5: Quiet Your Mind,
Flame of Courage 6: Trust,
Flame of Courage 7: Strength,
Flame of Courage 8: Humor,
Flame of Courage 9: Courage,
Flame of Courage 10: Commemoration,
Flame of Courage 11: Wounding,
Flame of Courage 12: Divine Guides,
Flame of Courage 13: Voicing the Eyes' Wisdom,
Flame of Courage 14: Ethics,
Flame of Courage 15: Fear,
Flame of Courage 16: Will,
Flame of Courage 17: Clarity,
Flame of Courage 18: Personal Power,
Flame of Courage 19: Prioritize,
Flame of Courage 20: Victory Sponsor,
Flame of Courage 21: Gift of Tears,
Flame of Courage 22: Invite the Light,
Flame of Courage 23: Second Opinions,
Flame of Courage 24: Integrity Vows,
Flame of Courage 25: Make Sweeping Changes,
Flame of Courage 26: Nourish Yourself,
Flame of Courage 27: Secrets,
Flame of Courage 28: Army of Support,
Flame of Courage 29: Heart Remembering,
Flame of Courage 30: You Are a Heroine,
Flame of Courage 31: Create Your Own Mantra,
PART TWO GATEWAYS TO COURAGE WITH JOAN OF ARC,
Gateway 1: Valor,
Gateway 2: Patience,
Gateway 3: Surrender,
Gateway 4: Prayer,
Gateway 5: Quiet Your Mind,
Gateway 6: Trust,
Gateway 7: Strength,
Gateway 8: Humor,
Gateway 9: Courage,
Gateway 10: Commemoration,
Gateway 11: Wounding,
Gateway 12: Divine Guides,
Gateway 13: Voicing the Eyes' Wisdom,
Gateway 14: Ethics,
Gateway 15: Fear,
Gateway 16: Will,
Gateway 17: Clarity,
Gateway 18: Personal Power,
Gateway 19: Prioritize,
Gateway 20: Victory Sponsor,
Gateway 21: Gift of Tears,
Gateway 22: Invite the Light,
Gateway 23: Second Opinions,
Gateway 24: Integrity Vows,
Gateway 25: Make Sweeping Changes,
Gateway 26: Nourish Yourself,
Gateway 27: Secrets,
Gateway 28: Army of Support,
Gateway 29: Heart Remembering,
Gateway 30: You Are a Heroine,
Gateway 31: Create Your Own Mantra,
Afterword: Living Your Flame of Courage,
Acknowledgments,
Notes,
Resources,
About the Author,