Embracing Life with a Stoma: A Journey of Mindfulness and Compassion

10 months ago, I was fitted with a stoma bag following life-changing surgery. This was a result of my second cancer and I felt like my world had shifted once again. My body, which had already been through so much, now required me to completely re-evaluate how I saw myself, how I cared for myself, and how I approached my day-to-day life. In many ways, it felt like starting over. And during this physical and emotional upheaval, it was the resilience I developed through mindfulness and compassion that became my anchor.

Living with a stoma bag required me to assess how I treated myself on every level. My body had changed, and I knew that if I were to find peace in this new reality, I had to approach myself with a sense of curiosity rather than judgment. Mindfulness offered me a way to be with my body, to notice how I felt, and to tune in moment by moment. Compassion provided the lens through which I could soften the harsh edges of self-criticism that inevitably arose during this period of adjustment.

With the physical changes came chronic pain, something I had to learn to manage in a sustainable way. One of the most important shifts I made was learning to pace myself with compassion. Instead of pushing through or ignoring the signals my body was giving me, I began to listen deeply. My friend Tuula, a Pain Consultant from Finland, often comments on how deeply I take care of myself moment by moment. Seeing my approach, she now wants to follow in my footsteps and take this compassionate approach to her own life.

Rather than expecting dramatic transformations overnight, I focused on making very small, intentional changes. I began intermittent fasting, which felt right for my body’s healing needs, and incorporated daily yoga nidra and compassion practices to calm my nervous system and support rest. These practices, while seemingly small, have been immensely powerful. They offer me a way to nourish myself both physically and emotionally, helping me build resilience over time.

What continues to surprise me is the depth of enthusiasm I have for my work now. Mindfulness and compassion have supported me through some of my most challenging moments—during my time in the hospital, throughout my rehabilitation, and as I adjusted to this new body. They’ve allowed me to meet myself exactly where I am, to honour the truth of my experience without bypassing the hard stuff. And it is hard. Some days are incredibly difficult, but by infusing everything with kindness, I create a space where healing can unfold naturally.

Living with a stoma bag is not just a physical experience. There are deep psychological and emotional layers to navigate. The sense of impermanence that comes with life-threatening illness and major surgery is something I hold tenderly, along with the vulnerability that inevitably accompanies reaching out for support. I’ve learned to embrace my vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness, and to offer myself the same compassion I would offer a dear friend.

This journey is ongoing, and I know that there will be more challenges ahead. But with the resilience I have built through mindfulness and compassion, I have found a way to navigate this new chapter of my life. These practices have not only supported my healing—they have transformed my relationship with myself and how I move through the world.