Discovering a Path to Rest: ANITA Strategies and Prayer Lead to a Midnight Miracle
Returning to ANITA Strategies
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On Tuesday, October 14th, I completed my third and final chemotherapy session. By the end of the day, I felt completely exhausted, but I held onto a sense of hope. I had recently discovered that turning my head to the side while swallowing was helping to alleviate my phlegm issue, which offered some relief.
However, the challenge of getting quality sleep still loomed large. Having struggled through five consecutive nights of poor sleep, I realized that I urgently needed a new approach. My previous strategy involved stacking a wedge and multiple pillows to prop myself upright in bed, hoping this would prevent phlegm from collecting at the back of my throat. Unfortunately, this tactic was not providing the restful sleep I needed.
Returning to ANITA Strategies
Determined to find a solution, I decided to revisit some of the ANITA approaches that had been helpful in the past. I began by tuning into my body, embracing a practice that Coach Tina had encouraged—being present, staying curious, and asking myself, "What do I need right now?" This self-inquiry led me first to a jaw release exercise taught by Coach Marlene. The technique involves clasping my hands together in a semi-prayer position and shaking them up and down in front of my body. This movement aims to release tension in my jaw, neck, and shoulders through my arms.
Next, I put on my Buyko Belt, which wraps snugly around my diaphragm and helps direct my focus to diaphragmatic breathing. Drawing upon deeper breathing exercises I learned from my yoga instructor, Matthew, I took time to slow my breath and center myself. I also practiced the "triple warmer smoothie," an energy medicine exercise introduced to me by a former client, Cathy, which helps calm the body's fight, flight, or freeze response. I find this routine particularly relaxing.
To further prepare for sleep, I spent five minutes practicing the "breathing light for sleep" exercise from the Oxygen Advantage App. This technique involves creating a gentle sense of air hunger, which has proven effective in helping me fall asleep.
The Power of Prayer and a Simple Change
After completing these routines, I began praying the Lord’s Prayer aloud several times, asking specifically for a good night’s rest. At that moment, I was still sitting up in bed, surrounded by my usual stack of pillows. Then, I had another idea: perhaps I should abandon the wedge and extra pillows and try sleeping with just my regular two-pillow setup. To my surprise, this simple change made all the difference. I fell asleep, woke at 2:00 AM with a dry mouth and some pain, addressed those symptoms, and then returned to bed—ultimately sleeping until 9:30 in the morning. That night felt like a true miracle, and I was elated to finally experience restful sleep again.
Lasting Relief and Gratitude
Curious whether this was a one-time occurrence, I followed the same winddown routine with the ANITA strategies the next night. Much to my delight, it worked again. I am now able to sleep, and this improvement has had a profoundly positive effect on everything else in my life. I am deeply grateful to all the coaches who have taught me these valuable new strategies and approaches.
