Snip, Surrender, Shine: A Ritual in Resilience with Stacy Conlon
Stacy Conlon was diagnosed at 42 with Stage Ib lobular breast cancer. Stacy is a certified mindfulness meditation facilitator and Reiki energy healer.
Subscribe and Listen On…
Embracing Ritual
In a world moving at lightning speed, where the demands of daily life often overshadow our need for intentional moments, there’s something profoundly inspiring about carving out space for ceremony and reflection. Stacy Conlon’s story, shared on a recent episode of The Burn, highlights the transformative power of ritual in navigating the challenges of life—specifically her journey through breast cancer.
Stacy, a mindfulness meditation facilitator and Reiki healer, was diagnosed with stage Ib hormone-positive lobular breast cancer at 42. Her journey, though marked by physical and emotional pain, is also one of profound healing and personal growth. Through rituals and intentional acts, Stacey reframed her cancer experience, allowing it to transform her perception of herself and her connection to others.
Snip, Surrender, Shine
Stacy’s story begins with her decision to hold a haircutting ceremony before starting chemotherapy. Surrounded by close friends and family—both in person and virtually—she transformed the impending loss of her hair into an act of agency and spiritual renewal.
In a room filled with the soothing scent of sage and the loving presence of her “spiritual sisters” and husband, Stacy’s long hair, a symbol of identity and femininity, was cut away. Each snip became a symbolic release of fear, control, and ego attachments. As her husband completed the ritual by shaving her head, Stacy felt a profound sense of liberation and clarity.
This act wasn’t just about letting go of hair; it was about stepping into a new chapter with grace and resilience. Stacy’s words capture the depth of her transformation: “It wasn’t just hair that grew back. It was my entire sense of self.”
Rituals of Transition
Stacy’s journey didn’t stop with her haircutting ceremony. She ritualized other pivotal moments, such as her mastectomy and the completion of her cancer treatment.
Before her mastectomy, Stacy held a private, intimate ceremony with her partner to honor and say goodbye to her breast. After receiving her implant, she held another ritual to welcome this new part of herself. These acts of mindfulness allowed her to process grief and embrace her evolving body with acceptance.
Later, when her treatments concluded, Stacy gathered her community once more for a closure ceremony. Under the branches of an oak tree, she marked the end of her cancer journey and the beginning of a new chapter. This act of collective witnessing provided a sense of finality and celebration, allowing her to move forward with intention and hope.
Resilience: A Journey, Not a Trophy
Stacy’s perspective on resilience offers a refreshing take on a concept often romanticized in our culture. Instead of viewing resilience as an obligatory badge of honor, Stacy sees it as the ability to remain present, to navigate life’s challenges with gratitude and authenticity.
For Stacy, resilience isn’t about suppressing emotions or rushing through grief—it’s about welcoming every feeling and honoring each stage of life’s journey. Her experiences remind us that resilience can coexist with vulnerability and that healing is an ongoing process.
Stacy’s story is a testament to the power of slowing down, embracing impermanence, and transforming loss into a source of strength. It reminds us that even in life’s darkest moments, there’s an opportunity for profound growth and connection.
So, to anyone standing at a crossroads, remember: what might feel like an ending could be the gateway to a more radiant version of yourself. Let Stacy’s journey inspire you to embrace change with courage and celebrate the resilience that shines within.
Writing Prompt Inspired by Today’s Episode
This prompt comes straight from April and Stacy’s conversation.
What I know about resilience is …
Set your timer for eight minutes. Write without stopping and see what needs to come out when you free yourself from that inner editor.
If you find that you write best with a good prompt, check out our free prompts and learn about our writing workshops.
Happy writing! Until next time, take good care.
More From The Burn
