On this World Cancer Day, the Princess of Wales has reminded the world of the power of resilience, joy, and nature in taking care of our health. Recently in remission from cancer, the much-admired royal took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message:
“Don’t forget to nurture all that which lies beyond the disease.”
The post was accompanied by a striking photograph, taken by her 6-year-old son, Prince Louis. In the image, the Princess stands in a wintry, but sun-filled, forest, arms wide open, embracing the vastness of the outdoors and the life it symbolizes.
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This simple yet profound moment captured by a child speaks volumes. It’s a celebration of hope, recovery, and the beauty of stepping beyond the shadows of illness to find joy in life’s simple gifts.
Nature as a balm for the soul
The Princess’s choice to highlight nature is no accident. For centuries, people have turned to the natural world for comfort and renewal. The great outdoors offers a chance to reconnect — not just with the Earth, but with ourselves and with God, the one who created all that beauty.
For Catholics, nature holds spiritual significance. Pope Francis himself highlights this in Laudato Si', his encyclical on the environment, calling nature "a magnificent book in which God speaks to us and grants us a glimpse of his infinite beauty and goodness.” Forests, rivers, and mountains offer spaces of reflection, where the noise of everyday life fades away and a sense of peace can take hold.
The Princess’s photograph evokes this same openness to wonder and awe — a reminder that life, in all its fragility and strength, is a gift.
Lessons beyond the disease
The Princess's words, “Don’t forget to nurture all that which lies beyond the disease,” hold wisdom for anyone facing adversity. While illness can often become an all-consuming force, it’s essential to remember that healing extends beyond the physical body. Cultivating joy, love, and purpose is just as crucial.
Nature provides a fertile ground for this kind of nurturing. Whether it's a simple walk through a forest, the sound of birdsong, or the feeling of sunlight on your face, these small moments remind us of life’s beauty and resilience.
A family embracing the moment
Importantly, the fact that the Princess’s photograph was taken by her young son, Prince Louis, adds a truly touching element to this story. Children, with their unfiltered curiosity and joy, often lead adults back to the beauty of the present moment. For a family that has faced the challenges of illness, this simple act of capturing joy speaks to the strength found in love and connection.
As the world marks another World Cancer Day, the Princess’s message serves as a beacon of hope. Her story reminds us all to embrace life fully, to find solace in nature, and to nurture the parts of ourselves that lie beyond pain or hardship.
As the striking verse reminds us: “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” Perhaps today is the perfect day to turn that page — whether through a walk in the woods, a moment of reflection, or simply by opening our arms to the joy that lies ahead.
Our continued prayers to all those affected by cancer.
