Healing Garden Programs Winter/Spring 2008

New Programs

Empowering Self Healing
This spring Healing Garden therapist Fran Booth will team up with gifted yoga teacher, scientist, and Buddhist practitioner, Irina Dobrina, to gather a three week group to teach specific healing techniques from a variety of world spiritual traditions.  There will be exercises using sound, movement (Qigong), breath, and imagery, with the goal of providing practices for individuals to adapt to their own needs.  We will meet for three consecutive Wednesdays and we ask you to make a commitment to all three dates.  No charge for this class.  Call to register.  March 5th, 12th, and 19th from 12:45-2:15.     

Relax and Restore with Yoga
Janet Colantuono, RYT offers a balanced yoga practice that opens the body, and invites in strengthening, revitalizing, and soothing energy. Coupled with breathing and relaxation exercises, this class will help you let go of external distractions and introduce you to a yoga practice that you can bring home. Learn to connect with yourself and bring moments of ease and peace into each day.  Class will meet once per week, Friday mornings 9:30-10:45 am, for a 6 week series, $60 per series (sliding scale available).  Series one begins Jan. 18th, series two begins March 7th.  Please call to register.  Wear comfortable clothing, and bring your own mat. 

Handmade Cards 
Tactile fiber papers, painted papers, and found objects will enliven your senses as you design handmade cards.  Join Candace Anderson for a series of two workshops in which you will freely explore your creative spirit while designing cards.  Workshops will be process oriented, encouraging participants to embrace their own creativity as a tool for healing.  Bring paper scraps from previous workshops, if you have them.  Otherwise, materials will be provided. Limited to 10 participants.  Thursdays, January 24th and 31st, from 3 to 5 p.m. No charge for this class. Call to register. 

Watercolor Exploration
 Deepen your experience with watercolor painting, by composing and creating your own watercolor.  Candace Anderson will support participants as they create their paintings, using photos or chosen objects for visual reference.  Through immersion in the creative process, participants will find new ways to enliven their own healing capabilities.  Some watercolor experience is desirable. Wednesdays, February 6th, 13th, and 27th, from 3 to 5 p.m. Limited to 8 participants. Materials provided if needed.  No charge for this class. Call to register. 

Ongoing Programs

Exercise and Movement:  The LeBed Method
An effective therapeutic program of exercise and movement to music specifically designed for breast cancer survivors.  Developed to increase range of motion and to reduce and deter lymphedema.  This gentle class supports your healing process, whether you have recently had surgery or are a long term survivor.  Offered by Diane Ouellette, RN, CLMC.  6 week series starting Jan. 12th, Feb. 23rd, and April 5th.  Saturday mornings from 10-11 am.  Cost for each series is $60 (sliding scale available).  Diane will be offering a free demonstration class on Wednesday January 23rd at 12 pm at the Healing Garden.  Come and see how this program might work for you. Call to register. 

Healing Tapestry Workshop
 Design your own personal tapestry to explore and express healing inspirations. Using free-flowing watercolors and tactile fiber papers, each participant will be guided by Candace Anderson through a series of steps that will lead to the creation of an individual healing tapestry.  All materials will be provided.  No artistic experience is necessary – just come with an open heart.  Limited to 8 participants. A 5 week series on Thursday evenings from 6-8 pm, beginning March 6th.  No charge for this class.  Call to register.

Meditation and Imagery
Meditation and guided imagery offers people living with stress and illness an important tool in the promotion of health and well-being.  Drawing on the natural ability of the body to heal, you will learn and practice a variety of mind-body techniques that have proven extremely effective for enhancing health and well-being.  Offered by Fran Booth, LICSW, BCD.  February 27th from 12:30-2 pm.  No charge for this class.  Call to register. 

Drumming for Joy 
 Led by Healing Garden therapist Fran Booth and Jane Gossard, poet, drummer, and storyteller, this program will offer group drumming, sounding, and guided imagery to release the relaxation response, and to promote creativity, spirituality, community, exercise, and most importantly, fun.  This is an opportunity to quiet the mind, release tension, and experience joy.  Open to all, at any point in the journey of living with cancer and friends and family members.  No previous experience necessary.  Come with an open heart and mind.  No charge for this class.  Call to register.  May 21st from 4:30-6 pm. 

Upcoming Special Event

5th Annual Just ‘Cause Breast Cancer Walk
This grassroots 60 mile breast cancer walk will take place May 16-18th.  Started in 2003 by four friends of the Healing Garden, this event is the financial backbone of our center.  Last year 41 women raised $125,000 for the Garden.  This year on Saturday May 17th there will be an additional fun 3.5 mile walk for families, friends, and Healing Garden enthusiasts.  See www.justccausewalk.com for more information.