Healing Program: Module 8
Caution: For those with weakened bones, primary brain tumour or metastasis involving the brain, please see your physician for permission before practicing Yoga.
Module 8 - Closing Circle
Gentle Yoga (30 min)
Spirituality Talk (24 min)
Home Program
Closing Circle (20 min)
Meditation – Basic Meditation (5 min)
Homework
Gentle Yoga
This light routine reinforces the power of relaxation and helps get you back into your body. It finishes with the ‘rain of loving kindness’ visualization.
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icon
Spirituality talk
This talk provides a secular way of nurturing your spiritual life and summarizes the healing approach of the weekend retreat.
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Spirituality Discussion
- Reflection – How do you experience spirituality in your life? (Warning for groups – no proselytizing. Share your personal views without trying to convince others that yours is the 'right' spiritual path.)
- How are you able to nurture your spiritual life on the cancer journey?
Write down your answers and share them.
Home Program
Exercise 1 – By Yourself
Reflection – Answer these questions in your journal:
- How do you experience spirituality in your life?
- How are you able to nurture your spiritual life on the cancer journey?
- In what ways have you learned to let go of trying to control what will happen next? Write examples of when you were able to accept the unfolding moment and when you were proactive.
- Are you able to graciously receive what others offer? Do you feel a sense of joy while giving? Write down examples.
- What is your unique way of accessing inner strength?
- What practices and life strategies have you found that help you to open to the possibilities of growth, love, wisdom and healing?
Exercise 2 – With Others
Discuss your answers to the above questions with at least one other person, or discuss them in a group, choosing a few of the questions that meant the most to you. It is important, when sharing your views and experiences about spirituality, that you make “I” statements and speak from personal experience. Remember, each person has their own unique ways of nurturing spirituality. We can strive to be curious about these differences, and not try to direct or convince others.
Press play on the DVD to finish this module.
Closing Circle
The participants share the insights they have gained and the transformation they have experienced during the weekend.
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Meditation – Basic Meditation
Parting Words
Completing the Healing Program is just a single step in the cancer journey. Rob and Tim encourage you to continue to practice the skills taught here and find other ways to nurture your growth and healing.
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Homework: Practice for the Future!
As you move on from this structured program, see if you can continue to practice some form of meditation every day. Practice the body scan, a sitting meditation guided by a CD, or meditate by yourself. If you like, you can do something more physical like yoga or Qi Gong. You can follow any of the meditations from the modules above, or any other meditation practice that works for you. Continue to explore contemplative practices by reading and talking with others. If you feel inclined, you can also seek out personal instruction in your local community from people with years of experience in meditation, Qi Gong or yoga.
Remember to be mindful in your everyday life. Be mindful of bodily sensations, thoughts and emotions, and attempt to cultivate curiosity and non-judgment of your life experience as it unfolds.
Continue to write in your journal, and reflect on what you are learning and the way you experience spirituality in your life on a day-to-day basis.
If you have been following this Healing Program with others, you may want to plan a potluck supper for the ninth week and review and practice the exercises you found most helpful. Take care.
