Mindfulness can be a powerful tool to manage the stress that can accompany a life with and after cancer. To assist cancer patients and their caregivers in developing mindfulness tools, the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program will offer no-cost virtual sessions that teach mind and body approaches to coping with cancer.
These sessions begin July 14 with a virtual offering from 12:45 to 1:30 p.m. Additional sessions continue at the same time every second and fourth Wednesday beginning August 11.
These mindfulness sessions allow participants to practice present moment awareness by focusing on one of seven essential attitudes for mindfulness practice: 1) non-judging, 2) patience, 3) beginner’s mind, 4) trust, 5) non-striving, 6) acceptance, and 7) letting go. Through the focus on the breath and the present moment, patients and their caregivers will learn to discover ways to find within themselves the ability to respond, rather than react to life’s stressors.
Developing a mindfulness practice has been shown to assist people with finding increased happiness, joy and meaning in their lives while also providing an increased ability to cope more effectively with stressful situations.
Registration is required. E-mail Tracy.Berger@duke.edu or call 919.681.6835 to sign up.
This program is funded by the Duke Raleigh Hospital Guild.
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