Workshops
Throughout the year, Breast Cancer Connections offers a variety of workshops. Whether you’re looking for introspective techniques or practical advice, join us for these free sessions. Friends and family members of BCC clients are also welcome to attend most of our workshops. Call the BCC Helpline for more information on the workshops that interest you.
Workshops
Reiki Clinic
Tuesday, May 29
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Reiki is a complementary healing method to help you achieve complete wellness. Tune up your energy to its healthiest state with Reiki, a safe and gentle form of energy healing that alleviates physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual stress.
Trauma can cause energy blockages. Based on the Reiki philosophy, the body is better able to heal itself when energy naturally flows through the body. A Reiki practitioner channels this universal life force energy by gently laying their hands on the blocked areas of the body, and facilitates the Reiki energy to flow and heal.
Make your appointment at (650) 326-6686.
Exploring the Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Wednesday, June 27
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Greta Macaire will teach you the latest research findings on the connection between inflammation and cancer. Find out simple diet and lifestyle steps you can take to prevent or reduce chronic inflammation.
Limited space. Call the Helpline at (650) 326-6686 to RSVP.
Discovering Complementary Therapies Day
Saturday, June 30
8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m
Our 6th annual event intends to inform, inspire, and connect those touched by breast cancer to different therapies that assist and complement treatment and healing.
2012 Program
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy – Alen & Letitia Heshmat, D.C.s
Herbs and Nutrition – Sue Kim, M.D., MS
Reiki – Rose Weinberg, Reiki Master
Tai Chi – Linda Adler, MPH, MA
In-home Spa – Kimberly Call, CCHT, CMT
Limited space. Call the Helpline at (650) 326-6686 to RSVP.
Writing through cancer: a writing workshop for breast cancer survivors
Second Wednesday
6:45 – 8:45 p.m
Writing together through breast cancer can help us make sense of our experiences, and a growing body of research confirms that expressing our thoughts and feelings through the written word may even help us heal. Whether you are new to writing or have written all your life, join us for this special, creative monthly gathering.
Write with us in a safe and supportive setting. We will explore the impact of cancer on our lives, expressing our unique voices as we honor what emerges on our journeys. Participants will receive prompts to write on, a period to write, and an opportunity to read and receive positive feedback on their writing. This is not a critique group. No prior writing experience necessary. Led by Ali Zidel-Meyers, MSW.
Call the Helpline at (650) 326-6686 to RSVP. You may attend any or all sessions.
Mindfulness meditation
First Tuesday
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
The essence of a mindfulness practice is to live more fully in the moment with awareness of body, breath, emotions, and thoughts without judgment. Mindfulness meditation is a tool to help us respond rather than react to our circumstances. The practices taught in this class help deal with anxiety, pain, relaxation, boost the immune system, normalize sleep, and deepen the joy of living. Led by Cheryl Branco, R.N.
Each session will address the basics of mindfulness, Delve into one topic for application of mindfulness in your life with suggestions for informal practices. Experience a guided mindfulness meditation. No meditation experience required yet these will be of benefit if you have a sitting practice.
Topics
January – Mindfulness and Healthy Pleasures
February – Mindfulness and the Body
March – Breathing Techniques in Mindfulness
April – Working with the Busy Mind
May – Mindfulness and Breast Cancer
June – Loving-Kindness Practice
Healthy steps
Fridays
8:30 – 9:30 a.m
Research shows that exercise is one of the best therapies for those undergoing cancer treatment or to help prevent recurrence. Exercise to upbeat music with the group and Susie Danzig, Healthy Steps instructor. Move at a pace that suits you. Bring a friend, too!
Healthy Steps employs movements using the entire body:
- Every session begins with warm-up exercises to open up the lymphatic system.
- Movements support immune system function, reduce scar restriction, and improve range of motion.
- Designed to stabilize weight, and improve balance and posture.
Call the Helpline at (650) 326-6686 to register.
Healing and guided imagery
First and third Wednesdays
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
In these popular sessions, medical hypnotherapist Mary Horngren, CMHt, guides you through deep relaxation techniques for mind and body, helping you to tap into your own healing powers and lower your stress level. Mary’s calming voice leads you to a quiet place within, fostering meditation and facilitating healing. Audio recordings of each session are available for checkout in our library. For more information, visit Mary’s website at www.maryhorngren.com.