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Like the unfolding of flower petals, the Mind-Body Skills Group opened my mind and I bloomed! As a group we created a circle of trust, and felt secure and comforted to share our thoughts honestly and openly with each other. This one aspect of communicating with both sincerity and compassion carries over into every relationship you have. I find myself becoming even more empathetic and understanding of each person I meet.
I truly can say the Mind-Body Skills Group has encouraged me to live a more meaningful life and to create a life bursting with joy!
This class plants seeds of hope and you find yourself bringing forth flowers that were hiding at the bottom of your heart. You will discover the importance of taking time to nourish and care for yourself. Not only that, you will learn techniques to uproot the weeds and other entanglements in your life that hold you down. The Mind/Body class is one of the best things you can do for your own self-growth and overall improvement of the quality of your life.
Hollie Walker
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I have become humbled, helped, encouraged and filled with hope. I have healed, and have endured more than I thought that I could. I know that I am not alone and that I have many kindred spirits with whom I can share and care about.
I have surrendered my doubts and despair only to receive the assurance of acceptance and hope. I am empowered and have witnessed this also in the lives of others. Becoming a part of a dynamic group focusing on health and healing has become a conduit of good medicine for my mind, body and soul. The experience continues to be a true channel of blessings to me and to those my life touches.
Maria Joye
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Participating in the Mind-Body Skills Group at Spartanburg Regional ranks as one of the most interesting and significant experiences of my life. The different techniques and skills learned through this process continue to help in dealing with the stresses of everyday life and in living a healthier life in general.
The sharing and trust that was created among the twelve of us in such a short time was critical to the success of the program. These new friends continue to inspire me and enrich my life.
The class has been an intense journey of self-discovery and growth, which has helped to center me and create a more positive direction.
C.B.
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I am new to breast cancer as a patient even though my career is deeply entrenched in cancer treatment. I have a strong science background and have always loved to learn more regarding the biology of this disease.
I learned that I needed more than science to cope with my new challenge. My breast cancer was early, but nevertheless, an event in my life. Coping, sharing, and accepting the changes that ensued were monumental in my life. I am single, sole provider and like the rest of us, trying to survive in a downturned economy and rising healthcare costs.
Anxiety and sleeplessness were my companions while I tried to make the right decisions and keep my head afloat professionally and financially. I share all of this to preface the need for another dimension of care. I would also add that I looked “in control” but was crumbling inside and scared.
The program helped me to learn other strategies and disciplines to incorporate in my own armamentarium. I exercise regularly but my mind needed outlets that exercise couldn’t always aide, particularly when you there are physical limitations during illness. I learned breathing techniques that seemed simple but I hadn’t used them before. Art therapy was particularly revealing even with my limited ability. Communicating with the group and moderators was probably the single most important aspect of this program. I learned to trust the moderators, and loved their energy, knowledge and commitment to all of us. Empathy and support were shared continuously. I learned how to be open to other avenues for stress and relaxation.
Sharing with others was a hallmark. I cried helplessly one day after describing a few pictures I had drawn about my life (before and after cancer). My pictures helped me understand that I was grieving. I historically was the professional that was ‘in control’ but this time, it seemed ‘ok’ to not ‘have the answers’ and ‘be afraid’. I will never forget that evening when I cried. I can only hope I was there for others in the same way they have been there for me.
I wish all cancer survivors could experience the support I felt. My ‘spirit’ is richer, broader and braver because of this program and the leaders that have developed it.
Gina Franco