Online Mind-Body Programs & Webinars

For Patients, Caregivers and the Public

Free Online Mind-Body Programs Extended to August 31, 2023

With generous donor support, patients, caregivers, and the public can access subsidized online programs through the Centre for Health Innovation. These programs include online gentle yoga, meditation, mindfulness, QiGong, Head Start for breast cancer, Inspire Now for lung cancer, and support groups for those living with cancer. Thank you!

Guided Meditation for Troubled Times

The rhythms of our everyday lives have been shattered. This is really hard, and we all need support right now. These online guided meditation sessions, led by certified yoga therapist Lisa Paterson are provided to support participants reaching a space of calm and equanimity.

Open to: ALL – patients and all members of the community
Facilitated by: Lisa Paterson (M.Ed., ERYT-500, C-IAYT)
When: Thursdays from 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM;
Where: Online with Zoom
Cost: FREE

The registration process now runs through Lisa's portal. Need some help? Watch this video.

Gentle Yoga

A gentle yoga class originally designed by Anne Pitman for people facing cancer. Everyone is welcome! This class is slow and gentle and keeps in mind pics/ports/surgical sites, BUT you will be ultimately following your own body and be responsible for the safety of your own movement. Folks with chronic lymphedema should keep in mind the cumulative effects of weekly exercise, and might choose to be still and imagine some movements. Please note: this class is not yoga therapy.

Important note: If you would like one-on-one advice with regard to yoga or an at-home program, please contact the Centre for a Yoga Therapy appointment - available online!

Open to: ALL - Patients and members of the community
Facilitated by: Lisa Paterson (M.Ed., ERYT-500, C-IAYT)
When: Fridays from 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Where: Online with Zoom
Cost: FREE

The registration process now runs through Lisa's portal. Need some help? Watch this video.

Consciously Creating Calmness

During this time of physical distancing there is increasing interest in creating a sense of personal calmness, mindfulness and being mindful.

• Gain control of your emotions - both positive and negative
• Retrain your mind to think and respond more positively
• Reduce stress and create a sense of balance
• Calm your mind and let go of unhealthy thoughts
• Feel good about yourself and others

Facilitated by: Mindset Cultivator, Moira Hutchison
When: Every Tuesday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Where: Online with Zoom
Cost: FREE

QiGong with Moira Hutchison

QiGong harmonises, strengthens, and has a healing effect on the functioning of all the internal organs and bodily systems. It increases the supply and flow of energy throughout the body, can have a variety of rejuvenating effects and is believed to increase longevity, and it induces calm mental and emotional states.

QiGong can be so enriching that it can form a vital part of your lifestyle. Benefits include:

Better sleep
Reduced symptoms of stress
Better circulation (of Qi, blood and the lymphatic system.)
Improved balance
Improved posture
Greater core strength and flexibility

Facilitated by: QiGong Instructor, Moira Hutchison
When: Every Tuesday from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Online with Zoom
Cost: FREE

Watch Moira's QiGong video demonstration

Living With Uncertainty Support Group

Jennifer Turner is very committed to providing group work for cancer patients who are challenged to learn to live with uncertainty, and in the spaces between all the disruptions and fear that a cancer diagnosis creates. When people are able to gather and share these feelings and experiences - community is created and people feel less isolated. Often patients feel pressured by well-meaning loved ones to be “positive” at all times. It is important to have a guided and supported place where everyone “gets it”and genuine growth can occur.

Open to: ALL – patients at the CHI (and those not patients of the CHI) and their caregivers
Facilitated by: Jennifer Turner, Psychotherapist
When: Every Second Monday from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Where: Online with Zoom
Cost: FREE

Head Start Program for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer

Head Start is an empowerment program for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer to help women feel less alone and confused, and better prepared for what lies ahead. Head Start’s combination of support, empowerment, and hands-on lifestyle modifications covers topics including: cancer navigation, integrative cancer therapies, mind-body techniques and coping tools.

Open to: Women recently diagnosed with breast cancer (do not have to be patients of the Centre)
Facilitated by: Anne Pitman (M.Sc., EYRT-500, C- IAYT)
When: May 4 - June 8, 9:30AM - 12:00PM
Where: Online with Zoom
Cost: FREE
Registration deadline: April 24, 2023

DOWNLOAD Program Details

Inspire Now Program for those living with lung cancer

People with lung cancer may have physical and emotional concerns such as fatigue, shortness of breath, worry, pain, sadness, and may experience stigma. Additionally, they often have the desire to learn what they can do to support their health. Inspire Now aims to help people with these unique concerns through the support of a warm and caring group setting.

Open to: Anyone living with lung cancer (do not have to be patients of the Centre)
Facilitated by: Anne Pitman (M.Sc., EYRT-500, C- IAYT)
When: May 4 - June 8, 2:00PM - 4:30PM
Where: Online with Zoom
Cost: FREE
Registration deadline: April 24, 2023

DOWNLOAD Program Details