Tag: Mindfulness

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link for the course, please complete the application below. If you have any questions, please email programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Phebe Duff and Sondra Albert, E-RYT 500

offered in partnership with Wellness House of Annapolis

This program is being offered virtually over 8 weeks from Thursday, September 21 through November 9 from 4:00-6:30pm ET. The program also includes a mini virtual retreat on Saturday, October 28 from 9:00am-12:00pm. We ask that participants commit to attending all sessions including the mini-retreat. Limited space available.

In order to participate please complete the brief application below. If you have questions please email programs@smithcenter.org.

We are asking participants to contribute toward their participation in this program, however, we do not want cost to be a barrier to anyone in accessing this program. As such, we are encouraging each person to choose to contribute a one-time amount between $25 to $150 that feels comfortable for you based on your own personal income circumstances. If you have any questions, please contact us, we are happy to discuss any additional issues privately.

Are you at a tipping point, overwhelmed by the stress of our fast-paced lives?

Are you experiencing life events affecting your physical, psychological or emotional wellbeing?

Are you just looking for a way to get your life back into balance?

The good news is that you already have the resources you need to come back to health and wellbeing. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training can help you reconnect to those inner resources. Even if you’ve never heard of mindfulness or have never meditated, MBSR can teach you these skills.

This interactive, experiential course runs for 8 weeks and includes:

  • Guided instruction in mindfulness meditation practices
  • Gentle stretching and mindful yoga
  • Small and large group discussions
  • Daily home practice assignments
  • A three-hour mini-retreat of uninterrupted practice on Saturday, October 28

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness. MBSR has over 25 years of peer-reviewed research covering a wide variety of physical and mental health issues. It is the most scientifically researched and validated mindfulness program and is used in clinical and non-clinical settings worldwide.

What are the benefits of MBSR?

Mindfulness is the practice of present moment, non-judgmental awareness of one’s life experience. Through the use of mind/body techniques, one begins to relate to the stress and anxiety in life differently in ways that allow for more creative solutions and possibilities.

It can help you:

  • Improve focus and concentration
  • Improve mind-body awareness
  • Reduce reactivity and increase calm
  • Support better behavioral choices and Improve the ability to handle the ups and downs of life
  • Feel kinder to yourself and others
  • Improve relationships
  • Experience more positive emotions
  • Start or restart a meditation practice

TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FOR THE COURSE, CLICK <HERE>

About Phebe Duff

Phebe Duff is a long-time meditator and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) facilitator. She completed the Community Dharma Leader program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA and the Dharmacharya program offered by the Venerable Pannavati at Heartwood Refuge in Hendersonville, NC. Phebe has facilitated MBSR courses for a wide variety of populations since 2005. Since retiring after a 30+ year career in human resources and as a professional musician, Phebe has taught meditation and MBSR for Wellness House of Annapolis, a cancer support organization providing various kinds of emotional and other support services to people recently diagnosed with cancer or living
with cancer, family members and caregivers of cancer patients and people who have lost a loved one to cancer. Working with the cancer community and sharing the practices of meditation and mindfulness to support their healing journey has been the best experience of her teaching career.

About Sondra Albert

Sondra is an Experienced Certified Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500) trained at Kripalu Center for yoga and health, and Flow Yoga in Washington DC.  She has been practicing yoga for almost 30 years and teaching for over 13 years.  She is a three-time cancer survivor and has firsthand experience with the healing power of mindful movement and meditation.

She is certified to teach yoga to special populations from Kripalu Yoga center and kids from Circle Yoga in Washington DC. She also participated in the Year of Living Mindfully (YLM10) directed by Jonathan Foust.  She is also certified to teach Trauma Sensitive yoga from Lisa Danylchuk. She is currently finishing the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certificate Program led by Tara Brach and Jack Kornfeld.

Sondra runs a weekly mindful movement and meditation group for young adults with brain tumors and their parents.  She volunteers teaching gentle yoga at the Annapolis Wellness house.  She also volunteers her time in the summer teaching yoga and mindfulness to kids and young adults with cancer at Camp Mak-A-Dream in Gold Creek, Montana.  Sondra also teaches weekly yoga classes on zoom.

Sondra has two teenage children and lives in Bethesda with her husband and her rescue puppy.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Jessica Gelfarb, MSW, LICSW & Sara Richman, LICSW

Developing mindfulness skills can help combat stress, anxiety, and uncertainty in everyday life. Join us for regular sessions to help you better understand and transform your mind.

 

All experience levels are welcome to attend! Open to patients, survivors, caregivers, medical professionals and the community. This group welcomes all levels, including those who have not tried Mindfulness and Meditation before.

 

The group is hosted by and offered in partnership with the GW Cancer Center.

GW Cancer Center Meditation and Mindfulness

The Mindfulness & Meditation Group meets twice a month on Wednesdays from 2:00-2:30pm ET.

About Jessica Gelfarb, MSW, LICSW

Jessica Gelfarb

Jessica is a licensed clinical social worker who has experience working with patients and families facing a range of medical diagnoses in both inpatient and outpatient settings.  She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from University of Michigan and her masters degree in social work from University of Maryland with a focus on clinical and medical social work. Jessica recently joined the team at the George Washington University  cancer center as an oncology social worker. Prior to her role at GW Jessica worked extensively with organ transplant patients at Medstar Georgetown Transplant Institute and co-led the institute’s transplant support group. She has also spent time working on cardiology and intensive care units throughout her career.  Jessica initially became interested in pursuing oncology social work after attending the Association of Oncology Social Work’s annual conference a number of years ago as well as observing first- hand the widespread impact that cancer has on so many individuals and families.   She is passionate about partnering with patients in order to provide psychosocial and emotional support as they navigate their diagnosis and treatment. 

About Sara Richman, LICSW

Sara Richman, LICSW is a licensed and certified oncology clinical social worker (OSW-C). She received her masters in social work (MSW) at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. Prior to working at GW, Sara was an oncology clinical social worker at MedStar Washington Hospital Center where she worked with all types of blood cancers and disorders.

This program has been cancelled. In order to participate in the regularly scheduled  Outside the Lines session taking place instead, please email programs@smithcenter.org.

with Renee Sandell, PhD

Join us in-person for Outside the Lines with a guest artist.

Develop your innate creative skills in this hands-on workshop that uses Marking & Mapping® to discover your “visual voice” as you engage in visual meditation and warm-up exercises. Have fun making playful marks using art tools that help you create a “spiritual” life map of your virtues and intentions. You will be encouraged to use meaningful words, images, and events that hold significance to you. The act of mapping out your thoughts visually can be a transformative experience, allowing you to see patterns, connections, and themes in your life that might have gone unnoticed. The process can be both eye-opening and cathartic, leading to new insights and a deeper understanding of your inner self. No previous art experience needed. Join us and surprise yourself!

Outside the Lines is held Bi-Monthly on Wednesdays from 10:30am – 12:00pm. The Social Hour sessions will only run from 10:30-11:30am. 

Suggested Donation: $15

Our programs are open to the community, and tailored to meet the needs of people affected by cancer. Classes and workshops are free or low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis, ensuring that our programs are accessible to everyone.

Address:

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts

1632 U Street NW

Washington, DC 20009

For those who haven’t been to Smith Center before, Smith Center is a 15-minute walk from both the Metro Red Line (Dupont Circle) or Green Line (U Street Cardozo). For those driving, there is On-street, two-hour metered parking on U St and two-hour, non-metered parking in the surrounding neighborhood.

About Renee Sandell

Renee Sandell

Renee Sandell’s art, teaching, and research focus on Visual Fitness 4 All: Engaging Creativity and Insight® for EVERYONE. Renee is founder/director of the expeditionary, museum-based SummerVision DC Program, which she designed and has delivered for the National Art Education Association (NAEA) for 10 years since 2010. Previously Professor of Art Education at George Mason University (2004-2014) and at Maryland Institute College of Art (1990-2003), she is co-author of two books on gender issues and has published numerous articles, book chapters and art curricula. Winner of the 2019 Lowenfeld Award, Sandell was recognized as 2015-2016 Distinguished Lecturer in Art Education at Miami University and 2013 NAEA National Art Educator. Renee has received numerous awards for her leadership and scholarship on her Form+Theme+Context (FTC)® and her Marking & Mapping®, an accessible form of visual meaning-making. Sandell’s Visual Fitness 4 All® for Engaging Creativity and Insight® workshops are designed to nurture envisioning skills for individuals within professional development programs, organizations, health spas, businesses, and other venues. She has been offering Art & Virtues workshops since early in the Pandemic. Renee’s Smithsonian Associates studio courses include: “Curating a Life: Art as Memoir,” Seeing More: Art, Virtues, and Our Lives, and Visual Journaling: Creativity Workshop.

Learn more about Renee’s teaching at www.visualfitness4all.com Renee’s artwork includes artistic installations of multi-media markings on paper, board, and silk, to explore the human condition in time, space, and place. To learn more about Renee’s artwork, visit her website www.reneesandellart.com

Visual Fitness 4 ALL

*Before registering for this group, please be sure that you can commit to attending at least 7 of the 8 sessions. If you have any questions and to register, please email olivia@smithcenter.org.

with Erin Price, LICSW, OSW-C and Sara Field, LICSW, OSW-C

offered in partnership with Ourisman Breast Center at MedStar Georgetown

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Survivors

Meaning-Centered Group for Cancer Survivors Group*

Meaning-Centered Group is largely based on the work of existential psychiatrist Viktor E. Frankl and was developed for those facing illness. Meaning-Centered Group aims to decrease feelings of sadness and increase hope by teaching participants how to focus on creating, experiencing, and keeping a sense of meaning in life. Research shows that MCG is very helpful to those who have experienced cancer. During this 8-session weekly group, participants will learn:

  • To cope better by finding and creating a sense of meaning and purpose in life.
  • How sources of meaning can be used to help you during hard times. 
  • New ways to face and overcome the challenges caused by your illness. 

MCG is meant to help participants look for meaning in their past, present, future and everyday life through teaching, answering questions together, doing homework assignments, and discussions with the group. MCG helps participants use meaning in life to gain a greater sense of purpose. 

This group is meant for Cancer Survivors finished with their main treatments or those living with metastatic disease.

This program is provided thanks to generous funding from The Washington Home and offered in partnership between Smith Center for Healing and the Arts & the Ourisman Breast Center at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

Meaning-Centered Group for Cancer Survivors* will be offered as a closed group program from September 18th – November 20, 2023 (No sessions on 09/25 and 10/9) via Zoom. It will be offered for 8 weeks on Mondays from 2:30-4:00pm ET. 

*Registration will be closed at 10 participants. Before registering, be sure that you can commit to attending at least 7 of the 8 sessions.

Program Dates:

  • September 18
  • October 2, 16, 23 & 30
  • November 6, 13 & 20

About Erin Price, MSW, LICSW, OSW-C

Erin Price

Erin serves as Smith Center’s Director of Young Adult and Psychosocial Support Programs. She is trained in Integrative Patient Navigation, a Project LEAD graduate, and holds a Masters in Social Work. A seven-year breast cancer survivor, Erin is passionate about providing support and community to other cancer survivors, especially young adults. She works with Smith Center’s DC Young Adult Cancer Community and is also actively involved in the cancer community through Young Survival Coalition, Critical Mass, the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates, National Breast Cancer Coalition, and the DC Cancer Action Partnership.

About Sara Field, LICSW, OSW-C

Sara Field

Sara is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in DC and holds an Oncology Social Work certification. She earned her Masters Degree in Social Work at the Catholic University of America in DC and has worked in oncology for over 6 years. Sara currently serves as the Clinical Social Worker and Patient Experience Supervisor at the Ourisman Breast Center at MedStar Georgetown and previously worked  at the Lombardi Cancer Center and GW Cancer Center. Sara has a strong interest in the intersection of emotional and physical health and a particular passion for supporting parents with cancer and their kids.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Rachel Ress, MSW, LICSW

In Partnership with Cancer Support Community

Survivorship Support Group

This group is designed for cancer survivors who have completed their primary cancer treatment(s) and are now either post-treatment or on maintenance medication (such as hormonal therapy). Cancer can be emotionally and physically draining — many times we aren’t able to fully process the experience until after treatment is over and we are trying to get back to our “normal” lives. The struggle and expectation to find “normal” again can also be an overwhelming process. This group is a space where you can talk openly about these issues and process the trauma of cancer with other survivors.

The Survivorship Support Group will meet Monthly on the 2nd Tuesday from 6:30-8:00pm ET.

About Rachel Ress, MSW, LICSW

Rachel Ress

Rachel is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker serving as Cancer Support Community Washington DC’s (CSC DC) Community Navigator. Prior to working at CSC DC, Rachel was an oncology social worker with the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital for three years. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice where she interned at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Rachel uses an eclectic approach in providing support and compassion to cancer patients and their families, and she is passionate about the intersection of chronic illness and mental health.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Lauren Powell, RDN, LDN, GW Cancer Center

GW Cancer Center

GW Cancer Center Nutrition Club

Nutrition Club is a chance for patients, survivors, caregivers and providers to get together to discuss nutrition topics and learn more about how nutrition can play a role in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. It is hosted and offered in partnership with GW Cancer Center.

Nutrition Club will be hosted Monthly on the 1st Monday from 12-1pm ET.

About Lauren Powell, RDN, LDN

Lauren Powell

Lauren Powell (RDN, LDN) is a registered dietitian working in the DC area. She has served in many settings including food services, long-term care, rehab facilities, post-surgical, and intensive care units. While working at George Washington University Hospital she found her passion for Oncology Nutrition. She now works as the Dietitian for the GW Cancer Center helping to support the nutrition needs of those undergoing treatment and survivors.

About 2Unstoppable

2Unstoppable is a non-profit whose mission is to encourage and support exercise among women who have had a cancer diagnosis. Free online fitness buddy matching, oncology fitness resources, and community events at www.2unstoppable.org. Please visit https://2unstoppable.org/events/ for a list of upcoming events.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing olivia@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Linda Seabright

in partnership with Tigerlily Foundation

*Please note that by registering for this program, you consent to have your name and email shared with Tigerlily Foundation. Tigerlily only collects this information for data purposes and it will not be shared with any other parties.

Mindfulness is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) as it was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D.

Dr. Kabat-Zinn and his program were featured prominently in the award-winning PBS television series Healing and the Mind. The profound effects of this work have begun to be strongly supported by a large body of scientific research.

Specifically, mindfulness helps you access the ability to be non-judgmental, compassionate, patient, present and aware. You wouldn’t have come this far if these qualities did not exist in you somewhere. Possible benefits may be a greater sense of peace and well-being.

We will take a few moments to check into how we’re feeling in the beginning of the meditation and afterward. We’ll sit or lie comfortably and go through a slightly different guided meditation each week. No experience needed.

Being Together Mindfulness meets every other Monday from 12:00pm – 12:30pm ET.

Suggested Donation: $5/session

About Linda Seabright

Linda Seabright

 Linda Seabright has been teaching Mindfulness and Meditation since she completed her training in MBSR, or Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine in 2016. Linda is a life-long practitioner of yoga, a cancer survivor, and has studied expressive art therapy since 2010. Her passion  for artistic and musical expression have inspired her to bring the same dedication to her meditation teachings, bringing a wide array of experience to her practice. She also teaches trauma-based meditation to nonprofits and has developed a series of meditations to help bring peace and balance into people’s lives. More information at www.jazzmeditation.com.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing olivia@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Linda Seabright

in partnership with Tigerlily Foundation

*Please note that by registering for this program, you consent to have your name and email shared with Tigerlily Foundation. Tigerlily only collects this information for data purposes and it will not be shared with any other parties.

Mindfulness is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) as it was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D.

Dr. Kabat-Zinn and his program were featured prominently in the award-winning PBS television series Healing and the Mind. The profound effects of this work have begun to be strongly supported by a large body of scientific research.

Specifically, mindfulness helps you access the ability to be non-judgmental, compassionate, patient, present and aware. You wouldn’t have come this far if these qualities did not exist in you somewhere. Possible benefits may be a greater sense of peace and well-being.

We will take a few moments to check into how we’re feeling in the beginning of the meditation and afterward. We’ll sit or lie comfortably and go through a slightly different guided meditation each week. No experience needed.

Being Together Mindfulness meets every other Monday from 12:00pm – 12:30pm ET.

Suggested Donation: $5/session

About Linda Seabright

Linda Seabright

 Linda Seabright has been teaching Mindfulness and Meditation since she completed her training in MBSR, or Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine in 2016. Linda is a life-long practitioner of yoga, a cancer survivor, and has studied expressive art therapy since 2010. Her passion  for artistic and musical expression have inspired her to bring the same dedication to her meditation teachings, bringing a wide array of experience to her practice. She also teaches trauma-based meditation to nonprofits and has developed a series of meditations to help bring peace and balance into people’s lives. More information at www.jazzmeditation.com.

This program has been cancelled. Please email programs@smithcenter.org to learn more about other upcoming cooking programs.

With Chef Kara Garrett

We hope you can join Chef Kara as she returns for our first in-person cooking class in Smith Center’s Healing Kitchen in over 3 years! She is excited to be in the kitchen with you again.

As the weather starts to cool and fall sneaks upon us, many varieties of delicious apples are available in our area. Chef Kara will teach you about different common apple varieties and their versatility, and will share knife skills and cooking tips to boost nutrient intake without sacrificing flavor. Together, we will prepare a cancer-fighting, vegan meal of Curried Apple & Carrot Soup, Apple & Chickpea Salad, and Baked Apple Tarts. We will end class by enjoying our yummy lunch together and discussing any food challenges or questions. Please be sure to let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Address: 

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts

1632 U Street NW

Washington, DC 20009

Suggested Donation: $15

About Chef Kara Garrett

Kara Garrett Cancer Support Program Coordinator

Kara Garrett is a health-supportive chef based in Washington, DC. Following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2013, she embraced the challenge of finding a balance between her foodie lifestyle and eating well with cancer. Kara is a graduate of the Chef Training Program at Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC, trained under Chef Lillian Chou at The Ananda Ashram Yoga Society of New York, and completed a graduate certificate in Developing Healthy Communities: Nutrition, Behavior, and Physical Activity from Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She is passionate about working with others to encourage healthier food choices and develop sustainable food relationships that energize the body and the soul.

The date of the September session has been moved to 09/02. This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Denise Feldman

Stitching Together

Stitched Together

We’re all part of the same cloth…

Join us for a Stitching Circle! Denise Feldman, a local mixed-media artist and cancer thriver, hosts this monthly gathering in (virtual) community as we talk and stitch—a powerful meditative and healing practice. Gathering as many have done for centuries, Denise will share tips and ideas for using needle and thread to bring joy and creativity to our everyday lives. Use her ideas to jump start your own, or bring your favorite hand work projects and join us for community stitching time!

 

This community stitching circle is for you! For example, maybe you’ve been hand sewing for years; you might be interested in exploring the recent revival of the “slow-stitch” movement; maybe you are are a needle pointer with a project to finish. Or, you might simply enjoy the meditative nature of hand making with needle and thread.

 

You may consider bringing:

  • needles and thread,
  • an old pair of jeans or other clothing that was headed to charity,
  • left over fabric from another project,
  • or simply bring yourself for some (virtual) time in community.

Stitched Together will be offered Monthly on Saturdays 10:00 – 11:30am ET. 

Suggested Donation: $10

About Denise Feldman

Denise Feldman is a local mixed media artist who discovered the power of creativity as a healing practice after her treatment for breast cancer in 2014. As a creative ‘dabbler’ who loves working with various materials and surfaces, Denise shares her mixed media processes and soulful perspective with the hope of inspiring others to tell their stories ‘on and off the page’ and clear space for life’s chapters yet to come.

“My philosophy is simply that telling our stories helps us heal by giving us the space to process our own experiences and connect with each other. Getting our stories out from our hearts and our heads helps make room for the next chapter to happen…the one just waiting there in the wings.” ~Denise