John Stoddard Cancer Center - Intro to Mindfulness

WHAT

This evidence based, non-clinical (i.e. not group therapy) course is designed to teach mind-body awareness, recognize and put to use our inner psychological resources to respond to toxic stress, increase stress hardiness, focus, creativity, regulate emotions, and allow a greater sense of self-care and well-being.

WHO

Cancer patients, survivors and caregivers

WHEN

April 30 - May 21, 2024

Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:30PM

** All sessions are required.

WHERE  

Central Fellowship Hall, Des Moines

COST

$30 deposit refunded after completion of course (scholarships may be available)

If you are a cancer patient, survivor or caregiver, register by calling 515-241-8505. Registration is required and space is limited. Please read through the entire course material before registering: Intro to Mindfulness | From Within Wellness Questions: Email Allison at allisonpeet@gmail.com

About the Instructor

Allison Peet is a certified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Instructor trained at UMass Center for Mindfulness, founded by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD and the Mindfulness Center at Brown University. She is trained through Mindful Schools and is a certified Buteyko Breathing Method coach and registered yoga instructor (RYT200). She’s taught since 2015 and hundreds have graduated from her MBSR program. Based on a pre and post self-evaluation, 80% of grads lowered their perceived stress, and reduced stress levels an average of 34%. Allison completes multiple week-long silent meditation retreats and has a regular practice. The cultivation of mindfulness transformed her relationship with stress and anxiety which motivated her to start her own business in 2015, From Within Wellness, to benefit others. She is committed to creating a more mindful community by helping people develop pragmatic life skills in attentional strength, present moment awareness, self-compassion, and stress resiliency.

Scientific Research on Mindfulness

Mindfulness Reduces Stress (2010)

"A study conducted by Britta Holzel at Massachusetts General Hospital, and published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, finds that mindfulness-based stress reduction can lead to structural changes in the amygdala, a brain structure that plays a crucial role in stress responses.” Vol. 5, Issue 1: Pg 11-17

Mindfulness May Keep Brains Young (2009)

A study by Dr. Eileen Luders at UCLA School of Medicine, published in Neurolmage, shows that long-term mindfulness practitioners have greater brain volume, stronger neural connections, and less atrophy than non-practitioners. This suggests mindfulness may keep brains young and even help prevent dementia.” Vol 45, Issue 3, Apil 15, 2009: Pg 672-678