BODY AND SOUL


All of us who have experienced a life threatening illness know that our spirits need replenishing when we are struggling to cope with the effects of treatment. Here are some activities that others have used to lift their spirits, relax their minds and reintegrate their bodies.

Dragon Boating

The Avalon Dragons

Breast cancer survivors across Canada have embraced dragon boat racing with a passion. There's something about the combination of discipline, camaraderie, exercise and fun that makes for  powerful medicine.

And now there's a team in Newfoundland and Labrador called the Avalon Dragons. But this isn't just another group of boaters - this is the first breast cancer team in Canada to build their own boat! And, as of September 2008, she's in the water and ready to race!

Belly Dance

OhMaya Bellydance

OhMaya's bellydance troupe has created a fusion of traditional Middle Eastern and Western dance movements, costumes and musical selections. Perhaps you have seen them perform at a past Annual Breast Cancer Retreat - they'll be back this year for the retreat in Gander.

Beginner and intermediate classes are offered across the St. John's region.

Labyrinths in Newfoundland and Labrador

Waterford Hospital, St. John's

A labyrinth is a single linear path that meanders and winds in a ritualistic manner to provide the experience of a walking meditation. It is a place for introspection and prayer.

The Waterford Labyrinth is located at the Waterford Hospital, Waterford Bridge Road, St. John's. It is open to the public each Wednesday at noon; those interested in visiting may call 777-3545 in advance to schedule a viewing.

If you know of other labyrinths in Newfoundland and Labrador, please contact us.

Yoga

Alive With Yoga

Judy Power, certified Kripalu Yoga and holistic health instructor
234 Portugal Cove Road, St. John's
contact: (709) 754-2425
jyogapower@yahoo.ca
alivewithyoga.ca

Judy leads a gentle session called "Nuturing Your Spirit," designed to support those living with cancer, as well as other yoga classes. She is a practitioner of several other holistic modalities including wave work, healing touch and energy medicine.

Dance Studio East and Yoga Centre

2-81 Conception Bay Highway, Conception Bay South
Contact: (709) 834-3499

Kathy Breen, Yoga Instructor

Portugal Cove, NL
For more information, contact Kathy at (709) 773-0465

The Lotus Centre

52 Prescott Street, St. John's, NL
Meranda Squires, yoga instructor
Contact: 709-739-4429
info@thelotuscentre.ca
thelotuscentre.ca

Nova Yoga Studio

125 Long’s Hill, St. John’s, NL
Melanie Caines, yoga instructor
Contact: (709) 743-8303
mcaines@gmail.com
novayogaonline.com

Melanie Caines offers Vinyasa (flow) yoga classes of varying intensity.

Shakti Yoga

Bobby Bessey, Prenatal and Hatha Yoga Classes
East End, St. John's
Contact: (709) 697-4331
info@shaktiyoga.ca
shaktiyoga.ca

Yoga for Healing - Healing Body, Mind and Spirit

Janice Skiffington, certified yoga instructor
(709) 237-3689
spirityoga@live.com
www.geocities.com/yoga_jan/

Classes for February 5 to March 26, 2009
Thursday evenings: 7:45 to 9:00 pm
MoMaVie Centre: 2nd Floor of the Boathouse at Quidi Vidi Lake
10 Clancy Drive, St. John's

  • class will be suitable for those who are new to yoga and also those who want to deepen their yoga practice
  • $80 for 8-week session: $13 for drop-in
  • bring your own mat and water

Note: The current session is full, but please contact Janice if you want to be added to the waiting list or are interested in registering for the next session starting in April, 2009.

Yoga Lifestyles

Geraldine Parsons, Heritage Health Centre
47 Leslie Street, St. John's
Contact: (709) 579-7069
Relaxation and meditation techniques, yoga instruction.

The Yoga Room

1 Prospect Street, St. John's
Contact (709) 739-9642 for more information.

Iyengar traditon, general and gentle yoga for new and experienced students. Morning, evening and weekend classes available.

Newfoundland and Labrador's Annual Breast Cancer Retreat

This annual event brings women from across the province together to share a special weekend of learning and healing. Many activities focus on tending the spirit and feeding the soul. Not to be missed!

For more information, contact the Canadian Cancer Society in your area or visit our Annual Retreat page.