Informed by Cancer: Yoga Therapy to Support the Lived Experience of Cancer

“Anne creates a space and practice for conversations dealing with ongoing processing of  cancer diagnosis, treatment, healing, grief, fear of reoccurrence and, importantly, how to support ourselves and loved ones experiences at our own pace.” – past participant

Cancer changes us. It is, in itself, a full-time job: the immediate flurry of tests and difficult decisions as well as having to navigate unexpected side effects of treatment. Family, friends and caregivers are also impacted; differently, but significantly. In the rush and mayhem, little room or time can be given to curiosity, wondering, or slow reflection. Surprisingly, the end of active in-hospital treatment, once longed for, can be strangely lonely. Where did everyone (friends, doctors, nurses, therapists, well-wishers) go? How can we integrate the cancer experience, grief included? How do we come back to the body after this profound experience? What is this “more time” for?

With yoga therapy as a guide, we will practice a holistic, gentle and inquiry-based approach to the lived experience, and turn toward the felt impact of cancer’s travails with compassion and wonderment. Generous listening, to ourselves and each other, begins an embodied practice to consider the lingering shock of diagnosis, unacknowledged anxiety or trauma, persistent discomfort and the fear of recurrence. Explore and curate a do-able, accessible safe and individualized breath, yoga and meditation practice to continue at home. Share with others the willingness to find steadiness, compassion and deep humanity amongst future uncertainty, while planting yourselves more firmly in the joy of the present moment.

“Anne Pitman is a skilled woman with deep wisdom. She speaks passionately and with knowledge on both the science and spirit of Yoga Therapy. Through her decade of working with us, she has run innovative programming at the OICC and has gently cared for our patients throughout the trajectory of their time with cancer. Attend Informed by Cancer – your heart is in good and tender hands.”– Dugald Seely, ND., M.Sc, Founder and Director of the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre/ Centre for Health Innovation

This program is designed for:

• Patients in treatment
• Patients post-treatment
• Individuals living with chronic or metastatic cancer
• Partners of those with cancer
• Adult family members affected by cancer
• Caregivers involved in cancer care
• Health care providers specializing in cancer care
• Anyone seeking respite and reflection on the cancer care continuum

Optional one-on-one calls with the presenter will be offered before the retreat in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable space for all participants. Yoga practice will be accessible to all levels and experience. No previous yoga practice is required.

Program Highlights

• Listen: Strengthen generous listening to self and others, enhancing empathy, compassion and connection through shared experience.
• Notice: Your own body’s response and cues to access subtle, mindful movement and holistic embodiment.
• Navigate Lived Cancer Experiences: Learn ways to accompany cancer’s emotional aftermath, including diagnosis shock, trauma and fear of recurrence.
• Tend to Grief: Widen the scope of grief as a skill, hear unspoken fears and develop informed resilience in the face of future uncertainties.
• Honour Your Nervous System’s Patterns: Acknowledge the intelligence of your nervous system, returning fight, flight or freeze to as-needed protection, and introduce novel practice to widen options of response.
• Cultivate Authenticity Rather than False Positivity: Honour a full range of human emotions, and listen well to unheard body stories.
• Understand Lymphatic Health: Delve into the lymphatic system’s role in recovery, recuperation and ongoing health
• Consider Research: Look at current scientific research on living well with cancer, employing lifestyle changes, mindful movement, breath and meditation to reduce fatigue, anxiety and systemic inflammation
• Receive 1:1 attention: Meet with Anne privately to receive personalized guidance in cultivating a sustainable and enjoyable home practice

Daily Schedule

A detailed schedule will be available at least 2 weeks in advance of the program. View sample schedule here.

Group bookings are available, we are offering a 10% tuition discount if you attend with a group of 3 or more. Please contact us for more information.

Anne Yoga rolling from Noah Davidson Film on Vimeo.