This series of one-day programs focuses on special issues of living fully despite the physical, emotional and spiritual challenges of cancer. These programs are offered in response to requests by those who have previously attended other Harmony Hill cancer programs.

Registrants can sign up for one, two, or all three programs. Priority will be given to individuals who have previously attended a cancer retreat at Harmony Hill.

Other individuals with a cancer diagnosis can apply, and may be invited to participate if space is still available two weeks in advance of the program. They will also be asked to speak with the faculty prior to attending the workshop.

The programs are held at Harmony Hill's twelve-acre facility on Hood Canal, offering a tranquil retreat environment of gardens, nature trails, and spectacular mountain and water views.

Our cancer programs are designed to serve as supportive adjuncts to medical treatment, and do not provide medical care.

As with our weekend cancer retreats, this program is offered at no cost to participants. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of donors who make this, and all our cancer retreats, possible. Special thanks to the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation for helping to fund the "Thriving beyond Cancer" programs.

Harmony Hill's Cancer Program is supported in part by grants from the Heart and Soles Breast Cancer Foundation of Tacoma, and the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation.

Caregivers and companions of those with cancer can experience emotional exhaustion, guilt, and burnout as a result of their non-stop caregiving responsibilities, and this can also leave the person with cancer feeling helpless and uncomfortable. This program invites both caregivers and those with a cancer diagnosis to look at the gifts and challenges of this vital but sometimes stressful relationship.

Separate group time for caregivers and those with cancer will allow each group to address their unique issues; the whole group will explore ways to create compassion and balance in the midst of treatment and the other stresses that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. Participants will enhance their understanding of each other's particular challenges, and learn about helpful resources and tools.

Caregivers, companions and individuals with cancer are invited to attend this workshop together or alone.

Thriving in Uncertainty
Monday, April 28, 2008, 10am-4pm

Life after a cancer diagnosis is graduate training in living in Mystery! Nowhere has it been proven, though, that a rich life cannot exist in the presence of deep uncertainty. Learn how befriending the unknown can be the entryway into living a full, wise, and passionate life. Receive tools for turning uncertainty into possibility and adventure.

Grief & Loss
Monday July 21, 2008, 10am - 4pm

Receiving and living with a cancer diagnosis can spark intense feelings of sadness and grief. These painful emotions may stem from a multitude of losses encountered on the healing journey. Although these feelings can be distressing, with support, expression, and meaning-making, one can more easily integrate and accept loss and grief. Come enrich your healing path by spending a day with your heart at this one-day transformative retreat.

Loving Yourself through Cancer
Monday, October 6, 2008, 10am-4pm

Dealing with cancer can strain your connection with your body and your heart--just when you most need to take good care of yourself. It can feel like your body has betrayed you by having such a difficult illness, and it can seem impossible to return to enjoying your body again. It's good to take time to remember (or discover) what is nuturing for you.

In this mini-retreat we will explore several ways to affirm and deepen your sense of wholeness and pleasure in your body, mind, heart and spirit. You will experience:

• a guided self-blessing
• guided massage for sharing with others and for yourself (you'll discover how nice your touch feels!)
• imagery to connect with your inner wisdom

You will leave with several techniques to use at home on your own. These practices can be especially helpful at transition points in cancer: at diagnosis or if there's a recurrence, during tiring treatments, at the end of treatment when you might feel set adrift without regular appointments, or times when you just feel so tired you don't know how to do everything you need to do.

A CD will be available for purchase that will guide you through each of the retreat's experiences.

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