MIND-BODY HEALING FOR CHRONIC PAIN
a holistic approach to pain & stress management

This new weekly gathering offers participants a dual objective:

- An opportunity for people living with chronic pain and other ongoing illnesses to share struggles, successes and concerns in a confidential, compassionate setting.

- Individualized, gentle yoga instruction and therapeutic breathwork for pain and stress relief.

Each meeting is divided into two segments. The evening begins with a support group where members openly discuss an assortment of issues. After a short break, the group transitions into personalized, relaxing yoga instruction providing a healing mind-body experience for all.

When:

Wednesday evenings 6 – 8 PM

This group meets weekly

Where:

The Lotus Center of Ann Arbor

Cost:

$15 per session*

*A 10 fee for those who choose to attend ONLY one hour of the group (either the support group OR the gentle yoga instruction).

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that will allow you to move without restriction

Facilitated by:

Jody Kohn, M.S.W., M.A. (Support Group)

Janine Polley, R.N., R.Y.T. (Yoga Instruction)

Information and Registration:

Jody – seekinghealth@comcast.net or (734) 646-9690

Janine – jdpolley@comcast.net or (734) 747-9635

About the group’s facilitators:

Jody Kohn holds two Masters Degrees – Social Work (M.S.W.) and Guidance and Counseling (M.A.). She is a local psychotherapist, in private practice, and has many years experience working with chronic pain and chronic illness-related physical and mental health issues. Additionally, Jody has been living with chronic pain, after severe injury, for more than 25 years. Her experience as patient and healer uniquely qualify her to facilitate this holistically-oriented support group.

Jody is a Michigan State Leader for The American Pain Foundation Action Network – http://www.painfoundation.org/

Janine Polley is a Registered Nurse (R.N.) and Registered Yoga Instructor (R.Y.T.). Janine has needed to re-align her work and life activities to accommodate ongoing challenges after being diagnosed with a debilitating chronic illness. While searching for pain relief she began to integrate Yoga into her daily routine. Having found respite from her pain, along with countless other benefits in her own Yoga practice, Janine ventured on a new path and trained to become a Yoga instructor. As a Yoga teacher she adds her many years of experience as an R.N. to bring the benefits of Yoga to others with chronic pain and illness.

Testimonial:

I find that Jody’s Chronic Pain Support Group is a safe, caring place to share challenges and triumphs while giving and receiving information and support. Jody is a compassionate and skilled facilitator who keeps the discussion lively and pertinent. Best of all, I feel understood and accepted, which is helping me understand and accept myself. I love this group! — Lori

Initially, I was very resistant to yoga, due to years of chronic pain. The first time I tried it, Yoga for Chronic Pain was a confidence-boosting revelation, mainly because of Janine’s gentle, individualized approach. I am able to do much more than I ever realized. Each week, I see progress, which is something I never thought would happen. After class, my spirit is uplifted, and my body actually feels good! — Lori

Beginning Yoga for Women
A Six-Part Hatha Yoga Series
Sundays: March 14, 21, 28; April 11, 18, 25
4:00-5:00PM

Register for this six-part series of yoga classes designed to comfortably, casually, and informatively cover fundamental principles and poses (asanas) of the hatha yoga tradition.

Mats, blankets, and props are provided. Please dress comfortably, bring a water bottle, and refrain from eating an hour before class.

This class will be slow-flow in its pace, although beginners and intermediate students alike will find it soothing, educational, flexibility- and strength-building.

Register for the six classes at a discounted rate of $50. Drop-ins welcome ($10/class). To register, or for more information, contact Heather at gemrising@gmail.com.

Maximum: 8 students

Instructor: Heather Higdon, Certified Massage Therapist and Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher

Title: Open Meditation
Description: Two twenty-minute mindfulness meditation sittings. Facilitated by Ann Arbor Open Meditation Group. Class is open to the public – drop ins welcome.

FEE: donations welcome
Start Time: 19:00
Date: 2009-12-17
End Time: 20:30

Welcome to our new blog!  We encourage all people to post comments, any questions or responses.  We are really excited about this new feature as it will allow for interaction with our community and a way for us to share our passion with you for what we do.

For those of us who are not familiar with who we are or what we do, let us summarize here.  We are a group of experienced practitioners, highly committed to bringing you quality care in every aspect of your life, from physical to emotional well-being. We hope to develop ongoing partnerships with you to help resolve any issues that may impede with your ability to fully rejoice in your life.

Please participate with us, to explore all aspects of healing from questions about certain modalities to varying conditions to mere philosophy.  We want to hear from you!  And be sure to check back here frequently for new posts.

Welcome to our Blog! Content coming shortly.