submitted by Beth Donovan Hospice
Now, more than ever, people are longing for connection, comfort and a sense of community. At Beth Donovan Hospice we are striving to grow our “Network of Support” by offering a variety of complimentary programs throughout the remainder of 2021. These programs will aim to support this need for connection and will be available for clients, family, caregivers, volunteers, and our greater North Grenville community.
A bit about the programs: Throughout the months of May and June, clients and volunteers of Beth Donovan Hospice will be participating in a ‘Reflective Writing’ group. This program is being offered online through Zoom with the hope for safer days ahead when the group can be held on the Beth Donovan Hospice grounds. This 8-week program is taught by Amy Tibben, a former English teacher who believes in the importance of self-expression and creative outlets for everyone. The participants will learn to process thoughts, beliefs, and emotions through reflective writing.
In June and July, you may wish to join us for “Calm in the Midst of Uncertainty: A Meditation Series”. Meditation is a simple practice available to all, which can reduce stress, increase calmness and clarity, and promote happiness. Allow Peggy Vandervoort and Tina Gasser, community hospice volunteers, to guide you along this 8-week Zoom series and introduce you to the meditation practice. Their goal will be to start you on a path toward greater peace, acceptance, and joy. Contact Peggy at peggy.vandervoort@bethdonovanhospice.ca to register and obtain the zoom link.
Do you enjoy the calm and gentle stretch of yoga? Yoga offers a combination of physical and mental exercises that for thousands of years have proven beneficial for all who have tried it. Yoga has the power to calm the mind and strengthen the body. When Covid-19 restrictions allow, Tania, a Hospice volunteer, PSW and yoga instructor will guide you through weekly chair yoga sessions in the Hospice’s backyard. Stay tuned for future dates and details.
Do you love to read and are you often seeking people to share your reading experiences with? You might want to consider joining our Book Club. The Hospice’s book club meets via Zoom or face to face when safe to do so, every other month. This program offers a great way to meet new people, connect with others through the love of books, and to make new friends with common interests. For more details and to join, please call Beth Donovan Hospice at 613-258-9611 or email bdh@bethdonovanhospice.ca .
Have you ever walked a labyrinth? It has no tricks to it and no dead ends. Unlike a maze where you may feel lost, the labyrinth can help you find your way. A labyrinth is a complex path that leads from a beginning point to a center and it combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. It can represent a journey to our own center and back again out into the world and has long been used as a meditation tool. Thanks to a dedicated and imaginative group of volunteers and staff, and Kemptville Fencing and Decks, a circular healing garden with paths leading into a treed labyrinth are being created at the Hospice. We are eager to have you enjoy this safe, accessible, outdoor space where you can run, dance, sit, meditate, pray, and play. Some of you may come with questions, others to just slow down and take time out from a busy life. Some may come to find strength to take the next step, and many may come during times of grief and loss. We look forward to inviting you in the coming months to see and experience this unique and evolving space; one where you can simply relax and be present.
These programs could not be possible without the dedication, creativity, and kindness of the Beth Donovan Hospice volunteers. Perhaps joining the Hospice as a volunteer would help you find the connection, comfort, and sense of community you are longing for? For more information about volunteering or getting involved, please visit our website at www.bethdonovanhospice.ca or call 613-258-9611.
