by Chris Kupka

‘Embracing the Mystery: Using Mind/Body Fitness Along the Path of Wellness’ was the theme of BCAM’s annual Workshop for members and friends which was held at 5035 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West on October 31, 2009.

To set the theme of the program and in honour of long-time BCAM member and supporter, Judit Felligi, who had passed away recently, Board member Deena Dlusy-Apel read a poem, “Choices”, written by Judit.

Chris Kupka introduced guest speaker Susan Tardif, Certified Mind/Body Specialist and former coordinator of the exercise program at Hope and Cope’s Wellness Centre. Susanincorporates various modalities such as yoga, mind/body awareness, breathwork, mindfulness meditation, cardiovascular and resistance training, and lifestyle coaching into her work with individuals and small groups.

After explaining to the audience how she came to be involved with cancer patients and guiding them in movement, Susan encouraged the participants, who were seated in a circle, to define what “wellness” meant to them. As individuals in the group identified several concepts, Susan discussed the meaning and relevance of each. This led to an interesting exchange of ideas within the group.

Susan then described how functional training (adapting or developing exercises that allow individuals to perform routine daily activities more easily and without injury) can be of value as part of an exercise routine. She demonstrated the six most common actions of the body, pointing out and naming the muscle groups involved, then the audience practiced movements designed to strengthen those muscles. She assured us that we can all manage to “fit in” time for activity, if only for a few minutes at a time several times a day. The key is to be mindful of the movement, and not just hurry through an exercise in order to complete it.

The session concluded with a breathing exercise and a short meditation, a perfect ending to an interesting and enlightening morning.