The "2nd Battle" Recovery Through
the Arts Program, brings post adjuvant-therapy wellness
to those in cancer treatment and recovery. It includes
the provision of arts retreats here at Eagleheart Center
for Art and Inquiry, the development of arts programs for
other rural retreat locations, and a national campaign
to provide "2nd Battle" awareness to oncology physicians
and caregivers in national and regional cancer centers.
The healing effect of art and craft is
primal. There are numerous books and program studies to
support this premise, along with related clinical efforts,
and research in other categories of health and wellness.
Physicians are aware there is a positive effect, but little
energy has been put toward developing open, non/psychotherapeutic
programs for healing, particularly in the area of cancer
wellness. Physicians and oncologists acknowledge the need
and second the evidence of success in patients who practice
some art form, but there are few program models in even
the largest of the hospital centers.
Art heals
the body, soothes the mind, and transforms the spirit
Through the ages artists have known intuitively what
others are just beginning to discover: that creating something
in paint, clay, yarn, glass, through any art medium, can
produce real physical and emotional benefits. We now understand
that the art of visualizing and making, even by those who
feel they have not the slightest bit of artistic talent,
can create profound changes in lives and activate healing
at the deepest levels. Medicine has recognized that when
we heal our emotional wounds, we also heal the wounds of
the body. Art is even now being used successfully in medical
centers all around the world to reduce the psychological
stresses that cause immune system dysfunction.
Our library of research on arts and healing
and our network of arts/psychology experts is expanding.
We've identified artist/educators who have worked in this
area and are qualified to build programs for healing. Our
current survivor 4-day retreat curriculum includes Raku
fired ceramics, weaving with silk and naturals, floral
arrangement, natural dye based painting, glass fusion,
canyon hikes, organic gourmet meals, personal time, and
late-night chats around the fire. One attendee wrote: "Joy,
peace, reflective, spiritual, and a healing great beginning
to a new life." Another wrote: "Thank you for an amazing
experience. I have deemed this weekend as a new, fresh
start, to find myself, live for myself, enjoy myself -
longevity through creativity!"
We know that attitude
heals
The hand-heart connection through the arts can build
a strong, spirited attitude.
Conferences include weekend retreats for
physicians, oncologists and caregivers, as well as survivors.
For more information:
Arts
in the Canyon Survivor Retreats
Leaves-4-Life Back
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