Mindful Caring for the Caregiver

Cancelled as of 4/30/10.

"The key to compassionate action is this: everybody needs someone to be there for them, simply to be there." Pema Chodron

Beginning Saturday, May 1, Simply Living will sponsor a unique opportunity for persons involved in providing care for a loved one. This special five-session course is designed to help caregivers discover and practice a mindful approach to care that involves inner peace, healing, and transformation. The sessions will be held at The First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus, on 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, and 6/5, from 10:00am-12:00pm.

The course will be led by Bob Olfenbuttel and Karen Carpenter with others providing special expertise. Bob Olfenbuttel, course director, said that participants will learn ways to be aware of themselves and their environment in the moment without dwelling on past behaviors or future worries.

“Caregivers too often find little time for themselves, face stressful situations, end up reacting to those situations, and ultimately feel a sense of guilt or even fear about what their future reactions might be,” Bob said. “The way you think can affect your body, and how we’re caring for our own minds and bodies can affect those for whom we are caring. All of us involved in caregiving situations would be helped by an understanding of how cultural habits affect our efforts. We need to learn to think outside the box, using meditative techniques that include breathing and body response.”

Karen and Bob are experienced facilitators who are also trained Hospice volunteers and past participants in Jon Kabat-Zinn's programs on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Assisting them will be additional persons who are master certified in the practice of Reiki, massage therapy, yoga, and Nonviolent Communication.

Bob was initially inspired to serve the Central Ohio community while visiting friends in Maine who were seeking to create a respite house for caregivers. He, Karen, and friend Myra Stull realized that that idea, while desirable, wouldn’t work for most caregivers. They then developed this class after talking with people in local wellness centers, medical and assisted living facilities, hospice, and various service organizations.

The course cost is $45 for SL members; $55 for nonmembers. To register please call Missy at 447-0296 or missy@simplyliving.org. For more information please contact Karen at kedecarp@wowway.com or Bob at rolfenbuttel@mac.com. Simply Living is pleased to offer this special educational and awareness event, supporting one of our themes, healing toward wholeness.