Whether you’re dealing with acute or chronic illness or facing a health crisis, we offer techniques to support and guide you to better manage life’s challenges.
This approach can support you, your family and those who love you
In this busy world, where can you turn to when you are dealing with chronic pain and illness? Or when you are confronted with overwhelming challenges which can threaten your health and way of life?
The Healing Group welcomes all those who are facing life-threatening, chronic or other significant health issues, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss.
In offering a safe space to explore your options we hope to show you how you might make your own breakthroughs. Our new and revised programme is specifically designed to guide you through a range of healing and meditation techniques that can function as a valuable adjunct to
Western-based medical approaches.
The Healing Group is held fortnightly on Thursdays, from 11am to 12.30pm
Each session includes:
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Guided meditations – no experience necessary
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Explanatory talks – with time for questions you may have
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Discussions and group sharing – so valuable to connect with and learn from each other
…Followed by tea and cake and time to chat
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The structure of each session is relaxed and informal. Every session is complete in itself but also sequentially builds on previous ones.
Tara Institute is a Buddhist Centre but you don’t need to be Buddhist in order to benefit from the Healing Group programme. Our approach is simply to introduce you to a variety of avenues - both ancient and contemporary - promoting health and well-being.
MEET OUR TEAM
Venerable Rigsal
Practising as a Buddhist nun for many years, Ven. Rigsal also has extensive experience in hospice palliative care, counselling the dying and bereaved and leading groups in loss and grief.
Kathi Melnic
Having studied and worked as a volunteer in counselling, palliative care, and grief and loss, Kathi has spent many years supporting people suffering with chronic health conditions and emotional issues, drawing on the deep insight Eastern and Western philosophies offer.
William Liew
As a pharmacist for most of his working life, William has a wealth of experience in discussing with patients their diagnosis and treatment, and providing advice and emotional support, aided by his long-time meditation practice.
Allys Andrews Guest Speaker
With years of assisting Bob Sharples in the Healing Group in the past, we have been delighted to have Allys join us this year on several occasions, and fingers crossed, look forward to more of her warmth and wisdom as our new Programme unfolds.
NEW PROGRAMME
In line with Venerable Geshe Doga’s suggestions, the Healing Group is now presenting a new programme. This will follow the same 9 part sequence, and as before, attendance can begin at any point in the 9 session outline – no need to start at Session 1 – as each session is complete in itself.
OUTLINE OF THE 9 SESSIONS
Session 1: Foundations of Health and Well-Being
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Causes of Disease
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Managing Pain and Distress
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Creating Mental Space
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Meditation
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Promoting Positive Outcomes
Session 4: The Power of Forgiveness
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For Self and Others
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Working with Guilt and Shame
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Regret and Resolution
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Purifying Destructive Mind-states​
Session 2: Addressing Disturbing Emotions
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​Why all this Suffering in Life?
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A Catalyst of Disease
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Dealing with Depression, Fear, Anger, Grief, etc.
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Acceptance or Resistance - Suppression or Release
Session 5: Transformative Qualities – love and compassion
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Attachment Vs Love
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The Power of Compassion and Altruism
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Taking and Giving
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Infinite Gratitude​
Session 3: The Human Potential
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Our Unique Opportunity as Human Beings
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Constraints of Illness
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Making Life Meaningful
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Priorities and Goals
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Meditation – Establishing a Regular Practice​
Session 6: Living with Chronic Illness and Pain
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Coping Strategies
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Loneliness and Isolation
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Overwhelm
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Mental Imprints and Predispositions
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Sourcing Inner Strength​
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Session 7: Understanding the Nature of Existence
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Interdependence - The Way Things Exist
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Science Meets Spirituality
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The Ultimate Nature of Disease
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Meditation - Penetrating Reality​
Session 8: Empowering Meditation Practices
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​Calming
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Healing
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Single-pointed Focus
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Visualization
Session 9: The Fragility of Life
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The Transient Nature of Life
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The Message of Mortality
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The Singular Opportunity – Once in a Lifetime
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Our Inner Friend
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These 9 sessions repeat throughout the year, however it is not essential to start at session 1,
you are welcome to attend at any time
At the Healing Group, you’ll find care and assistance with navigating your various challenges.
There is No Charge – but Donations are Greatly Welcomed.
The Presenters are not paid or compensated for their time, however there are real costs involved in presenting the Programme. So if you are able and willing to contribute (even $10) we are very grateful and it will help to ensure the continuation of the Programme.
Come When it Suits You – but Please Register
You may register online or call the office on 9596 8900. You are making no commitment but providing your email address will enable us to notify you of updates or unavoidable changes prior to each session and send you information regarding special upcoming events.
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To enquire about joining, please email healing.group@tarainstitute.org.au, or click here to register.
We look forward to seeing you there.