Skills training in the clinical application of contemplative practices of meditation and mindfulness

Workshop at the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of New York State 32rd Annual Interdisciplenary Meeting, May 10-11, Albany, NY.

With Kirsten Deleo and Pam Russell.

For practical details visit the meeting's website.

This workshop demonstrates fundamental ways in which contemplative skills can be integrated into our every-day encounters to strengthen our capacity to care and enhance communication with a renewed sense of joy, confidence and fulfillment. Research has shown the benefits of these practices on health and well-being, and their effectiveness in self and patient care.

This workshop provides a brief overview of the contemplative approach to end-of-life care and its main principles to facilitate the shift from ‘doing’ to ‘being present’ even in the most distressing circumstances. Participants will gain first-hand experience in the training methods, and reflect on the meaning of the concepts presented.

Faculty

Kirsten DeLeo, MA, International Training Manager and Senior Educator, Spiritual Care Education Program. Drawing from more than fifteen years' experience accompanying people in the last phase of life, Kirsten leads trainings for professionals and the public, and is faculty for Naropa University's 'Contemplative End of Life Care' training. She is a counselor specializing in spiritual care, and in supporting people living with illness. Kirsten completed a three-year meditation retreat under the guidance of Sogyal Rinpoche and is a Senior Meditation Instructor in Rigpa.

Pam Russell, LMSW, Senior Educator, Spiritual Care Education Program. Pamela is an end-of-life care social worker and bereavement counselor with over twenty years' experience in elder care in long-term care facilities. She is faculty for Naropa University's 'Contemplative End of Life Care' training, and a Rigpa meditation instructor.