Healing Circles & Retreats

Dear Friend

We believe you have within you the potential to change and, sometimes, to transform the experience of living with cancer. The power of your intention to heal is the most precious resource you bring to intentional healing work.

The special power of Healing Circles and the Commonweal Cancer Help Program is that we can do this together, in a circle of equally dedicated participants and staff, and without any distractions from the outside world. Our individual healing work also benefits us profoundly when we are committed to the healing of those on the journey with us.

Our approach in Healing Circles and the Cancer Help Program is not the only way. You may find other outstanding circles where people come together to heal with cancer. True healing circle work requires wise agreements about ground rules, experienced facilitation, and strong bonds of group safety and trust.

Helping others with intentional healing is an ancient art, reborn in every age. The impulse to share the healing experience—to help others face what we have faced—is built into the human psyche.

The best way to help others heal is not to tell them what they should do. Rather, you start with generous listening. As Parker Palmer, the great Quaker educator, puts it: Do not advise them. Do not try to fix them. Do not tell them what they should do. Do not try to be wise or show off your expertise in healing. Simply be there for them, a witness to their exploration of their own path.

Wishing you well,

Michael

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