iRest
This amazing series, run by certified iRest instructor Susan Blackwell-Tate, is all about relaxing, unwinding, and focusing on YOU and your health.
Feedback
I appreciate the classes. I struggle with consistency but that’s to be expected but I look forward to the events very much!
I like the idea of "rolling offerings" above -- one session ends, another begins. But I have benefitted from "breather weeks" in between too. Perhaps one offering ends, the next one begins 2 weeks later?
Thank you for this offering and I hope for more iRest sessions. - PB (Bozeman)
I love the group kindness.
You have helped me so much with Guided meditation. It reminds me of the power of possibility. Thank you so much for that. - CH (Helena)
The inner place I ‘go to’ within the meditation helps me ‘go there’ in times of stress, overwhelm, overstimulation, and anxiety throughout my daily life.
The meditation class helps me center and find inner solace.
I'm very grateful for the practice to be offered virtually, as it feels a vital part of my health journey!
Classes help me to gain insight, calm anxiety,'quiet' ear ringing, and feel grounded and relaxed. - SH (New Hampshire)
Weekly classes have been a huge part of my healing journey and for that I am grateful.
Resilient Mindset
Turi Heatherington is both Love Your Brain & iRest certified and is passionate about increasing overall wellness. The resilient mindset series works to establish a foundation for healing and continued health post-concussion, taking into account the physical, mental, and emotional impact of concussion. “Learn how tools such as mindfulness, intention, realistic optimism, and gratitude can help navigate the way forward post-concussion with a greater sense of inner strength, stability, and ease. Together, we’ll dive deeper into these tools to improve our emotional wellbeing and cognitive functioning as well as cultivate a sense of belonging, shared humanity, and lasting relationships.”
Feedback
Community connection, more grace around my healing process.
A shared concussion community, validation of symptoms and realizing how much I had learned about the brain, concussion, and resources while fighting to get back to pre-accident health.
Every week was exceptionally valuable and contained gems that impacted me for positive healing. The closeness I felt with the group, being able to discuss hard topics with people who understand what I feel at a deep level, and every week it made me dig deep and challenged me. I have implemented something I learned from every week, into my daily routine.
Community, give yourself grace, the time you are in will not last forever. - C.P (Bozeman)
The areas of focus for each session provided some flexible structure. The emphasis on what helps and the sharing of resilience strategies without ignoring the difficulties was very beneficial. Comfort from the understanding acceptance of those present walking similar pathways dealing with brain injuries was nourishing. It was a relief and an uplift to the spirit. This was especially helpful to me as it was during a particularly tough time.
I hope this type of series will continue to be available to others navigating the fallout from concussion injuries – in particular Post-Concussion Syndrome. It will be nice to see a Resilient Mindset Series 2 for those who have been through the initial series to check in and to delve into other areas that would continue to encourage best outcomes.
P.S. I miss the group and the sense of community we shared.
QiGong
Noah Visscher, MS will take you through a series of grounding and healing practices designed to aid in concussion recovery.
feedback
The facilitator communicated the information clearly and in a relatable manner. He answered all of our questions.
The highlights of my experience included the educational component the instructor wove in making it more than a practice and feeling and feeling energy moving and feeling calm.
Both participants who commented above said they would like to repeat the series.
I would recommend this series if someone is interested in a mindfulness practice in a safe, welcoming setting with a kind of knowledgeable instructor. Also, if the CRC continues to sponsor it, it offers individuals who’ve experienced concussion a place to gather with others also on their healing journey, building a sense of connection and community. I am grateful to the instructor for sharing his skills and knowledge and kindness.
Thoughts on the CRC…
As a head injury survivor, I can personally relate to the feelings of loss, confusion, frustration, and the uneasy feeling that nothing ‘feels right’ and ‘nothing is the same’. My traumatic brain injury was over 12 years ago. At that time, the information was pretty scarce. I for one am grateful that head injury is now a topic openly discussed and that the CRC was started. When I had my head injury, I would have been profoundly grateful to have this wonderful resource available and I’m certain that I would have healed more quickly and not have struggled as hard as I did to fundamentally understand what was going on within myself. It was a time that shook my confidence on the deepest level leaving me in a state of constant questioning of self and my abilities. Having support, understanding, information, community, and help is an absolute blessing and I’m hopeful that the CRC continues and grows with its important mission and goals. - L.O (Livingston)