New programme at Wedge Gardens

The Wedge Gardens Treatment Centre’s occupational therapy department is expanding its mindfulness morning sessions for recovering addicts by implementing more active meditative and mindfulness practices.

Spokesperson for the centre, Cathy Grosvenor said, “Active meditation can be more grounded and comfortable for people who are new to mindfulness as the process can feel a lot less daunting and demanding.

“Currently, the department engages in predominately still, silent meditation with the patients, with yoga once a week. The hope is to enrich the mindfulness programme with a walking labyrinth to introduce the patients to the multiple ways in which a person can practice new skills.”

Head of Rand Aid’s occupational therapy department, Kendra Neethling said, “Numerous research studies support the benefits of practicing mindfulness, with the most pertinent benefit being that of developing the ability to self-regulate, train attention and awareness in order to bring mental processes under greater voluntary control, thereby fostering general mental well-being.

“Researchers theorise that mindfulness lessens stress and enhances working memory. These cognitive gains, in turn, help people better control and regulate emotional responses to events.

“These skills are exceptionally useful for individuals facing today’s challenges, and within an addiction rehabilitation centre like Wedge Gardens, they can be the foundation to preventing relapse.”

The department was recently in touch with Pebbles for Africa and has been fortunate enough to receive a discounted rate on large rocks which will help form the border of the walking labyrinth. However, the department still need to secure funds to complete the project and is calling on anyone who can help with the process to contact the centre.

“Any assistance will be greatly appreciated, and recognised, on completion of the project.”

Details: www.randaid.co.za