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Cancer Retreat

Diagnosed with Cancer? For information, guidance and support

contact The Gawler Foundation on 03 5967 1730

About Ian Gawler

Back in 1975, a young Vet and decathlon athlete by the name of Ian Gawler was diagnosed with cancer.

The dramatic way the disease manifested in Ian Gawler's chest was something like a scene from Alien; a foreign object striving to burst out of his body; a malignant, angry mass of cancer that seemed determined to take his life.

Visible bony lumps grew from the ribs, sternum and the crest of the ilium. He was coughing up blood and small pieces of bone, while lung X-rays showed up gross opacities. His specialist told him he had only two or three weeks to live. Eleven months earlier he had his leg amputated to arrest the spread of osteogenic sarcoma. The old Australian expression, 'If he was a horse you would have shot him' springs to mind.

Eighteen months later the cancer was completely gone.

His recovery was so dramatic that some call it a miracle. 

Ian describes it as hard work. Meaningful.  Actually interesting.  Even fun.  But also hard work.

He also claims that what he did is repeatable.

This remarkable medical story has been told by author Guy Allenby in Ian Gawler's Biography, The Dragon's Blessing. Ian says he was fortunate to be around in the pioneering days of Holistic and Mind-Body Medicine when the mind, and meditation as well as nutrition were just beginning to be used therapeutically. And for Ian, the changes that cancer brought into his life sparked an intense spiritual journey and the search for meaning and purpose in his life.

Ian goes on to recover and then found the first cancer self help group in Australia - one of the very first such programs in the world.

The Dragon's Blessing offers a profound insight into the life, recovery and work of someone whose story epitomizes hope for so many people touched by cancer. 

But more than just recovering, Ian Gawler then dedicated his life to helping others - both with cancer, equally groundbreaking work with developing MS self help programs and with those who are well - athletes, business people and those interested in preventing illness and achieving real wellbeing in their lives.

The title The Dragon's Blessing is related to a drawing by Quentin, an 11 year old boy who was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Quentin was paralysed down his natural right side and he completed the drawing left handed, six weeks after surgery for a brain tumour. He explained that the dragon had lived in the lake for a long time.  However, recently the villagers had grown in number - they had been throwing a lot of rubbish in the lake and they were lowering their fishing nets deeper into the lake and tangling in his scales.  So the dragon had arisen out of the lake to warn the Emperor.  If he did not tell the villagers to put these things right, then he, the dragon, would kill them all.

This amazing metaphor for cancer began a remarkable series of pictures that Quentin drew with Ian and coincided with Quentin himself experiencing a remarkable recovery.

Ian's story provides a real opportunity to understand what it takes to recover from an almost hopelessly difficult cancer and provides a profound insight into the life of a person who epitomises hope, self empowerment and positive thinking for many people.  The Dragon's Blessing also provides intimate insight into the personal, and particularly the inner life of a man who is deeply spiritual and who has studies and combined ancient wisdom into a modern context.  Ian Gawler has studied with Christian, Hindu and Buddhist teachers including His Holiness The Dalai Lama and his main, long term teacher, the world renowned Tibetan master, Sogyal Rinpoche.

Ian has been at the forefront of bringing meditation into popular usage and establishing meditation's therapeutic value. He has appeared widely in the media over many years.  He is known for his capacity to bring humour, clarity and humanity to difficult and complex subjects.  He makes them accessible to a very wide audience.

Ian Gawler's life story, is not only a great story; it will inspire and inform people from all walks of life. Ian retired from his role as Therapeutic Director in late 2009. His life changing work continues on through The Gawler Foundation.

Philosophy of The Gawler Foundation programs

Our philosophy at The Gawler Foundation is that:

• Balance is the key to good health
• Regaining balance leads to healing
• Sustaining balance brings peace of mind and wellbeing

We work within an integrative, medical framework to provide resources, support and self-help techniques for people experiencing cancer, Multiple Sclerosis or other illnesses. Our programs also offer lifestyle principles for wellness, balance and optimal living.

We conduct integrated lifestyle programs based on nutrition, meditation and positive thinking, fostering health promotion, disease prevention and total wellbeing in body, emotions, mind and spirit.

Every person shares in the common human search for meaning, purpose and truth in life.

We seek relationship and connectedness with ourselves, others, the world in which we live, and that which draws us out of ourselves into that which is totally beyond us -  often known as the Transcendent or Mystery. Such dynamic longings are as much a part of our human desires as our thoughts, feelings and physical body. Our spiritual aspects of being have an integral connection with our mind and body, offering a powerful dynamic for healing.

At The Gawler Foundation, we recognise that people may choose many pathways in their spiritual journey. We respect each person's choice and seek to support and encourage each person in the development of their spirituality and to enhance or to assist profound healing and sustainable wellbeing.

The Gawler Foundation is  not for profit, non-denominational and multi-faith, supporting people in their spiritual growth regardless of their religious or philosophical horizons; in whatever affiliation they may have to church, temple, synagogue, or mosque, or in any other way in which a sense of spirit is experienced.

In an atmosphere of relationship and trust, a spirituality which offers hope can facilitate healing and wellbeing.

Acclaimed program - Life and Living - healing cancer retreat

Life and Living is a ten day transformative program to meet and help overcome the challenges of cancer.

Program Overview

The aim of the program is to help you to develop full confidence in establishing a healthy, healing lifestyle. When you return home, as your life continues, you will be confident that you are doing all that is possible to experience and sustain a life filled with peace, meaning and good health. On this ten day retreat style program you will learn principles and skills that can transform your life. We have seen many cases of personal triumph.

The Principles of 'Life and Living'

Our bodies have a natural, inherent capacity to heal themselves. The principles you will learn in this program will enable you to activate and develop that healing power, maximising your body's potential to restore its natural state of balance and vitality.

This is a self-help approach that is intended to work with and reinforce effective medical treatments, as well as complementary therapies.   

On this healing cancer retreat you will learn to:

• Fully activate your potential for inner healing
• Relax effortlessly and meditate deeply
• Develop and sustain a positive state of mind
• Use a healthy diet and nutrition for healing
• Overcome obstacles to peace of mind
• Find meaning and purpose in life
• Draw upon effective support to sustain health, healing and happiness
• Generate confidence to make informed, effective choices and better manage yourhealing journey

Format

Sessions

Most sessions involve learning through direct participation and experience. Discussion is encouraged and there is plenty of time for questions and answers. You will meet and share with a group of wonderful and exceptional people.
 
Attending the program with support

Attending with a partner/support person is recommended wherever possible. Sharing in the program allows the support person to understand and support you in implementing and integrating what you have learnt. It is also a great opportunity for them to take some time for themselves, to address issues that they face in that caring role, and to share in this profound, inspiring and instructive time. 
 
Medical and therapeutic support

While doctors do lead several of the program's sessions, the Yarra Valley Living Centre is a non-medical facility. A not for profit organisation, The Gawler Foundation remains independent of any product, therapy, company, publication or person.

Additional Services available during the healing cancer retreat

• Counselling: Private consultation appointments are available with our counselling staff before, during or after the program.
• Massage, Shiatsu Massage and Reflexology: With qualified, experienced therapists, very relaxing and re-energising - good for body and spirit.
• Resource Centre: Renowned for its comprehensive selection of books, tapes and CDs in the areas of health, healing and self-development.

Health, Healing & Beyond - a follow up healing cancer retreat

A five day follow up healing cancer retreat for people experiencing cancer.

Program Overview

Health, Healing and Beyond is a follow-up program for those who have participated in one of our introductory programs for people experiencing cancer and their carers. It has a more informal and flexible format, and a questionnaire is used to help identify the needs of each participant. Each program is tailored to meet those specific needs.

The purpose of the program is to offer the opportunity for participants to refocus and go deeper into their healing process, to address any issues and obstacles they may have come up against, deal with setbacks, transform fear and learn some new techniques such as:

• Communcation and creating healing relationships
• Spirituality as a healing resource
• Contemplation to develop clarity and insight
  

Format

A major feature is Guided Imagery work that introduces you to techniques that draw upon your inner wisdom and help you to develop insight and clarity. This program has a more flexible format, and a questionairre is used to help identify the needs of each participant. Each program is tailored to meet those specific needs.It is also a chance to catch up with old friends, make new ones, to relax and to be taken care of in a peaceful and nuturing environment.

Attending the program with support

Attending any of our programs with a partner or support person is extremely beneficial. If your support person did not attend the original program with you, or you have another support person who you would like to bring with you, they are very welcome to attend this program. They will also benefit personally. It is a great opportunity for partners to take some time for themselves, and to address issues that they face in their support role.

Additional Services available during the Program

• Counselling:   Private consultation appointments are available with our counselling staff before, during or after the program.
• Massage, Shiatsu Massage and Reflexology:  With qualified, experienced therapists, very relaxing and re-energising - good for body and spirit.
• Resource Centre: Renowned for its comprehensive selection of books, tapes and CDs in the areas of health, healing and self-development.

Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis - healing retreat for MS

Five day practical and inspirational MS healing retreat with Prof George Jelinek.

Program Overview

This program has been developed and is facilitated by Professor George Jelinek. It is based upon Professor Jelinek's book "Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis". The program is based on credible science, human experience, optimism and practicality.

The five day residential program provides a  high level of input from George and an  opportunity to be looked after as you immerse yourself in the program. With a  gentle blend of relaxation, meditation, learning and sharing, your questions will be answered, confidence built and a clear direction set.

The Program aims to:

• Halt the progression of MS
• Maximise healing and wellbeing
• Create a sustainable program for each participant to take with them in their ongoing lives
• Increase awareness of the range of current options; including medical treatments, complementary medicine and self-help techniques
• Generate confidence in participants that they have made the choices that will best suit their individual needs
• Introduce participants to self-help and self-healing techniques, using a theoretical framework and experiential exercises
• Address prevailing fears and misunderstandings of MS; seeking to clarify the confusion and transform this into positive outcomes
• Assist participants to examine the meaning and purpose of their lives
• Use the group process to facilitate communication and to generate a mutually supportive network

What is Possible?

"The science is clear. People with MS who learn these self-help techniques, integrate them with the best of current medical management and sustain the lifestyle changes, can reasonably hope to stabilse their condition where it is; that is to halt its progression. There is the more radical possibility of profound healing and the reversal of symptoms."

Format

Whilst you will gain invaluable insight and information from the facilitators, most sessions will involve learning through direct participation and experience. Discussion is encouraged and there is plenty of time for questions and answers.

You will meet and share with a group of wonderful and exceptional people and experience the extraordinary power and potential in the group process. Participants can expect to leave feeling inspired, informed and capable of taking more control of their lives. This experience will give them the tools for better health and wellbeing.

Attending the program with support

Additional Services available during the Program

• Counselling:  Private consultation appointments are available with our counselling staff before, during or after the program.

• Massage, Shiatsu Massage and Reflexology:  With qualified, experienced therapists, very relaxing and re-energising - good for body and spirit.

• Resource Centre: Renowned for its comprehensive selection of books, tapes and CDs in the areas of health, healing and self-development.

Multiple Sclerosis Follow Up - healing retreat for MS

Five day practical and inspirational MS Follow Up healing retreat with Prof George Jelinek.

Program Overview

For past program participants of the Overcoming MS retreat. This program has also been developed and is facilitated by Professor George Jelinek. It revisits and extends on the information presented in Professor Jelinek's book "Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis".

The five day residential program provides a  further opportunity to meet with George, the Foundation staff and like-minded people using a similar approach to overcome the challenges MS presents. It is a wonderful opportunity to be looked after as you immerse yourself in the program. With a  gentle blend of relaxation, meditation, learning and sharing, your questions will be answered, confidence built and a clear direction set.

The Program aims to deepen participant's understanding and ability to :

• Further halt the progression of MS
• Maximise healing and wellbeing
• Review a sustainable program for each participant to take with them in their ongoing lives
• Further increase awareness of the range of current  or new options; including medical treatments, complementary medicine and self-help techniques
• Further instill confidence in participants in the individiual choices they have made
• Introduce participants to self-help and self-healing techniques, using a theoretical framework and experiential exercises
• Re-address prevailing fears and misunderstandings of MS; seeking to clarify the confusion and transform this into positive outcomes
• Give ongoing consideration to the meaning and purpose of their lives
• Expand the group process to facilitate communication and to generate a mutually supportive network

There will be time to:

• Discuss and review how you have been since attending the Overcoing Multiple Sclerosis residential program
• Catch up with new research findings
• Revist the basic program
• Meet with old friends

Format

We will use a similar format to last time - some group discussions, small group discussions, meditations and of course the terrific 'George-friendly' food. Whilst you will gain invaluable insight and information from the facilitators, most sessions will involve learning through direct participation and experience. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers. You will meet again with a group of wonderful and exceptional people and experience the extraordinary power and potential in the group process. Participants can expect to leave feeling inspired, informed and capable of taking more control of their lives. This experience will give them the tools for better health and wellbeing.

Attending the program with support

Additional Services available during the Program

• Counselling:  Private consultation appointments are available with our counselling staff before, during or after the program.
• Massage, Shiatsu Massage and Reflexology:  With qualified, experienced therapists, very relaxing and re-energising - good for body and spirit.
• Resource Centre: Renowned for its comprehensive selection of books, tapes and CDs in the areas of health, healing and self-development.

Healing Meditation Retreat - accelerate your healing journey

A three day retreat which explores individual resources for self-healing.

Program Overview

The Healing Meditation Retreat is designed for people dealing with an illness (or other health condition) who would like to facilitate their healing process from the inside out. Learn practical tools to journey inward, learn and practise techniques that will deepen your experience of meditation, connect with your inner wisdom and know your true self more closely.

The focus is primarily experiential. The retreats are reasonably intensive with some teaching and discussion. They progress from simple techniques through to more complex methods.

Format

The retreat will provide you with a range of practical healing techniques that you can safely implement to accelerate your healing journey. Simple to master, these techniques (drawn from various Traditional healing practices) will help you to reconnect with your body and to activate the healing potential of your body and mind.

The Healing Meditation Retreat will familiarise you with the following tools for self-healing:

• Breathing exercises - from the Yogic and Taoist traditions. To energise, purify and sensitise the body and mind. These techniques will improve circulation of energy and blood, oxygenation of tissues and create peace of mind.
• Body awareness techniques - to reconnect your mind with your body, to sensitize and "open" the body to be receptive to healing energies. An old adage in therapeutic circles claims that "Feeling is Healing" (or "you can't heal what you can't feel"). Body awareness enhances your ability "to feel" and hence "to heal".
• Healing Meditations and Imagery - a way of training the mind to tap into its own healing powers and to mobilize the innate healing mechanisms of the body.
• Hands-on Healing (or Therapeutic Touch) - a sequence of healing hand positions that you can follow yourself or by enlisting the help of a carer. Gentle, compassionate touch can channel healing energies to specific parts of the body and rebalance the energy centres of the whole being.
• Attuning to Nature - nature itself is a wonderful resource for "recharging your batteries" and for restoring peace and balance to the body and mind. The Healing Meditation Retreat will include meditation experiences in nature.

The three day Healing Meditation Retreat is an exciting opportunity to empower yourself on your path to health and wellbeing - to find the healing power in your own hands or to use these traditional techniques to complement your other medical options.

Additional Services available during the Program

• Massage, Shiatsu Massage and Reflexology: With qualified, experienced therapists, very relaxing and re-energising - good for body and spirit.
• Resource Centre: Renowned for its comprehensive selection of books, tapes and CDs in the areas of health, healing and self-development.

Recommended preliminary reading

It is highly recommended that participants read Ian Gawler's  books specifically on meditation - "Meditation - An In-depth Guide (co-authored with Paul Bedson), "Peace of Mind" and "Meditation - Pure and Simple". These books plus a wide range of related books, tapes and CDs are available through The Foundation's Resource Centre.

Weekend Meditation Retreats - learn meditation, relax and de-stress

Weekend meditation retreats to learn and deepen meditation practice and feel refreshed

Program Overview

An excellent interlude in a busy life. A special treat to de-stress, relax and recharge our batteries. Learn and practise meditation and relaxation techniques to incorporate into your daily lifestyle. Designed to help you journey inward, connect with your inner wisdom and know your true self. 

Give yourself a break from the pressures of a busy world and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of The Gawler Foundation's Yarra Valley Living Centre.

Format

These retreats are reasonably intensive with teaching and discussion, progressing from simple techniques through to more complex methods.

Participants in these two day retreats will:

• Learn a range of effective tools for dealing with stress and anxiety.
• Understand the nature of the thinking mind - its strengths and limitations.
• Understand how "excessive thinking" leads to stress and how stress affects your health and wellbeing.
• Learn to relax physically, unwind emotionally and calm a busy mind.
• Acquire skills for dealing with anger and frustration, becoming less emotionally reactive and, therefore, more tolerant.
• Develop self-esteem and compassion as you connect with your true, spiritual nature.

Why Meditate?

Meditation has emerged as one of the most powerful self-help tools for sustaining and regaining good health and for experiencing our natural true state, inner contentment, joy and clarity.

The practice of meditation enables your body to regain its natural state of balance, reactivates the immune system and maximises the body's own healing potential. This practice has the power to restore and sustain good physical health and wellbeing.

By experiencing this meditative state directly, we start to realise who we really are, allowing us to live accordingly. Meditation can transform ordinary, everyday existence and survival into a life which is truly meaningful and wonderful.

The program is enhanced by our delicious and healthy organic wholefood plant-based cuisine. Find time out to be inspired and refreshed.

Recommended Preliminary Reading

Ian Gawler's books specifically on meditation -  "Meditation - An Indepth Guide" (co-authored with Paul Bedson), 'Peace of Mind' and 'Meditation - Pure and Simple' are highly recomended. They are available through our Resource Centre or call (03) 5967 1730.