Mindfulness & Compassion Training
Caregiver Skills Toolkit
4 Essential Skills for Sustaining Ourselves
In the demanding world of caregiving, how can we face suffering with compassion for ourselves? How do we manage the intricate emotions and the effects of moral distress and empathy fatigue with self-awareness? How can mindfulness serve as a guiding force to steer us away from distress in environments that overexpose us to suffering?
In this series of four 8-10 minute videos, you will be introduced to key practices from our Mindfulness & Compassion Training Program. Each practice builds upon the previous one and supports inner transformation. This transformation is a gradual process, and throughout the training program, you'll become part of a like-minded community. This community alongside our highly skilled, interprofessional faculty will support you as you learn and integrate these skills into your life.
The Mindfulness & Compassion Training Program
For more than two decades, Sarana Institute has offered experiential, skill-based training to professionals and volunteers in the Hospice, Palliative Care, Healthcare, and Long-Term Care sectors. Our goal is to equip you with the inner resources necessary to sustain your well-being amidst caregiving's unique stressors and challenges.
Discover through our introductory video how the upcoming Mindfulness + Compassion Certificate Program can transform your caregiving approach, enriching your personal and professional life.
Explore Our Caregiver Toolkit Videos
The skills of mindfulness and grounding, healthy empathy and presence, meeting suffering with compassion, and self-compassion are vital in maintaining our well-being as we serve others. We hope these practices inspire you to incorporate them into your life, as they have transformed many lives. As you make them a part of your everyday experience, the benefits will extend to those around you.
Led by (Rev.) Andrew Blake, Sarana Institute's Cofounder and Program Director, these videos are crafted to offer immediate, impactful skills:
Video One: Mindful Awareness - Learn the Grounding and P.A.U.S.E. technique.
Video Two: Presence + Healthy Empathy - Discover the power of Mindful Listening for both Inner and Outer connections.
Video Three: Elements of Compassion - Dive into cultivating Kindness Towards Others.
Video Four: Self Compassion - Embrace Self-Caring practices for healing the Wounded Child within.
Share these videos with staff and coworkers, offering them access to skills that can significantly alter the caregiving experience, bringing ease into everyday moments.
Supporting Our Community
Thanks to generous charitable contributions, we strive to keep our programs accessible. Below, discover offerings designed to provide meaningful insights and practical tools, invigorating your critical work with clients and patients:
Mindfulness + Compassion Certificate Program: This annual, 9-month journey is conducted over 5 weekends in a hybrid format. Participants deepen their mindfulness practice, learn compassionate self-care, tackle challenging conversations, and explore clinical applications of mindfulness and compassion. [Fee: Well Below Market Value]
Mindfulness and Compassion Community: Join our 8-10 week online groups for guided meditations that bolster regular mindfulness practice and everyday compassion, all within a supportive community. [Free]
Guest Webinar Series: Gain insights from mindfulness field leaders through one-hour webinars focusing on caregiver needs and strategies. Past presenters include Roshi Joan Halifax and Frank Ostaseski. [Free]
Online M + C Resources: Explore our growing library of recorded practices, guided videos, and presentations to inspire your meditation and compassion practice. [Free]
Join Us for an upcoming program, or contact us to discuss group rates and benefits.
Hearing from Our Participants
FAQs
How do I learn more about the Mindfulness and Compassion Training Program?
Visit our page dedicated to the M&C Program.
Do I need to currently be working in health or EOL care to apply?
Our training certificate is designed for those working in these fields and institutions, including nurses, doctors, chaplains, therapists, social workers, hospice workers, management, research, etc. However, we have included applications from those working in other caregiving roles, including mental health, education, global development, etc.
Each participant brings their unique background of service and experience. If you’re not sure this certificate training is for you, please email us at info@saranainstitute.org with your detailed intentions for registering.
Is this training in person or online?
This training can be and is conducted entirely online via Zoom. For two training weekends we also offer an option to join us in person at Sarana Springs near Chatsworth, ON. More details will be shared once the program begins.
What is Sarana Institute?
Sarana Institute is a Registered Canadian Charity. Our mission is to provide Mindfulness + Compassion Training to sustain our well-being in caring for ourselves, others, and the earth. Our flagship training is our Mindfulness + Compassion Certificate Training for Health and EOL Professionals. Previously, this has been run in person in Toronto, Ont. Due to concerns around Covid-19, we have adapted our program to be delivered online. We are passionate about serving our healthcare community to help you sustain your caregiving in increasingly complex systems.
Our program fees are through program donors from our community and private donations. We intend to make this program accessible. Please get in touch with us if you have further financial concerns.