Believe in CLE and Inner Bliss Yoga Studio are proud to partner with Courage to Caregivers at our yoga event at the Rock Hall on September 1, 2023.
We have high hopes for raising much-needed funds for incredibly worthwhile and proven programming offered free of charge to caregivers.
We asked the leaders of the organization to share a bit about the good work they are doing in the community.
What is the main mission of your organization?
The mission of Courage to Caregivers is to provide hope, support, and courage to caregivers and loved ones of those living with mental, chronic, or serious illnesses. We are in the caregiver burnout prevention business, empowering caregivers to better cope with and manage the stress of caregiving. Courage to Caregivers believes that when you take better care of yourself, you provide better care to those you love.
What kind of services do you provide?
“Breathing meditation has helped me tackle caregiving crises more effectively.
When my loved one is agitated and emotionally unstable, I am reminded of what I’ve learned from Courage to Caregivers, and take a mental step back, detach, and focus on my breathing. ”
Courage to Caregivers offers three programs, at no cost to the participant, in support of unpaid family caregivers: One-to-One Caregiver Peer Support, Group Coaching (support groups) and Breathing Meditation classes. All three of these programs are based on a curriculum of our own design, targeted specifically to the needs of caregivers.
Who benefits from your services?
A diverse population of unpaid and professional caregivers of those living with mental, chronic, or serious illnesses. The skills learned through our programs, resources, presentations, and workshops support these caregivers to take care of their overall health and well-being so that they can advocate for and support those in their care.
How does yoga fit into your mission?
Proper breathing is an essential part of yoga. Courage to Caregivers Breathing Meditation classes are led by credentialed yoga instructors and allow caregivers to better manage day-to-day and critical stressful situations. Utilizing proper breathing techniques is vital to the regulation of our stress levels. Through teaching a variety of breathing practices, meditation techniques, and yogic movement, these tools become portable and sustainable self-care for caregivers, thereby improving their health and well-being, and allowing them to provide better care for their loved ones.
Can you share a success story involving folks in Cleveland?
There was a caregiver who came the very first week we offered Breathing Meditation and Group Coaching. She supports a young adult with severe mental illness. Her husband asked where she was going, and she explained she had been invited by a friend to check out our programs. He somewhat scoffed and asked who was going to "cover" at home while she was away for two hours. She said he was - and he would be just fine. The first week she returned home more relaxed and with a few new tools. Over the next few weeks, her stress level diminished, and she was utilizing the tools she learned at home to combat stress and face her caregiving with greater resilience. After about 4-5 weeks, one day, when she wasn't getting ready to leave for our program, her husband asked why she wasn't getting ready. She replied there was an event at our program location, and parking was going to be tough; she was thinking of taking a week off. Her husband said - NO way - I'm driving you, and I'll be back to pick you up in 2 hours.
He shared that she was the most relaxed, less stressed, and more compassionate and patient at home, which in turn, created a more compassionate environment for the entire family.
Stronger, healthier caregivers provide stronger, healthier care to their loved ones, creating stronger, healthier families.
Direct quotes about our Breathing Meditation program from caregivers we support:
"Participating in Breathing Meditation makes me STOP for one hour a week and focus on nothing else but ME. It's a supportive, nourishing environment and provides me caregiver respite."
"When Cathy, the Breathing Meditation Facilitator, leads me through the weekly breathing practice and guided meditation, it's a very effective way to participate in meditation as I'm really able to surrender when she talks me through it."
"Breathing Meditation has helped me tackle caregiving crises more effectively. When my loved one is agitated and emotionally unstable, I am reminded of what I've learned from Courage to Caregivers, and take a mental step back, detach, and focus on my breathing. I have been able to share these techniques with my loved one for their emotional regulation or when faced with heightened anxiety as well."
"You can't take care of anyone else unless you take care of yourself - Courage to Caregivers has helped me to better care for myself, which is a gift for ME and a gift for everyone who supports me that I can take care of myself."
"I'm unsure if I were to have survived my caregiver experience without the tools I've learned, and immense support of Courage to Caregivers."