Brandi Matheson and Shayna Davison practice mindfulness meditation at Centennial Place a clubhouse in Mission that supports people towards mental wellness.

image credit: Angelika Dawson

Physical illness, a broken relationship, an assault by a total stranger any one of these situations could send a person into a deep depression. When you consider that Shayna Davison experienced all three events in the course of a year, its nothing short of a miracle that she not only survived them but has become a stronger, healthier person; this despite the fact that she lives with bi-polar and anxiety disorders.

Shayna credits much of her success to a good relationship with a supportive psychiatrist. She also credits the staff and members at Centennial Place with giving her the support and strength she needed to face these difficulties.

Centennial Place is amazing, Shayna says. From the minute I walked in, I knew it was different. I received a warm welcome. People are so genuine in their concern for you. It feels like your second home.

Located in Mission, Centennial Place is a program of Communitas Supportive Care Society that supports the growth and for those living with mental wellness challenges by providing a safe, nurturing environment for its members. The clubhouse also offers activities and workshops. One of the first groups that Shayna attended was called Mindful Based Stress Reduction which teaches techniques for mental wellness.

Mindfulness-based classes, which include meditation and yoga, have become one of the most popular things we offer, says Brandi Matheson, who manages Centennial Place and facilitates such groups. A good portion of those who are referred to us are people who have expressed an interest in such groups and 75 per cent of these are people living with anxiety and depression.

Brandi says that in the 12 years shes worked for Communitas she has never found anything more accessible or effective than mindfulness and meditation in helping her clients.

It affects them physically, mentally and spiritually. Anyone can do this, thats whats so great about it."

While mindfulness, meditation and yoga are taught separately, all focus on calming the mind and do so by focusing on breath. For example, when Shayna goes for a walk, shell do so mindfully. Shell focus on breathing deeply, aware of the sensation of the cool air entering her body. She pays attention to the sounds around her, and the feel of the ground as she takes each step.

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Being mindful for mental wellness