Effect of the hybrid heartfulness meditation wellness program for cancer survivors and caregivers
Cancer survivors or caregivers
Participants will be randomly assigned using a computer program to ensure both groups have equal numbers of cancer survivors and caregivers: 1. An intervention group that begins the Heartfulness wellness program immediately: Trainer-guided relaxation, meditation, and rejuvenation daily via a virtual platform Comprehensive weekly, in-person group wellness education sessions tailored for the study population by certified Heartfulness trainers 2. A waitlist group that begins the program after the first 6 weeks Participants will also be invited to share their experiences through open-ended feedback questions. Participation will last at least 6 weeks. Some participants may choose to continue for up to 12 weeks. Follow-up surveys will be completed about 3 and 6 months after participation.
Adults 18 years or older with less than 100 hours of Heartfulness meditation experience, residing in the Dayton area, and who are either: 1. Diagnosed with cancer, regardless of whether they are in treatment, in remission, or living with cancer as a chronic disease 2. A caregiver: an unpaid individual - typically a family member, partner, or friend - who provides comprehensive, often daily, support to someone living with cancer
Any person under medical care for depression or other mental health conditions is encouraged to participate only after discussion with his/her healthcare provider so that the study participation does not interfere with current treatment