The Healing Garden Presents Dr. Ellen Langer and "The Power of Possibility" for its 10th Anniversary Kick-Off Event

HARVARD, Mass. and WORCESTER, Mass., March 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden is pleased to announce its 10th Anniversary Kick-Off event featuring the world-renowned Harvard Psychologist, Dr. Ellen Langer, who will speak at the College of the Holy Cross on April 30th about her ground-breaking research on how changing your mindset can increase your health, happiness and longevity. The event is open to the general public.

"We are thrilled to bring the famous Dr. Langer to speak about her research on the power of mindfulness for health and healing," said Carole Nathan, Executive Director, the Healing Garden. "We could not think of a more appropriate event to mark our tenth anniversary than by helping our breast cancer clients along their journey to well being. The Healing Garden has helped over 1,000 people since its opening on May 1, 2001."

"I am delighted and honored to speak at the Healing Garden's special anniversary event," said Dr Ellen Langer, professor in the Psychology Department at Harvard University. "I look forward to sharing what I know about mindful health and the power of possibility that exists within us all.  We have enormous control over our health and well-being as a function of our mindsets, and it's time we learned how to use it."

Save the Date – "The Power of Possibility"

Who: The Healing Garden Presents Harvard Psychologist Dr. Ellen Langer

What: "The Power of Possibility" VIP Welcome Reception and Lecture

When: Saturday, April 30, 2011

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Private VIP Reception with Dr. Ellen Langer

Cost of VIP Reception: $100 per person; $95 for Healing Garden members

7:30 to 9:00 p.m. General lecture with Q&A featuring Dr. Ellen Langer directly followed by book signing of Counterclockwise: Mindful Health and the Power of Possibility

Cost of Lecture: $35 per person; $25 for Healing Garden members

Where: College of the Holy Cross, Hogan Campus Center Ballroom, Worcester, MA

Event Contact: Carole Nathan at 978-456-3532 ext. 1; email [email protected]

Press Contact: Heidi Hynes at 978-302-1198; email [email protected]

All proceeds from the event will benefit The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden, an educational, non-profit organization dedicated to providing therapeutic services for women with breast cancer.

"Looking back over the last two years from diagnosis, to treatment and recovery, the support I received from the Healing Garden was one of the few positive things to come out of a devastating life experience," said Helen Papio. "I took advantage of so many of the services offered, including massage therapy, acupuncture, meditation, yoga, art classes and support groups, and I truly feel that all these experiences at the Healing Garden were, and continue to be, an integral part of both my physical and mental recovery."

About The Healing Garden

The Healing Garden provides a nurturing environment for people affected by breast cancer. Due to a wonderful network of highly trained therapists and dedicated volunteers, the Healing Garden provides a host of therapeutic services including acupuncture; massage; expressive therapies such as art, dance, music and writing; gardening; mediation; nutritional counseling and yoga. The Healing Garden is located in Harvard, MA on eight acres of beautiful gardens and tranquil woods, offering a peaceful environment where one may experience quiet reflection and calm focused healing. http://www.healinggarden.net/

About Dr. Ellen Langer

Dr. Ellen Langer is a professor in the Psychology Department at Harvard University. Her books include: Mindfulness, The Power of Mindful Learning, and Counterclockwise: Mindful Health and the Power of Possibility. Dr. Langer has described her work on the illusion of control, aging, decision-making and mindfulness theory in over 200 research articles and six academic books. Her groundbreaking research has landed her interviews on National Public Radio, WBUR's "Here and Now," the BBC, The Diane Rehm Show, The Dr. Oz Show on Oprah Radio, and New England Cable News, to name a few. "…her pioneering work revealed the profound effects of increasing mindful behavior…and offers new hope to millions whose problems were previously seen as unalterable and inevitable. Ellen Langer has demonstrated repeatedly how our limits are of our own making." (Source: APA Distinguished Award) http://www.ellenlanger.com

Editorial Contact:  Heidi Hynes
Phone: 978-302-1198; Email: [email protected]

SOURCE The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden