The Gawler Cancer Programs
The Gawler Foundation’s Cancer 10-day Residential program and the weekly Melbourne Cancer Self-Help group met regularly for nearly 40 years and were attended by thousands.
These programs were based upon Ian Gawler’s international bestseller You Can Conquer Cancer. Participants learnt and were supported to use what is best described as Lifestyle Medicine. This is based upon what people can do for themselves and provides an integrated, inclusive approach to conventional and complementary therapies. Topics covered included therapeutic meditation and nutrition, how to harness the power of the mind, emotional health, dealing with setbacks, pain management, death and dying, finding hope and meaning in adversity.
These programs were acknowledged internationally as setting the standard for Lifestyle-based self-help programs; they made an outstanding contribution to the health and wellbeing of so many. Some recovered, many lived much longer than their prognosis, and many people were assisted to find peace of mind and to die well.
Ian was on the Advisory Board of the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association for many years. He was also one of the founders of Meditation Australia and more recently has helped establish the Centre for Contemplative Studies at the University of Melbourne, and the Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies at Monash. Dr Ruth Gawler was also on the Meditation Australia Board for 8 years.
As a result of several factors including the COVID Pandemic, the Gawler Foundation was placed into receivership in 2021. The main asset was the Yarra Valley Living Centre and the membership voted to distribute the Centre to a similar, like-minded charity, the Brahma Kumaris. The BKs as they are known, continue to operate the Centre with much care and attention. Ian and Ruth Gawler present regular meditation retreats and residential Meditation Teacher Trainings at the Centre – details on this website.
The residential cancer programs are continued in a 5 day format by Liz Stillwell and her team. Liz worked with Ian and Ruth over many years; contributing and learning with them. Ian and Ruth fully endorse Liz’ work and highly recommend attendance. Details for her programs are available from her website: Click Here
Although we deeply regret the closing of the Centre, we do encourage people seeking those teachings to use the downloads and the books Ian wrote. By creating your own personal program; by listening, reading and studying the content through the books and downloads, much can be accomplished. Ian has always said “Something only has to be done once to show it is possible”. He has left “the map” and the directions…. You can find Healing Downloads on the Webstore here …
Currently the Yarra Valley Living Centre is being maintained and cared for by a new team of spiritually motivated good people, the Brahma Kumaris, who are keen to help others with healing, both physically, emotionally and spiritually.
You can contact the Centre during normal business hours during the week:
Telephone: 03 59675400 or Maureen 0478777405
or directly email them at [email protected]
BK’s Website : https://brahmakumaris.org.au/new/yarra-valley-meditation-retreats/
To purchase the Gawler Cancer Program downloads referred to here, you can go to www.iangawlerwebstore.com
