For women in treatment or recovery from breast cancer, having a calm, personal, peaceful pursuit is incredibly recuperative. Something that lets you focus on you and not on cancer.

Mount Carmel has developed just such a pursuit. It's called the Mount Carmel Gentle Yoga for Energy & Relaxation program. And not only is it relaxing and restorative, it's free. Research shows that light physical activity, like gentle yoga, can be helpful in reducing side effects such as nausea, fatigue and menopausal symptoms that impacts survivors' quality of life.

Each class includes gentle physical movement, guided imagery and structured relaxation under the direction of an experienced instructor who's certified in teaching yoga for those with cancer and other health challenges. No prior yoga experience is necessary, and there's time built in to each session for sharing and support.

Each yoga session is eight weeks in length and meet twice a week for 1.5 hours. Sessions are offered year-round and rotate to various locations in the Columbus area. Class sizes are limited. A physician referral is required.

Gentle Yoga is offered free through a generous grant from the Columbus Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.