Calling all Women: Join Cathy Burnham and Jane LaForce for November’s Spiritual Circle II

We come together on this first day after All Hallows Eve (AKA Hallowe’en) to explore the tradition which is common to many spiritual paths around this time of year as seasons change and the earth rests in the increasing darkness.  This is the third and final harvest;  a time for introspection, a time we can focus on the abundance in our lives and sharing this abundance with others. 

Please bring some loved thing to share with our circle and some practical ‘gift’ to donate to the larger community of women.  In  sharing, we find the gratitude which comes from knowing how truly blessed we are to have abundance in our lives.  Through laughter and tears, sharing and caring, we touch something deep inside each one of us.

Please join us for this delightful experience on Tuesday, November 1st, from 7-9PM at the First Congregational Church,4 Congress Street,Milford, located next to the Post Office.                  

You may register for this group by e-mailing us at Cathy@womenscenterforwholness.org or Jane@womenscenterforwholeness.org or by phoning 508-473-4244.

SPOTLIGHT: Yoga On and Off the Mat

The Women’s Center for Wholeness was delighted to sponsor our first monthly spotlight group on Tuesday,  October  11.  Tobi Gold, a certified yoga instructor, kicked off this series with a bang.  She had her audience’s rapt attention as she explained the benefits of yoga for any age group or ability level.  “Yoga is not just for the mats,” she said.  Much of yoga’s benefit comes from the mind-body connection, the gentle movements and singular focus.  Tobi led us in a guided meditation which set the tone for the rest of the evening.  After doing some simple yoga moves in our chairs we were asked to think of a person or a situation with which we are presently dealing which was causing
some agitation.  We were  asked to reflect on the situation and come up with one word that might help ease the situation.  We then paired off and while one woman spoke and the other listened, we gave voice to the situation and insights we received during this exercise.  It was amazing how quickly, through yoga and relaxation, we came to some very powerful insights.

The evening culminated in a short Q&A and raffle.  Everyone left feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.  Great job Tobi!

In November, we will be hosting Marilyn Alling, a certified Reflexologist.  If you would like to participate in our Spotlight Series, please register for the group at womenscenterforwholeness.org or by phoning 508-473-4244.

SPIRITUAL CIRCLE II

On Tuesday, October 4, Cathy Burnham led a group entiltled Excavating Your Divine Wisdom.  Seven women attended this thought provoking group.  The women were asked to reflect on their experience with the divine feminine either in their religion of birth or on their spiritual paths.  Some insights in the history of the Goddess both in mythology and the Judao-Christian traditions were offered.

The group was based on an article from Spirituality and Health entitled, “Eight Paths to the Goddess” by Prema Gaia.  She had attended a gathering in Ashland, Oregon, where the goal was to create a sacred space for people to explore their own personal experience of inner union with the Divine Feminine.  The Eight Paths were discussed in our group and each of the women chose which ones resonated for her and how she could incorporate them into her life.

The group ended with a stirring meditation and a written exercise to commit our thoughts to paper.  Highlights were given; the women attending were delighted with the topic and promised to explore some of the ideas presented to connect with their own divine wisdom.

Kindred Spirits

by Lauren Reilly (excerpted from 2006 WCW newsletter)

Did you ever have the feeling you were in a roomful of kindred spirits? This is what the Women’s Center for Wholeness is for me.  My first experience with the WCW was at their annual Luminaria event held during the holidays. My close friend, Sheila had been to several WCW events and was so impressed by her experience she wanted me to share in her excitement and experience it for myself. She thought it would be a great way to “get us in the spirit of the season.” How right she was. Luminaria was an amazing, soul-enriching experience and I have been grateful to her ever since. That was several years ago.

I believe we live in a time where people are desperately searching for deep connections. We have become so busy and are spread in so many different directions we feel emotionally and physically depleted. The unique thing about the WCW is you leave feeling completely uplifted, energized and a part of something wonderful.

I am a woman who believes all women are capable of greatness. The WCW has confirmed that for me in so many ways. We are of all ages and in different stages of our lives. Each woman’s story is completely different and interesting, yet we all find a common thread. We are kindred spirits.

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Today Lauren is President of the Women’s Center for Wholeness and is currently engaged in planning Luminaria 2011, “Joy to the World.” Mark your calendar and save the date Tuesday, December 6 at 6:30 pm at the First Congregationalist Church in Milford. Feel free to invite a friend to share this joyful, illuminating experience with the kindred spirits of the Women’s Center for Wholeness!

We have a new name!

In an effort to liberate ourselves from an identity associated with healthcare providers, the Women’s Center for Wellness is now the Women’s Center for Wholeness… a name that continues to reflect the integration of mind, body, and spirit that we have embraced since our beginning in 1997. Of course we’re keeping the Agreements that provide a framework for our group process that promotes a safe, caring environment in which women can participate with assurance of acceptance.  We’re making changes like lower dues and a new venue at the First Congregational Church in Milford. Mark your calendar for our new “Spotlight of the Month” every second Tuesday, beginning October 11, 7-9pm, with Tobi Gold, certified yoga instructor. Click on the groups tab for more information.

The women of WCW at the Craigville Manor

Our Reflections by the Sea Were Fabulous!

Many thanks to the 22 magnificent women who gathered at Craigville Conference Center this weekend for our WCW Women’s Weekend. You are beautiful and soulful people. From entering a room by the tone of a triangle,  dancing with mirrors and telling one-liners to sharing from your hearts in a very unique way…we have enriched each other’s lives. You remind us (the leaders, Alice and Kelly) that there is magic in the world and all it takes is allowing quiet reflection to bring it to our attention.

Keep your center, remember the weekend and enjoy the sunshine until we meet again!

Come to Our Spring Fling!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 26, 10AM-3PM for WCW’s Spring Fling at the First Unitarian Universalist Church at 23 Pine Street in Milford. For just $10 you can have a day to enjoy and pamper yourself.

Spend a few hours at our creative and game tables, discover angel card readings, rejuvenate yourself with a  massage or reiki treatments, learn line-dancing , sing with our live talented guitarist or savor a hearty sandwich or sweet treat. Try your luck at our raffle and treat yourself to a bargain at the flea market table. Leave light-hearted and reconnected with local women! Hope you’ll join us.

If you pre-register by sending in $10 per ticket in advance, you’ll get a free raffle ticket. If you can’t pre-register, walk-ins are welcome!

Purchase tickets in advance by sending $10 per ticket to: WCW, P.O. Box 606, Milford, MA 01757. For more information, call 508-473-4244 or email info@womenscenterforwellness.org

Spring Really is Coming to WCW!

Two important pieces of info about Spring WCW Events:

First, save the date Saturday, March 26th for another wonderful WCW Event. Watch this blog for more information coming soon on time, event details and how to register!

Second, we are pleased to report that our Women’s Weekend is full. If you have sent in a deposit, your balance must be in our hands by April 1st. We have started a waiting list, so in all fairness to other women, we do need your $225 paid in full by the end of March. Thanks so much. You’ll be getting event packets once your balance is received, which will give you all information you need to know about arrival time, what to bring, etc. We are really looking forward to the weekend and hope you are too!

Only the Second Time in a Decade!

Well, the weather must be bad…we’ve had to cancel Spiritual Circle due to weather today for only the second time in its decade-plus history! Hope you are all staying warm and safe and we’ll take our February topic, Authentic Love, and revive it on March 1st at next month’s Circle. Too bad, February is typically my favorite Spiritual Circle of the year, due to the wonderful spiritual history connection with the Celtic Goddess Brigid who is known as the patron of the hearth/home, creativity/poetry, and metal-crafting. She is often considered the most powerful woman in Irish spirituality and we’ll honor her this, her month, whether we can gather in our Circle or not! Stay safe and warm as Mother Nature reminds us that there are things we just can’t control…