September 22 event day to reflect and relax
by Kristina Gabalski
A unique and special day designed for women of all ages, faiths and stages is planned for Saturday, September 22 in the church hall of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 3747 Brick Schoolhouse Road in Hamlin.
A Spiritual Day Spa – a day of reflection and relaxation – will be held from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will be led by Anne Klein and Teresa Werth, two area women who have been active in several aspects of women’s advocacy work for many years.
“We are calling it a Spiritual Day Spa because we plan to pamper ourselves in many ways,” Klein says, “although not with massages, facials and pedicures. This is more about pampering our spirits … hence the name. It’s so nice for women who need a little something extra in their lives.”
Klein is the organizer and leader for two area cancer support groups, but notes the day does not focus on cancer survivorship or any disease. “It is really all about taking care of ourselves, honoring and sharing our lives as women,” she says.
Werth says the day is a great opportunity for women. “It has nothing to do with physical ability, education, religion, or any of the other things that sometimes divide us. It is all about supporting each other as women and some of the challenges, joys and life passages we share.”
The day-long program includes gentle relaxation exercises, sharing memories, making special little “love” boxes, watching a charming movie, considering the power and meaning of women’s hands and generally celebrating what it means to be women in the 21st century.
Werth has presented a similar program to women in Buffalo, Penn Yan and Florida. She says the core of the program grew out of a book by John O’Donohue: Anam Cara.
“It deals with keying in on our memories and the value of our memories. Sometimes as we age, we may not take the time to reflect on the many aspects of our life from childhood to adulthood, or we may reflect on regrets that we may perceive as mistakes or failures,” Werth explains.
“This program, in fact the whole day, invites women to think more positively about themselves and their life experience in a relaxing, non-judgmental atmosphere. I have seen otherwise quiet women become very animated and seen women surprise themselves with what memories surface. It has always been a very positive response.”
Werth adds that the day has the potential to be a life-affirming experience. “Women coming together and sharing their stories can be inspiring and empowering.”
Participants are asked to bring an open mind, a full heart and a loving spirit, Werth notes.
“If you can walk through the door with those three things, you will be ready for a memorable experience. “I would say having no expectations except for a willingness to let the day unfold by fully participating, is the best way to prepare,” she says. “Sometimes something very simple like this day can produce something very profound. That would be our hope for everyone who comes.”
The program emphasizes five things, Werth says: Comfort – wear casual dress and bring a comfortable folding chair, a blanket/mat/pillow and an old clean sock with two tennis balls inside; Ecology – participants are asked to bring a mug for coffee or tea to avoid throwing away styrofoam or cardboard; Economy – keep the cost down to encourage participation and a good simple lunch; Charity – participants are asked to bring a donation for a local food cupboard and a small portion of the registration fee will be donated to a women’s shelter; and Variety – group activities, personal reflection, movie and craft.
“We reserve the right to offer a few fun surprises,” Werth adds.
The donations to the local food pantry and a women’s shelter are a way for the program to reach out to the community, Werth says, “…. to remember women in our community who are not with us physically, to let them know we are thinking of them. These will be small gestures but a lot of this day is about the meaning of things and this is one more way to give meaning to what we do. It reinforces the idea that small things matter and are worth doing.”
Dr. Jennifer Griffith of West Side Surgical Associates in Brockport will give a brief presentation on women’s health issues during lunchtime, Klein says.
The day is for women of all ages, faiths and life stages, both Klein and Werth emphasize, and is an excellent time for mothers, daughters, granddaughters, sis-ters and friends to reflect, share, laugh and learn.
The cost for the Spiritual Day Spa is $15 per person which includes lunch, bottled water, snacks, plenty of great take home material and a full day of activities. Pre-registration and payment are required in order to plan appropriately. Registration deadline in Saturday, September 15.
To register, contact Kitty at 659-8449 or email kitty.akey@gmail.com.
