Spiritual Spa Day offers workshops for relaxation
Date: 1/30/2015
WESTFIELD – For those seeking more meaning in their lives, a special Spiritual Spa Day is being planned by the Labyrinth Connection of Western Massachusetts.
The daylong event is planned May 9 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center at 53 Mill St.
Lorraine Villemaire, SSJ, MA, author of “The Labyrinth Experience” and Cathy Rigali, LPN, both members of the Labyrinth Connection, are putting the finishing touches on the spiritually charged day that promises a perfect way to relax, refresh and rejuvenate oneself.
“The day offers you a chance to be in a beautiful setting in the comfort of cozy rooms,” Rigali said in an interview with Reminder Publications. “The surroundings also enhance the entire experience.”
Villemaire echoed those sentiments.
“The spa day will bring your outer and inner world together,” Villemaire said, adding that being with like-minded people also enhances the experience. “It is also a wonderful experience for the presenters too.”
Participants will have the opportunity to choose three workshops in the morning and two workshops in the afternoon.
Presenters for each 45-minute segment include:
• Rigali, of South Hadley, will discuss Creative Writing. She is a certified instructor in the Pat Schneider (Amherst Writers and Artists) Creative Writing Program. Using a variety of prompts to spark creativity, participants will write individual pieces in the genre of their choice. Participants will also be able to read their work and receive positive feedback from others in the group.
• Villemaire, of Holyoke, will take participants on a Labyrinth Walk using a 24-foot portable labyrinth. As a Veriditas certified labyrinth facilitator, Villemaire will discuss the spirituality of the labyrinth, how it is a tool for transformation, and how to process the experience as a celebration of life and call to wholeness.
The Labyrinth Connection of Western Massachusetts is a group of women and men who come together to explore the labyrinth as a tool for transformation. Villemaire explained that the labyrinth is an ancient design more than 4,000 years old.
“The labyrinth is a symbol of life’s journey,” she said, noting it serves as a powerful conduit for individual reflection and healing, while fostering an understanding of our inherent connection and interdependence with one another and the Earth.
• Deborah Yaffee, BS, CH, CN, will discuss Aromatherapy, the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and Tai Chi. Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise that is gentle on the joints, effective in reducing stress, and no prior experience is required. EFT is a simple and fun way to tap your fingers on traditional acupuncture points to reduce stress, eliminate fears, and control unwanted cravings. During the aromatherapy discussion, enjoy a scentual escape of flower power with a guided meditation using 100 percent pure essential oils. Yaffee, of Shelburne Falls, is a certified instructor for Tai Chi for Health programs, a nutritionist and nutritional cleansing coach, an NGH certified hypnosis instructor, Reiki Master Teacher, Usui-Shiki Ryoho and a Veriditas certified labyrinth facilitator.
• Carole Magrone, MA, of Worthington, will discuss Sand Play for the Soul. Participants will learn through a sandbox, a collection of objects and creative play, how one can open a personal dialogue with the soul.
• Donna Zucker, RN, Ph.D., of Amherst, will lead a presentation on Mindfulness. Participants will focus on the body, breath, thoughts and feelings of the present moment. Activities will include exercises one can incorporate into a daily practice.
• Kate Forest, of Wilbraham, creator of Self Care Yoga®, will present Self Care Yoga®: Rest and Renew. Forest, a Mindful Living teacher, will offer a restful, nurturing and compassionate yoga experience. Participants will breathe and stretch away stress and tension using simple mindfulness and self-care skills that can be practiced in everyday life to rest and renew.
• Sadelle Wiltshire, of Putney, Vt., will discuss Zentangle®. As a certified Zentangle® teacher, Wiltshire will explain the easy to learn, relaxing and intuitive art method using structured patterns. The goals of Zentangle®, a tool for artists and non-artists, are to increase focus, relaxation, and encourage deliberate mark-making and invention. She is also a Veriditas certified labyrinth facilitator.
The day will close with a Dance of Peace, facilitiated by Roberta Mulcahy, SSJ, MA, who serves as ecology coordinator and facilitator of Dances of Universal Peace.
“The program will enrich your humanity and enrich your spirituality,” said Villemaire. “By reflection, it helps you to process and reconsider what isn’t working and to make some changes if necessary.”
Rigali added that since we live in a fast moving society, taking a day to be “spiritually nourished” can do wonders for one’s well-being.
“You will also meet some incredible people,” she said.
At press time there were 4.7 nursing CEU’s pending from the University of Massachusetts College of Nursing.
The cost for the event is $49 prior to April 14, and $69 after April 15. The buffet lunch includes wrap sandwiches, side salads, beverage and dessert. When registering, please note any dietary constraints since vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free meals can be provided. Early registration is advised. Also, optional overnight accommodations at Genesis are available for $60 a night which includes three meals.
“The Spiritual Spa Day will be an enjoyable, restorative and relaxing day for all,” Villemaire said, adding, “You will feel the spirit of the group and will feel being a part of the community.”
