LIFE SPA

An event entitled “Exploring Your Inherited Femininity,” held Saturday, September 17, 2011 in Oakland, California marked the inauguration of LIFE Spa, a project of Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP).  Created by Northern California WFWP chairperson Pat Fleischman, 

Philaine Seher, Lilly Freeland, and Ann Helen Bechtel, LIFE Spa is a new program for women of college age and above.  It facilitates the exploration, development, and realization of women's divine femininity and power to affect changes for themselves, their families, and their society.  

The "LIFE" in the project’s name stands for Learning, Inspiring, Fulfilling, Empowering, and LIFE Spa aims to provide the opportunities for growth suggested by the acronym "LIFE" as well as the support and rejuvenation connoted by the word "Spa.”

Philaine Seher, M.S. Counseling and current LIFE Spa chair, led 12 participants in an exploration of patterns of behavior and attitudes toward womanhood and femininity exhibited in their families of origin.  By tracing the roots of their concepts of womanhood, participants could examine the messages, both explicit and implicit, they received about being a woman, and address how those messages have informed who they are today.  Attendees responded positively to the topic, engaging in spirited small group discussions and willingly sharing their personal experiences with one another.  Such self-exploration allows participants to determine what patterns or messages they wish to repeat and which they wish to alter, and this self-knowledge can stimulate and facilitate positive change as they move toward becoming the women they wish to be.

The next LIFE Spa event will take place on Sunday, October 16, with the topic “Managing Stress.”