Upcoming Quarterly Luncheon - Music as Meditation, Music for Creativity, Music for Wellness
In the News
Upcoming Quarterly Luncheon - Music as Meditation, Music for Creativity, Music for Wellness
July 07, 2008 - Posted by Michelle Brown
Music has been essential to human development since sound became rhythm and random noises were collected into patterns of melody and harmony. The language of music is interwoven into the language of the brain as it reacts, adapts, and forms neural pathways that create a sense of self. Discover the power of music to be your partner as you reduce stress, deal with life changes, cope with illness, and affirm your strengths, gifts, and goals. Join us on September 10, 2008 at Noon. - Presenter Cara Marinucci, LPC, FAMI
Community Support Grows
July 07, 2008 - Posted by Michelle Brown
The Women’s Initiative is pleased to report the receipt of several grants from Community Endowment Fund of the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, Grace Riggs Fund, and Quantitative Investment Management Fund. Grants will support our individual counseling programs for disadvantaged women and stress management workshops for non-profit organizations. We are honored by their support!
We also thank JoAnn Christy for selecting our agency as the recipient of proceeds from a recent Suite 211 event at The Glass Building.
As written so eloquently by Ryunosuke Satoro, “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” Every contribution brings positive change.
Join Us at Vivace for Tiara Tuesdays
July 07, 2008 - Posted by Michelle Brown
Eat, drink and be merry at Tiara Tuesdays! This event, produced by Arianne Davenport, creates an opportunity for high spirited, community-minded women to gather at local hotspots for the "happiest hour". This event raises awareness and funds for local non-profits and gives women in the community a chance to share their passions. Join us for a night of delicious Italian cuisine (and a few minutes of guided relaxation led by The Women’s Initiative therapists early in the evening)! For each drink or food item purchased a raffle ticket will be included for a chance to win fabulous prizes. Fifteen percent of net proceeds will benefit The Women's Initiative. The more the merrier!!! See you there!
An Intern's Perspective - Researching Stress
July 07, 2008 - Posted by Michelle Brown
My recent experience conducting research for The Women’s Initiative has been enlightening, opening my eyes to the countless stressors affecting people as well as the many ways to alleviate that stress. Tension and anxiety can be caused by everything from financial problems to traffic jams, and this not only makes people suffer emotionally, but also contributes to conditions like heart disease. Luckily, methods to counteract stress are easily accessible. People can learn to slow down their breathing, relax their muscles, and eat more healthfully. One’s immediate environment is also related to stress and can affect one’s physical and emotional well-being.
Not surprisingly, remedies for emotional stress and physical conditions often overlap, as is the case for exercise. According to the Dr. Dean Ornish Lifestyle Modification Program, as described in a 2004 article by the Preventive Medicine Research Institute, “Regular physical activity is known to reduce the risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, certain types of cancer, osteoporosis and obesity. It is one of the best ways to improve both physical and mental health.” Even intangibles, like showing kindness to strangers, can increase emotional and physical health. In the article Scientific Research on Kindness Jason Parker writes, “Kindness creates peace of mind, a disease-free body, and great relationships.” - Charles Heiner
A New Addition to The Women's Initiative Family!
July 03, 2008 - Posted by Michelle Brown
The Women's Initiative is pleased to announce that Chris Plantania has given birth to a healthy and beautiful baby boy. Avery was born on June 26, 2008. He weighs 7 pounds, 12 ounces and is 22 inches long. Congratulations to Chris and Joe!
