For generations, women were supported in their roles as mothers by a close network of family and sustained by values sacred to the family. Today, the family-system has faded; intrinsic values that guided relationships are being replaced by an external value-system, leaving us with inadequate and confused feelings. A mother, however, is still the heart of the home and deserves to regain the lost self-respect to enable her to fulfill her many varied responsibilities. If feeling overwhelmed and frantic, how could a mother offer her children anything but her own stress?

Global Harmony House (GHH) in Great Neck is presenting ROLE vs. SOUL: Challenges of Mothering in the 21st Century. It is a free ½ day workshop slated for Saturday, May 20th, 10AM to 2PM. The program includes discussion, dialogue, artistic expression, self-reflection and meditation, followed by a light vegetarian lunch.

Workshop facilitators are Michele Laub, Janice Smestad and Sr. Dorothy. Michele Laub is the Founder and President of Human Potentials Unlimited. Among her many credentials, Michele has an M.S. in Mental Health & School Counseling, and is a Psychotherapist, certified Four Agreements Facilitator (the work of Don Miguel Ruiz, author, THE FOUR AGREEMENTS), and a Life Coach for individuals, parents, families and organizations. For 25 years, she worked as a high school and middle school guidance counselor. Her website is www.HumanPotentialUnlimited.com.

"I wish inspirational information was available when I raised my children and served as a school counselor," says Ms. Laub. "The work of THE FOUR AGREEMENTS is not only a blueprint for effective parenting, but it is the precursor for effective living as well. And, I look forward to sharing some of its wisdom at this much needed program at Global Harmony House."

Janice Smestad is the Founder & Director of Empathy Associates LTD. She is currently employed as an Early Intervention Teacher by the Nassau County Dept. of Health and a supervisor of Student Teachers in Adelphi University' s Early Childhood Special Education Program. Sr. Dorothy is an experienced Raja Yoga Meditation teacher with the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization. She is Program Director at Peace Village Learning and Retreat Center in upstate NY.

"I am very excited about this opportunity to work with Global Harmony House in support of mothers," says Ms. Smestad. "For so many generations, women were supported in their work by a close network of family. Today, many of us feel on our own. There is plenty of advice available, but it only seems to make women feel more confused or inadequate. Parenting is a lifelong spiritual process. We are growing and learning with our children every day, and at this workshop, specific techniques will be shared to empower mothers to manifest the atmosphere they would like to see in their home."

The event was conceptualized by Robin Gorman Newman, founder, MOTHERHOOD LATER THAN SOONER, a social support group for women age 35+ with young children. Newman, a resident of Great Neck, mother of a three year old and a student of Raja Yoga Meditation at GHH, brought the workshop idea to Global Harmony House when she recognized her own need to reach out to others who are sharing the challenging parenting experience.

Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization (BKWSO), of which Global Harmony House is a part, provides opportunities to deepen ones understanding of oneself and of the principles that govern interaction with others. Their website is www.bkwsu.org.

A co-sponsor of the event is the National Association of Mothers Centers (NAMC) in Levittown, NY. NAMC helps members use their individual and collective knowledge and experience as catalyst for personal and social changes. Their website is www.motherscenters.org.

Whole Foods Market in Manhasset, NY has generously contributed food items in support of this workshop. They have been a past supporter of GHH events.

Global Harmony House is located at 46 South Middle Neck Road in Great Neck. RSVP is strongly suggested. Phone: 516/773-0971 or email events@ghhny.com. There is no fee for the event.

www.liwomen.com
May 2006