De-stress with America's De-Stress Diva!
a Jewish Women's Circle event recap
January 25, 2012
At the end of the evening at CJC this past Wednesday, the sanctuary was ablaze with light. Eighty women, with a candle in hand, put flame to the wick and simultaneously ignited the light of'intention' within. It was a beautiful sight to behold and a palpable expression of the power we possess inside us. Our guest speaker for this Jewish Women's Circle event, Ruth Klein, America's'De-Stress Diva' came to give us ideas and tools to de-stress that were both unexpected and revelatory. Ms. Klein, a clinical & spiritual psychologist, nationally acclaimed lifestyle expert, author, public speaker and recently featured in Oprah's'O' magazine, proclaimed that managing time and experiencing stresses are'sisters'. Stress is often time induced, and, as Ruth explained, caused by believing we're in control of the end result. Of course we're all busy and trying to juggle myriad activities every day. This is the nature of life. While we may not be in charge of life's circumstances, we are very much in control of our'intentions'. Our thoughts produce tremendous energy and can affect everything around us - including our physical bodies, and ultimately our life's direction.
Using the example of a gleaming full moon, one minute brightly lighting the night's sky but the next obscured by a cloud, Ruth made us understand that just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it's not there. The moon's light still shines even when it's hidden from view. As electric as that vision in the sky, so is the powerful energy of our own minds, and once we let go of attachment to outcomes then stress is transformed into a more tranquil state. An invisible force - of thoughts/attitude/mindfulness can effect tangible positive change if we unshackle ourselves from self-imposed stress.
Ms. Klein says that 98% of what we stress about never occurs! Yet somehow we think that worrying and allowing fears to run rampant is somehow helpful. Changing the thought patterns that create anxiety & stress is also paramount for our physical & spiritual health. The mind, body and spirit are indeed one. Often we all have unresolved issues buried in our subconscious. Once we figure out what's the root cause of our fears, of our illusionary beliefs and personal limitations, then that negative energy can be jettisoned.
Ruth's tools to help us refocus on positive energy & intention are easy, yet effective. She suggests stopping three times a day - perhaps just for a minute or so - to pray, to meditate, to concentrate on gratitude, to feel the oneness of ourselves with the divine. Journaling, especially first thing in the morning helps to set an intention and focus your day. Ruth also recommended stepping away from the'drama' in your life. Try to see it as an observer and resist the urge to'participate' in the scene. When we experience calm and quietness of mind, the effect spreads out like a wave to those around you. Ruth also handed out a'worksheet' to everyone to use for making not only our intentions a conscious choice, but also choosing goals and looking for ways we might sabotage our own efforts with negativity or subliminal turmoil.
As a reminder of tonight's important message, the JWC committee gave all attendees an aromatherapy stress relief candle & glass candleholder.
Setting the stage for our JWC event was the ever impressive & creative decor of Batsheva Bollinger. Even our guest lecturer Ruth couldn't believe that she was entering a Chabad center as she experienced the flowing femininity of the teal colored fabrics draped so elegantly and the magnificent buffet table covered with glass vases, bowls and serving pieces, all arranged at various levels & filled with colorful vegetables. There were twinkling lights everywhere, plus candles and soft lamps lighting the room for a soothing feel and spectacular bird of paradise flowers rising from tall vases wherever you turned your gaze. The table was made all the more lovely with huge bowls of mixed green salads, laden with a rainbow of fruits, veggies, nuts, etc., three gigantic pots with delicious homemade soups, various dips, breads and crackers arranged with an artist's touch and for dessert a medley of scrumptious baked goods (made by Mashie Marcus!) and heaping bowls of fruits.
After we had seated ourselves and played a fun ice breaker'getting to know you' game around the tables, Bassie Marcus enthusiastically took the podium to address all the ladies. Bassie began by relaying what it had been like when she and Rabbi Marcus first came to Mission Viejo over a decade ago. They had been warned that there were no Jews in the area and they would never be successful in South Orange County. Luckily, neither the Rabbi nor the Rebbitzen subscribe to anything less than optimism, hopefulness, hard work and especially faith in Hashem when it comes to their Chabad outreach here. Now, Bassie was looking out at 80 Jewish women - our largest turnout so far - and said it was beyond her wildest dreams that there are so many Jews coming to CJC! Bassie told us that each woman here is important and special and that coming to JWC events does in fact help reduce stress by giving us a chance to recharge, to be encouraged and to go back home a better person for taking the time to refuel our spiritual tanks. Bassie said a lesson from the Torah on stress is that unless we're really'present' in our lives, we can't be the person G‑d wants us to be. If we can have faith in the'oneness' of creation, we can help reduce the source of stress in our life.
Last but by no means least is a hearty HOORAY to our indispensable crew of helpers - each one we are ever so grateful for!! Batsheva Bollinger, Dr. Siri Smith, Alejandra Paz, Cindy Cisneros, Dawn Kalaie, Joelle Quinn, Andee Dekofsky, Bonnie Chaban, Roz Gantman, Farnaz Lurey, Lucille Nuckols, Jennifer Vigilette, Michelle Weinberg, Jackie Arditi, Pedouth Isti, Erin Macdonald, Mashie Marcus and Samantha Cymerint. Thank you, thank you!!
Our fourth JWC event will be coming up on March 21st. It's entitled, "Behind the Bedroom Doors"...aren't you curious to hear what this one's about!? Be sure to put the date on your calendar and look for upcoming emails!
Whew...sure was stressful writing this wrap-up...now for some deep breathing and a mindful intention to relax & enjoy:-)
Sincerely - Dara Linson