To advocate for women’s wellness and self-care, the University of La Verne created a 5-week “Women’s Wellness Sprituality Circle” for an opportunity for women to gather together with Taylor Marvuilli, educator at the House of Ruth at the Internfaith Chapel every Thursday from 4 – 5:30 PM.
The flier indicated a five week commitment for stress management, self-esteem building, and self care exercises and practices for women. The opportunity welcomes women from all ages and encourages participants to bring friends to make better connections within the La Verne community. The group is led by Taylor Marvulli, educator at House of Ruth, and recent graduate from the University of La Verne. Each week, participants discuss such topics as: How We Feel, How We Deal, Healthy Relationships, including friendships, Self Esteem and Body Image, and Self Care.
Flier provided by the University Stu Info
The first meeting included a brief introduction of each participant stating the individuals’ year, major and something the individual loves. A color activity titled “Things I Love” followed to describe what the individual appreciates in life. A discussion involved why each individual didn’t notate themselves as something they love.
“Often I find it interesting each group I teach this actvitity to, never puts themselves down as something they love,” Taylor Marvulli stated.
Following the discussion on self-love, participants were encouraged to color the drawing together as a activity for relaxation. As adult coloring books have gained popularity, the healing power of art has been emphasized. According to the article “The Therapeutic Science of Adult Coloring Books: How This Childhood Pastime Helps Adults Relieve Stress,” by Dana Dovey, states coloring shouldn’t be just reserved for children.
Based on one 2006 study in the article, found the “mindfulness art therapy for women with cancer helped to significantly decrease symptoms of physical and emotional distress during treatment.”
The coloring activity had taught a new way for women to relieve stress and calm down.
You can RSVP to zwagoner@laverne.edu. Space is limited. -Rev. Zandra Wagoner, University Chaplain