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Dear Friend and supporter of The Elizabeth Seton Women's Center,
"What would the world look like if women's inner voices had a strong influence on society?"
This is a question, Helene Brenner, an author and women's psychologist, asks in the epilogue of her book- I Know I'm In There Somewhere: A Woman's Guide to Finding Her Inner Voice and Living a Life of Authenticity. I loved the book. I loved the question. And I loved that at the end of her very wise book, she wrote an epilogue called THE LARGER PICTURE.
I love women and the ways we see things. I love that we seem to intuitively know how important it is that we do our inner work and inner tending and that from that inner place the larger picture, the larger world, naturally and deeply matters to us.
Reading the book I was reminded why I need the support and inspiration of women so much and how very important it is for there to be a place like The Elizabeth Seton Women's Center - a place where women's inner voices and ways of knowing, seeing, being and doing are not only honored and considered sacred, but are strengthened, supported and encouraged.
The Center believes that by being a sacred space for all women to gather and by supporting women's holistic development and empowerment, more and more women will discover and honor their truth, their voices and their gifts. As a result of this, women benefit, their loved ones benefit and the world benefits.
I am deeply grateful for all the ways you have supported our existence and our mission- and I ask you to continue to be a champion for women's empowerment and women's voices at The Center, in New York City and in the world.
Women need support to connect with, trust and act from our own strength and authority. When the messages we receive from our inner voices run counter to the cultural messages we receive as women, it is very helpful to feel validation, affirmation and support from other women. I can not tell you how many times I have heard women at The Center say: "You mean you feel that way too?" "You experience that too?" "If you can do that, maybe I can do what I need to do."
As women, we know that it is among one another that we remember and feel resonance with this source inside ourselves that is always there…always waiting…always loving us…always offering us nourishment, strength, wisdom and guidance. We know in our hearts that this is the real source of power in our lives and in our world today-that true empowerment comes from engaging the inner music, rhythm, creativity, storytelling, ritual, meditation, prayer, dream work and scripture- for connecting women with this source.
I want to share with you the voices and experiences of some of the women who have attended the Center's programs this year:
I love being in community with other women. The Center women are so welcoming- a relaxed, yet energized atmosphere exists here. It makes it possible for me to express myself in community without worrying if I am doing it “right”.
As I left the Center on Monday, I felt so buoyed and fed. I went to a church meeting Monday night and was reminded again of how important your work is. We really need women's voices and perspectives at the table and a place where women can clear the years of mixed messages and find their true voices. And spend time with each other. Thanks for feeding me in so many ways.
The energy and warmth of the circle of women was remarkable. What a privilege to be there. I knew that I had come home!
I feel inspired and supported in so many ways. Thank you for honoring me and allowing my feminine spirit to emerge and live.
My own connection with God was confirmed in me, which I didn't believe existed before. I feel awakened to my spiritual potential.
I now believe in the possibility and power of loving, strong bonds of trust between women.
At a time when many of the institutions, systems and external values that we have been encouraged to rely upon for our security have been proven quite false or unstable, we have a real opportunity as women to lead the way to real sources of security, power and love. Rather that put our energy into defending and rebuilding outmoded structures and value systems, we can use our woman courage, wisdom and energy to dive inward and surrender to the love, power and direction of our indwelling spirits.
The Center is a place where differences are honored, where there is reverence for the sacredness of every woman's journey and where connections are made that nourish and empower each woman to make choices and take actions that are in alignment with who they most deeply are.
"What would the world look like if women's inner voices had a strong influence on society?"
Let's find out together!
Many blessings from Karen, Mary Lou and all of us at the Center,
Arleen K. Ketchum SC
Director
P.S. I believe that the divine Spirit that is watching over this precious planet is counting on us-counting on women -to own our inner strength and authority. Thank you so much for you support strengthening and championing women's spirits and voices in the world. A place awaits you at the Center.
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