THE WORKSHOPS
THE WORKSHOPS
THE PRINCE ON A WHITE HORSE (OR A FROG ON A ROCK):
For women, single or married who long for and dream about a loving, fulfilling relationship.
This workshop helps women get clear on what they want in a relationship. "Too many times, women get involved with a man they think is their prince, and he turns out to be a frog. This workshop helps single women choose a compatible mate, and also helps married women decide if it is worth staying in the relationship. We cannot change our mates, but we can change ourselves." Thomas describes this as a fun-filled, yet eye-opening workshop.
Thomas is also in the process of developing a similar workshop geared toward men.
MEDIOCRE TO MAGNIFICENT
This workshop is based a great deal on the hardships and life challenges Thomas endured, from age 14 to adulthood, and how she learned to survive and thrive. It offers insight on "creating peace and love within, manifesting an exciting and fulfilling life, and building self-confidence, self-esteem and a healthy self image."
HEALING THROUGH CREATIVE MOVEMENT: EXPERIENTIAL AND CONTEMPLATIVE WORKSHOP
"This workshop, for men and women, helps people release suppressed emotions," said Thomas. "I have presented this a number of times, but each time, I revise it a little. The undertone of this workshop is about spirituality."
Thomas combines music and movement to help people move deeper into hidden feelings and use their bodies to express and release. She uses different types of music for each activity. For instance, she begins with having the participants choose a favorite wild animal, and move according to how that animal would behave. She then asks everyone to choose an animal they don't like. "When I first began doing this, I hated alligators," said Thomas. "They are so ugly. But I gradually came to appreciate their wonderful qualities, such as patience, agility, and power. I realized I was judging them by their looks, and I began looking at ways I judged people by their looks."
Other activities include "becoming wind chimes" and "expressing negative emotions," which Thomas says includes "yukky music." She said there is also discussion and sharing after each movement. The theme is to gradually take participants to the realization that we are not isolated; we are all one, and to reach that goal in a safe, comfortable and nonjudgmental atmosphere.
This three-hour workshop will be presented at Villa Maria at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 10. The cost is $20 and you must register by Sept. 1. Call (724) 964-8920, ext. 3387, or cfanfer@humilityofmary.org.