Abundia Retreat 2007 - Speakers and Their Workshops
Attuned Eating: Feeding Yourself From the Inside Out - by Judith Matz (judithmatz@dietsurvivors.com)
Judith Matz is the co-author of two books on the topics of eating and body image issues: The Diet Survivors Handbook: 60 Lessons in Eating, Acceptance and Self-Care (Sourcebooks 2006) and Beyond a Shadow of a Diet: The Therapist's Guide to Treating Compulsive Eating (Brunner/Routledge 2004). Judith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked in the field of eating problems for the past 22 years. She received her master's degree from the University of Michigan and completed a post-graduate fellowship at Michael Reese hospital, with an emphasis on eating disorders. She is the director of the Chicago Center for Overcoming Overeating, Inc., an organization dedicated to ending the preoccupation with food and weight through educational programs and counseling. Judith has a private practice in Skokie.
Queen Bee Productions presents…
For Beauty’s Sake: Workshop and Presentation - by Deb Lemire (www.queenbeeprod.com)
With the recent onslaught of television shows and reports on obesity, it is easy to become caught up in the media frenzy. Women are particularly targeted with the message that if they are fat they are physical, emotional and spiritual cripples.
Fat phobia and the quest for thinness has not brought women together, it has separated us. It’s the divide and conquer approach at its best. The tape that runs in our heads that tells us we are fat, not lovable, that we are ugly or imperfect distracts women from important work, keeps women from participating fully in society and traps women in abusive relationships. We need to stop spending our energies fighting against our female bodies. When we fight against ourselves we dilute our power and waste who we are.
For Beauty’s Sake Workshop explores the cultural conditioning of women to hate their bodies, applies a critical eye to media messages, and expands how we see ourselves through art, music and lively conversation.
Deb Lemire, Artistic Director of Queen Bee Productions
Queen Bee Productions, established in 1998 and based in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, is a professional organization that produces theatre and creative programming that work to change how society views women and how women view themselves. From live theatre performances, to workshops, retreats and event planning, QBP works with community organizations to foster a cooperative and empowering environment advocating for women on important issues.
Artistic Director Deb Lemire, has received several awards recognizing her work. Most recently she was presented with the Women’s Network Founder’s Award for the Community Progress of Women. She has been honored as one of Women’s History Project of Akron’s Women of the Year for Creativity, as Feminist of the Year by the Akron Chapter of the National Organization for Women, awarded a Special Achievement Award for the Power of Women by the YWCA Rape Crisis Program and was listed by Northern Ohio Live Magazine as one of Northeast Ohio's most influential women.
Learning to Love Your Looks: Being a Plus Size Diva - by Dr. Lisa Breisch (http://hometown.aol.com/lisabreisch/myhomepage/index.html) (http://www.clubround.com/)
Learn body image enhancement to boost your self-esteem and body acceptance. Literature will be provided on getting in touch with your inner sexy diva. Carrying yourself well -- make-up, hygiene, clothing, walking, talking, and flirting. From the sophisticated professional to the goddess diva embracing your sexuality. For fun, there will be four free make-overs awarded to applicants interested. Apply for a free private hair and make-up makeover by Lisa. Bring your own make-up or use the tools that will be provided. Before and after pictures will be taken. Separate scheduling of time individually for 4 winners.
Dr. Lisa Breisch is a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist in Loves Park, IL. In addition to her private practice work, she specializes in size acceptance therapy for all ages and leads the women's support group called, Love Your Body: Healthy Living At Every Size. Dr. Breisch is the new Director of Club Round: A Clubhouse for Round People that provides support groups, dances, nutrition education, massage, games/crafts, etc. for plus-size children, teens, and adults. Dr. Breisch is also the President of the Chicago Chapter of NAAFA (National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance). She is also a public speaker and has advocated on TV and radio about ending size discrimination and weight prejudice. She is personally and professionally dedicated to the size acceptance movement and lives life fully as a BBW.
Aging in our Fat Bodies - by Lynn Ellen Marcus
Lynn Ellen Marcus is a long-time fat activist who lives in Oakland, California. She joined Judy Freespirit in 1979 to form Fat Chance, a movement and trapeze class and performance group of fat women. In response to a fat-phobic letter written to a local paper in the ‘80s, Let It All Hang Out was formed and Lynn Ellen was active in organizing events, including dances indoors and in visible areas of San Francisco. Dancing on the back of the Fat Dyke Float in 2 LBGT Pride Parades in the early ‘90s was an especially proud moment for her, as was posing for Patricia Schwarz’s exhibit Women of Substance. Meanwhile, Lynn Ellen became a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and in this decade she has woven this in with her activism to encompass participation in ASDAH (Association for Size Diversity and Health), NAAFA, and being an ardent proponent for Health at Every Size. Now a 57 year old woman with two joint replacements, Lynn Ellen is facing aging with the same gusto and rambunctious attitude she approaches most things with.
Mandala Workshop - by Susan Loraine Barker (http://www.mandalasbyloraine.com)
The mandala playshop is an experience in breaking through some perceptual boundaries about yourself and visual art! It includes a brief guided meditation, information about sacred circles, music, and the fun of creating your own personal mandala. It is a chance to explore and play, heal and unite through the interpretation of your work. Come see what your mandala has to tell you.
Susan Loraine Barker began her journey with mandalas at Drake University and has been making and teaching them for 20 years. She currently has her studio in Mundelein where she paints and shares the mandala journey by offering playshops to the community.
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