May You Be Well, an organisation dedicated to creating greater physical, mental, social and spiritual wellness in the local community, takes ‘the big conversation’ inward next weekend with a retreat aimed at helping white women explore how race, as well as gender and ethnicity, influence their identity and place in society. This is the second of a three-part ‘Women’s Diversity and Wellness Retreat’ series which began with the successful retreat for women of colour in January of this year.

In part two, white women will have the opportunity to look deeply into themselves in a nurturing and reflective way, and at how gender and race affect their point of view and their relationships with others.

Participants of the two retreats will be brought together in the third segment entitled, ‘Where We Meet and Where We Fall Apart’, slated for January, 2008.

The concept behind next weekend’s retreat may be shocking to some: ‘Why a white women’s wellness retreat, and what does yoga have to do with diversity?’ but as yoga instructor and diversity facilitator Frances Marshall, explains, “It is about working from within outward. We begin from a place of inner stillness and balance, where we gain the understanding and insight to make effective changes in our own lives. From there we can move outward to do authentic diversity work in our community.”

The retreat will combine yoga, meditation and wellness with a personal exploration of gender, race and ethnicity.

“Many white women have never before considered their personal racial identity and the influence of being born white,” Lynne Winfield, president of the grassroots organisation, Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda (CURB), says.

“The retreat will create a space which grounds people and allows us to reflect in a deeper way. Real dialogue requires honesty, and first we must be honest with ourselves. The separate retreats will create the environment to move into a conversation about race from a more honest place,” Mrs. Winfield’s co-facilitator, Suzanne Mayall, adds.

Licensed clinical psychologist Dee Martin will help to lay the groundwork with a workshop on creating authentic relationships and engaging the flow of change.

“We can only grow and expand if we look within and reflect on ourselves, not only socially but personally,” she says. “Our relationship to everyone and everything begins with exploring our own beliefs and patterns of behaviour. Only when we are willing to let go inside of what no longer works, and accept that we can change, will we bring this new awareness into our families, work places, community and to the country.”

The retreat is being coordinated by May You Be Well, a local organisation whose aim is to create greater physical, mental, social and spiritual wellness in the Bermuda community through social justice and peacemaking initiatives.

“Its intention is to create curiosity, challenge the status quo, and be a voice for healthy change in our society,” founder and president, Joanne Wohlmuth, says.

Retreat facilitators span four generations.

Dr. Ruth Hodgson and Katherine Waters will also be presenting workshops encompassing spirituality, health and wellness.

The retreat will run from Friday, July 6 to Sunday, July 8 at the Yoga Centre on Victoria Street (opposite City Hall car park). Participants may register for the day or for the whole weekend, and organisers promise “a diverse and unique experience”.

“We are active participants in the exciting journey of self-expansion, transforming and re-creating our community as we transform and re-create ourselves,” Miss Waters says.

For registration details and further information, contact Miss Waters at 799-5283 or e-mail katherine.waters@gmail.com.