Holistic Moms serves as a support community for those interested in holistic living and natural parenting. We appreciate all those who have joined our community and spread the word to help make the Western Suburbs Chapter possible.
With Love & Friendship,
Dorothy Coop, Krista Sherinian, Christy Poniatowski, & Grace Soraparu
Chapter Leaders Chicago Western Suburbs
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Monthly Chapter Meeting Tuesday, April 3rd, 6:30 pm | Come learn techniques to help calm the youngest members of our family! This meeting is geared towards our children, so please bring them along!! This will start a little earlier than our regular meetings, and will only last an hour. We will have a book reading from the author of Grandma's Magic Pillows, Karen Carlson. Karen will also do a short demonstration on some child-friendly mindfulness techniques. ~~
Meeting Location: Four Winds Waldorf School Karen Carlson is a Therapeutic Relaxation Expert and founder of Be Well And Renew which is a wellness business that provides resources and services for healing of body, mind, and spirit for adults and children.
As a wife of 45 years, mother of 3 sons and grandmother of 8, Karen takes caring very seriously, especially having the opportunity to help watch her 3 grandsons that live locally.
Karen and her husband, Bruce, volunteer for mission trips domestically and internationally doing construction, and healing work.
Karen is a published author of a poetry book, "Weaver of Words," as well as "Grandma's Magic Pillows" (which will be featured at the April 3rd HMN meeting). Karen has also created many wellness resources in her business to help adults and children find relaxation and stress relief in their busy lives. |
Reflections on our
10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY (!!)
from Chapter founder, Lisa Rooney | "How might your life have been different if there had been a place for you, a place of women? A place where there was a deep understanding of the ways of women. A place to help you prepare and know when you were ready? A place of women who knew the cycles of life, who could help you accept your fatigue, who could help you as you rooted yourself in the earth? How might your life be different?"
These are the questions that Judith Duerk asks us in her classic book "Circle of Stones".
When I think of Holistic Moms, especially the Western Suburbs Chapter, I realize that it is the answer to those questions and I often think about how my life would be different if I didn't have the chapter and the friendships I've made as a result. When I was asked to write a little something for the 10th anniversary, I had to reflect on what HMN really means to me and what it means to have seen the chapter grow over the years.
I started the chapter 10 years ago with one basic goal in mind; to find a handful of girlfriends who were raising their kids the same way I was. I hoped for girlfriends whose eyes wouldn't gloss over when I mentioned teething tabs instead of Tylenol or chiropractic adjustments instead of antibiotics for ear infections. I hoped for girlfriends who were equally passionate to learn about holistic living, the power of quality food, and natural medicine. I hoped for a place...a community of like-minded, passionate women who would hold space for my imperfections, learn along side of me, lift me up when challenges came my way, and not judge...not ever.
I found this in Holistic Moms. I found beauty and intelligence. I found passion. I found the love that only women can share with each other. I found my tribe.
It's been 10 years since the chapters inception. I remember the early years, getting started, when I would drive my kids around to every place I could think of to hang fliers about meetings. The women who showed up always humbled me. Some meetings had many, some only a few but always those who were supposed to be there at that time.
I remember the way my heart swelled, each time I got off the phone with a potential new member and she said, with a slight quiver in her voice, "I'm so glad I found this chapter. Finally, a place where people will get me." It was a gift to me, because I knew another woman was coming to join the tribe, to add to its strength, and to carry it forward.
I've been away from HMN for many years, having moved to Michigan, and don't know many of the new members but I feel a kindred spirit to each of you. Watching the chapter continue to thrive is a testament to how each of you has carried this community forward.
I remember what it felt like to not know your place. I remember what it felt like to see and feel the judgment of others. I remember every time my heart broke, when family questioned and other moms rolled their eyes. I remember that vulnerability.
And for me, Holistic Moms closed those holes in my heart, little by little, year after year.
With each growing friendship, I found courage and strength to walk this path. To raise my children from my intuition and not from what others thought I should be doing.
We need community, sweet sisters. As women, walking this path, we need a place for our spirits to connect. We need the support of those who know what drives us. We need the love of our soul sisters.
Whether a new member or long time member, or still trying to decide if you want to become a member, know that HMN can provide that place...that place of women. Know that you are fully supported by the tribe. Know that within our community there is a place for you...a place of women who are ready to receive you, ready to support you, and ready to love you.
Although I started the chapter, I can't take credit for what it has grown into. I can't really take credit for getting it started; after all, all I did was hang a bunch of fliers. It was each of you who showed up, month after month, who trusted me to lead for a time, who willingly stepped up when it was time for me to step down, and who continue to pour your passion, your energy and your soul into the chapter, long after I've been gone.
I am humbled and grateful for the strength of this Chapter. It will always hold a special place in my heart. It will always be the first place I think of when I read those words so eloquently written, 'How might your life be different?" Because of HMN, I know how it is different and I hope each of you do too! |
| Chapter Events and Activities
| Chapter Meetings: Held the 1st Tuesday of every month from 7-9 pm at Four Winds Waldorf School, 30W160 Calumet Ave W, Warrenville, IL 60555. Open to the public.
Moms Night Out: A moms only "playdate". Babies in arms are welcome. Dates, activities and locations vary. Watch for postings. Membership is required to attend mom's night out. Book Club:We meet several times a year to discuss the chosen book. Dates and location will vary. Watch for postings. Membership is required to participate in book club.
Mom & Tot Outings: Special outings planned several times a year specifically with our young ones in mind. Dates and locations vary. Watch for postings. Membership is required to participate in Mom/Tot outings.
Family Gatherings, Movie Nights, and additional member events will continue to be scheduled.
Check out or local website for details. http://chicagowestsub.holisticmoms.org
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|  | | Meeting Topics | | 2018 Meeting Schedule (subject to change)
Apr 3rd - Mindfulness and Our Children May 1st - Myofacial therapies, etc. Jun 5th - Neurodevelopmental Optometry Jul 10th - Vibrant Illinois/Vaccine education Aug 7th - Sensory Issues Sep 11th - Plagiocephaly; flat head/torticollis Oct 2nd - Spirit Animals Nov 6th - Health & Wellness Dec 4th - Holiday Party |
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| Sponsor | A special thanks to Four Winds Waldorf School for offering us the space to host our meetings! |
| Contact Us | | Dorothy Coop Christy Poniatowski
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