Women in Chemainus are facing a challenge brought about by the sale of ‘Whispers of the Spirit’. Whispers was the concept and passion of Gabriele Lanoue who dreamed of establishing a centre of complementary healing and spiritual guidance.
That dream was realized and ‘Whispers’ became a focal point in the area for those needing a place of peace and comfort.
Unfortunately, as often happens, health issues within the family have brought about the need to close ‘Whispers’, and Gabriele is moving to Powell River. This in turn has created a vacuum for other woman in the area. What can we do to establish a meeting place where on a casual basis we can get together to relax in a caring and compassionate manner?
Melvene Hill, whom I met at ‘Whispers’, asked me what I thought we could do to fill this need. We are looking for ideas to create such place. We would really appreciate hearing from other women to share their ideas or concepts on the best way to create such group in Chemainus for like-minded women. We are not thinking of creating a structured club; no rules, no board … just a casual drop-in type set-up.
Any ideas? Please contact me at Island Woman.
Trish Summerhayes
Owner/Publisher
Island Woman
See all articles by Trish Summerhayes
Hi Trish – I just read your post on Island Woman regarding Whispers closing. A number of us who used the Whispers space have been in touch and I have offered my own space for people to offer their gifts. If Melvene, for example, would like to do Reiki on an afternoon, she could use my healing space and massage table, which is set up and ready to go.
This may be an ideal situation for the moment, as it does not require a group of people to come up with the money to rent a space, or find a space to rent. I am happy to negotiate a reasonable ‘donation’ with each one which would be affordable for them. (I would not be taking appointments for people however, as Gabriele used to do – that they would need to do for themselves). Maybe down the line the group may solidify enough that taking on a ‘rental’ space together would be workable. But right now, my healing space is available and I would love to have others using it.
As far as a ‘drop in space’ goes, I would be happy to set aside an evening a week, say, for people to come and share ideas, but my set-up would not be a general meeting place like Whispers was. But that may come along somewhere down the line.
Thoughts?
Hi Alison, Thank you very much for your generous offer. Perhaps other readers have some thoughts on this which would be great If anyone does have any suggestions or ideas, perhaps from their own experiences, please let us know. Thank you, Trish.