Discovering the Fountain of Youth at Mid-Life
Bioidentical hormonal restoration and its effects on memory, libido, weight loss, and emotional resilience.
The recent publication of Suzanne Somers' book, Breakthrough, has created quite a stir in the medical community and even more among people who are not content with the usual course of declining health and vitality in the aging process. Hear the latest research and promises and issues related to the new field of longevity medicine. For both women and men.
Presenter: Regina Forster, MD
Date: Thursday, January 28
Time: 7 pm
Location: 211 W. Main St., above Bozart Gallery on the Downtown Mall
Fee: $15. Pay at door but pre-registration required by email.
Regina Forster, MD.
"I grew up and went to Medical School in Germany. Thereafter I worked in Acute Care Medicine in South Africa for several years before moving to Canada to work in Primary Care. In 1996 I came to the US where I got accepted in the Family Practice Residency Program at the University of KY in Lexington. As Acute Care was my passion for many years, I decided to return to it after the residency and have work in Emergency Medicine since then.
In the past years I found myself unable to perform physically as I had in the past. I experienced more aches and pains, loss of skin tone, muscle strength, endurance and libido. When I came across bioidentical hormone replacement, I knew very quickly I wanted to try this exciting, new therapy on myself.
After replacing my hormones to youthful levels, I felt so much more energetic, my stamina increased and the aches and pains disappeared. This is a very common situation in mid-life. My new passion is to share this most innovative therapy which can slow down the effects of aging, give more stamina, increase the resistance to chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, and most important increase quality of life."
Neurofeedback
Restoration and Creativity Enhancement
I will hosting a free presentation Monday evening, December 14, 7 pm, by Jessica Eure, on the use of a novel
neurofeedback
process useful to induce calm and retrain the brain towards optimal functioning. Jessica will also make available the HeartMath
technology useful for giving real time feedback on the impact of emotions on the physical heart. I am quite excited to learn
more about these technologies and would like to share news of this with all of you interested in psychospiritual development.
More info
Presenter: Jessica Eure
Date: December 14
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: 211 W. Main St., above Bozart Gallery on the Downtown Mall
Fee: FREE. Please pre-register by email.
Inspiration through Community
Enjoy a meaningful evening with others who share a love of
learning. See inspiring films, hear insightful interviews
with remarkable personalities, and listen to heart-warming
music. All of this, and you can meet new friends, too, as
you exchange ideas on topics related to spirituality,
psychology, and health. Following each feature presentation
we facilitate dialogue through a series of brief, focused
discussions around our Conversation Tables. Encouraged by
the ideas of Margaret Wheatley in her book, Turning to One
Another, she writes, "I believe we can change the world if
we start listening to one another again."
The Power of Forgiveness
The feature film The Power of Forgiveness
explores recent research into the
psychological and physical effects of forgiveness. This
includes feature stories on the Amish, the 9/11 tragedy, and
peace-building in Northern Ireland, along with interviews
with renowned Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, Nobel
Laureate Elie Wiesel, best-selling authors Thomas Moore and
Marianne Williamson and others.
Presenter: Len Worley, Ph.D.
Date: January 9
Time: 6:30 - 9 pm
Location: 211 W. Main St., above Bozart Gallery on the Downtown Mall
Fee: $15. Pay at door but pre-registration required by email.
Courage
We will feature the film, Man on Wire, a remarkable
documentary of the courage of a young Frenchman who walked
on a tightrope between the World Trade Towers in 1974, just
as it was nearing its completion. Enjoy guided discussion
and meaningful social contact with others who aspire to live
out their highest dreams.
Presenter: Len Worley, Ph.D.
Date: November 14
Time: 6:30 - 9 pm
Location: Charlottesville Community Design Center, 100 5th Street, N.E., downtown mall, second floor in the Market Street Parking Garage Complex
Fee: $25. Pay at door but pre-registration required by email.
©2008 Jean-Louis Blondeau / Polaris Images
The greatest danger for most of us is not that we aim too high and miss it, but that we aim too low and reach it.
Michelangelo
The Wisdom Tree is an adult fable describing the inherent
kindness of Nature to guide, nourish and restore us in times
of adversity. Within each human being is a Dreaming
Intelligence that seeks to communicate solutions to us in
the face of vexing problems, even traumatic events.
Date: Wednesday, October 21
Time: 7 - 9 pm
Location: 211 W. Main St., above Bozart Gallery on the Downtown Mall
Fee: $10
Registration Pre-registration required: email to lenworley@visionaryquest.org
Jung: the Man behind his Words
An intimate glimpse into the struggles of this heroic figure and how he lived his vulnerabilities.
Date: Friday, July 31
Time: 12:00 Noon
Location: New Dominion Books, 404 E. Main St., Charlottesville, VA
Fee: FREE
Jung in July: Jung in Crisis
In response to our current economic downturn and the consequent
emotional challenges that many face, I am dedicating this year's
annual Jung in July series to the study of Crisis. The focus of this
three part series, starting Thursday, July 16, will look at a most
poignant account of Carl Jung's crisis at mid-life, which for him,
like us, also coincided with vast cultural shifts, i.e., World War 1.
Jung considered that this tumultuous experience, lasting several
years and at times causing him to fear the loss of his sanity, gave
him his greatest treasures.
"The years when I was pursuing my inner images were the most
important in my life - in them everything essential was
decided."
Many discoveries were made during this intense Confrontation with
the Unconscious, and we have the benefit of reaping great insights
about the methods Jung used to access the flow of wisdom that came
to him through this critical life passage.
Please note that pre-registration is required
Dates: 3 consecutive Thursdays: July 16, 23, & 30
Time: 7 - 9 pm
Location: 211 W. Main St., above Bozart Gallery on the Downtown Mall
Fee: 0-$75; pay as you are able to support this work.
Registration Pre-registration required: Leave message with name and phone number at 434-953-5399 or: lenworley@visionaryquest.org.
Preparation: Suggested reading is the chapter entitled Confrontation with the Unconscious from Carl Jung's autobiography “Memories, Dreams, Reflections.”
Spring 2009 Events
Gratitude
Reunion for those who have attended one evening intro of The Body is for Pleasure and the
Heart for Wisdom. This evening will focus on the first of The Six Heart Virtues: Gratitude, and we
will enjoy the music of cellist Peter Markush.
Date: Monday March 30
Time: 7 pm
Location: 211 W. Main St., Charlottesville, VA. Downtown Mall
Fee: FREE
The Body is for Pleasure and the Heart for Wisdom
This is an introduction to the science and practice of Heart Intelligence, including a presentation on The Six Heart Virtues.
Date: Monday April 6
Time: 7 pm
Location: 211 W. Main St., Charlottesville, VA. Downtown Mall
Fee: FREE
Dealing with Difficult Emotions
For those who have attended one of the introductory evenings, The
Body is for Pleasure and the Heart for Wisdom, we will explore how the challenging emotions of
anger, depression, anxiety, loneliness, shame, and fear can be understood and negotiated with
compassion.
Dates: April 16 - May 21
Time: 7 - 9 pm
Location: 211 W. Main St., Charlottesville, VA. Downtown Mall
Fee: $150
The Origins of the Self-Critical Voice
On the first two Thursdays in April, I will show two important films about the origins of a
self-critical voice that is carried by each one of us. These honest and forthright films show how a
self-attacking attitude silently contributes to anxiety, depression, and the fear of taking
wholesome risks that could lead to life satisfaction. Both of these films are produced by a
remarkable group of people in California who have spent years examining the underlying dynamics
which are counter to loving relationships and successful living.
I think you will find both of these films quite moving and useful
to make yourself keenly aware of how pervasive this underlying negative voice is, and even more what
can be done to neutralize its effects.
Film: The Inner Voice of Child Abuse
Parents recall how negative early experiences in their own childhoods have a long lasting effect and
how in spite of their desire to love their children well they are aware of an inner tendency to
repeat the same mistakes that their parents made. Please note that this group of adults would not be
considered stereotypical child abusers by any means. They are successful, engaged parents who are
able to articulate with humility and truthfulness their own difficulty in living up to their ideals.
This film clearly shows how the origin of a self-critical voice has its roots in childhood and how
making this voice apparent can rob it of its power.
Date: Thursday, April 2
Time: 7 pm
Location: 211 W. Main St., Charlottesville, VA. Downtown Mall
Fee: $20; $30 includes presentation on April 9
Film: The Inner Voice in Suicide
This powerful film interviews a woman who made an unsuccessful suicide attempt. She articulates with
unusual clarity and compassion the events and inner thinking process that led up to her
self-destructive act. Please note that this film is especially helpful to realize how
self-destructive tendencies can manifest itself less dramatically, in a withdrawal from life,
including the fear of loving fully.
Date: Thursday, April 9
Time: 7 pm
Location: 211 W. Main St., Charlottesville, VA. Downtown Mall
Fee: $20; or included in $30 paid on April 2
LONGEVITY, HEALTH & HAPPINESS
Studies to live long & well
The Body Is for Pleasure and the Heart for Wisdom
An introduction to the science and practice of Heart Intelligence. The heart is far
more than a pump. Studies in the area of neurocardiology demonstrate how the heart is
actually an organ of knowing, the first brain, and when attended to can attune the
various functions of the body, including the workings of the brain, to increased
efficiency. Discover how attentive listening to the body and heart focused breathing can
increase positive emotions, foster mental clarity, strengthen the immune system, and
enhance problem solving capacity. Learn about the
Six Heart Virtues, a daily imaginal practice that gives inner composure in the face of challenging stressors.
Dates: Monday, March 9, 7-9 pm. This program is repeated on Monday April 6, also from 7-9 pm.
Participants are asked to be present for the full two-hour presentation.
Location: 211 W. Main St., Charlottesville, VA. Downtown Mall
Registration: No fee but seating reservations must be made in advance by
leaving a message at 953.5399 or lenworley@visionaryquest.org.
Working with Difficult Emotions
Apply Heart Intelligence to Anger, Sadness, Depression, Anxiety, Loneliness, and Shame.
Dates: Six Thursdays, February 5—March 12, 7 pm.
Location: 211 W. Main St., Charlottesville, VA. Downtown Mall
Registration:
$125 (scholarships available) Fee is payable
at the door but reservations must be made in advance by
leaving a message at 953.5399 or
lenworley@visionaryquest.org. For more information on
scholarships, contact Len Worley.
What My Mother Taught Me After Her Death
A personal look at how dreams of departed loved ones offer us wisdom for living but also challenges our understanding of whether they are within us or outside of us. The work of life-after-death researcher Raymond Moody, MD will be discussed, along with his creation of the Psychomanteum, a modern day application of ancient mirror-gazing rituals used to seek contact with the departed.
Date: Tuesday, March 17, 7 pm
Location: 211 W. Main St., Charlottesville, VA. Downtown Mall
Registration: $10 payable at the door but reservations must be made in advance by calling 953.5399 or lenworley@visionaryquest.org. $15 without reservations if seating is available.
Cupid's Desire
How sexual attraction and dreams of a lover pull us towards a more evolved self. Learn how to use purposeful breathing and imagery to cooperate with the yearning for the Lover who sparks a recognition of what more we can be. This presentation provides a practical application of Carl Jung's work in alchemy and the sacred inner marriage.
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 7 pm
Location: 211 W. Main St., Charlottesville, VA. Downtown Mall
Registration: $10 payable at the door but reservations must be made in advance by calling 953.5399 or lenworley@visionaryquest.org. $15 without reservations if seating is available.
Dreams of Obama
The significance of presidential presences and other high profile figures in dreams and how to actualize their potential in your own life.
Date: Tuesday, January 20, 7 pm
Location: 211 W. Main St., Charlottesville, VA. Downtown Mall
Registration: $10 payable at the door but reservations must be made in advance by calling 953.5399 or lenworley@visionaryquest.org. $15 without reservations if seating is available.
| Jung in July |  |
Films, interviews and conversation on the life and work of Carl Jung. All events are free. |
Dates: Thursdays, 7-8:30 pm |
| Location: 211 W. Main St. on the downtown mall in Charlottesville. |
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Film: Jung on Film |
A 1957 interview by Richard Evans. This compelling film represents a rare record of Jung. He speaks of his collaboration with Sigmund Freud, about the insights he gained from listening to his patients' dreams, and about the fascinating turns his life has taken. |
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Date: July 3, 7-8:30 pm
Fee: Free
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Film: At the Threshold |
A Journey to the Sacred through Integration of Jungian Psychology and the Expressive Arts, hosted by Simona Aronow, M.A., Registered Dance Movement Therapist. This film presents dance therapy and sand tray as a means of expressing unconscious images, symbols and themes that are embodied and explored in the process of individuation. |
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Date: July 10, 7-8:30 pm
Fee: Free
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Film: Appointment with the Wise Old Dog: Dreams in a Time of Crisis |
The story of conductor/cellist David Blum (introduced by Yo-Yo Ma), as he faces the end of life and discovers guidance from dreams. This film contains many beautiful and poignant pictures of dreams painted by Mr. Blum in the years leading up to his death. |
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Date: July 17, 7-8:30 pm
Fee: Free
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Apology to the Serpent |
The psychospiritual significance of the serpent in myth and dreams. Len Worley, Ph.D. |
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Date: July 24, 7-8:30 pm
Fee: Free
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Interview with Jungian analyst Marita Digney |
Len Worley interviews Marita Digney on The Two Sides of Jung. Please note that the basis for this interview will be chapter 3, Student Years, found in Jung's autobiography, Memories, Dreams & Reflections. Marita Digney, D. Min. is a Zurich trained Jungian Analyst and Licensed Psychologist, as well as the former Director of Training of the Philadelphia Jung Institute. She now resides and works in Charlottesville. |
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Date: July 31, 7-8:30 pm
Fee: Free
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| Celebration of Jung's Birth |
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| Feature film: Appointment with the Wise Old Dog; Dream Images in a Time of Crisis
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The story of conductor/cellist David Blum (introduced by Yo-Yo Ma), as he faces the
end of life and discovers guidance from dreams.
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Date: July 26, 7-8:30 pm
Fee: $15
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| Jung as Spiritual Friend |
| A personal look at Jung the man, using his autobiography, Memories, Dreams & Reflections |
Date: July 5, 12,19, 7-8:30 pm
Fee: $45
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| The Dream as an Ally in Clinical Practice |
| Two Approaches |
...with Phyllis Koch-Sheras, Ph.D. & Len Worley, Ph.D.
This is a professional training for psychotherapists.
[More information]
4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available.
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Date: Friday, June 22
Fee: $75 if postmarked by June 15;
$85 thereafter. An additional $25 — paid separately — will secure 4 CEUs through Old Dominion University.
Registration: Send a check to Len Worley, Ph.D., 211 W. Main St., Charlottesville, VA 22902
Location: 211 W. Main St., downtown mall
in Charlottesville, VA
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| Fairytales for Adults |
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Seeing one's life myth in the stories of childhood |
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Discover the deeper truths in Beauty & the Beast, (on the Transformation of the Negative Masculine) and in Hansel & Gretel (on Overcoming the Negative Feminine).
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Date: June 7, 7-8:30 pm
Fee: $15
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| Basics of Dreamwork |
| Witness and experience the wisdom available in the dream. Essential principles will be discussed and live demonstrations offered.
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Date: June 14, 21, 28; 7 pm
Fee: $45
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Basics of Dreamwork
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| Essential principles and demonstration |
Date: May 3, 7-8:30 pm
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| Heart's Desire: |
| Six Practices for Saving Your Life |
Heart disease continues to be the number one killer in our
culture. Unknown to many chronic stress often plays a bigger
role in weakening the heart than traditional risk factors
such as diet, smoking and high cholesterol. If you are
interested in guarding the health of your heart and in
discovering the essential psychological nutrients for
emotional fulfillment, this mini-series is for you. Drawing
on the latest research that documents the heart as a knowing
organ, you will see learn to access heart intelligence
through a simple and powerful breath technique that calms
the body and grows positive emotion. With this tool you will
find a new relationship with the difficult emotions of
anger, fearfulness, worry and depression.
The Practices:
- Breathe into the heart.
- Listen to anger.
- Learn from shame but not humiliation.
- Turn and face your fear.
- Know what you are intending.
- (Number six is individualized and given during the course)
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| Date: Thursdays, 5:30-7, March 8-April 26 |
| Location: 211 W. Main St., Charlottesville, downtown mall |
| Fee: $125 (pre-registration required: 953-5399 or
email me) |
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| The Wisdom of the Serpent |
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| Dreams & Dances of the Animal Powers |
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Dance performance, tribal music and reflections on the instinctual wisdom of animals in dreams.
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| Date: Sunday, April 15, 2-4 pm |
| Location:
This event has been moved from Keswick due to
predicted rain. It will now be in Charlottesville right off
the downtown mall at Hiromi's Tai Chi Studio, Suite 110 in
the Old Michie Building at 609 E. Market St. The entrance to
the studio is actually on the side of the building facing
7th St. NE. Parking is easily available in the surrounding
community on Sunday afternoon and in the Market St. parking
garage. Please note that shoes cannot be worn in this studio!
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| Fee: $25 (pre-registration required: 434-953-5399 or
email me) |
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| Book presentations and ceremonial dance |
| Three Saturdays this summer, 7 pm, $15 each |
All events will begin at Studio 206 (206 E. Market St.,
upstairs) with ceremonial folk dance led by Susan Oberman,
followed by a book presentation a half block away at Len Worley's
office on the downtown mall: 211 W. Main St.
It is not
necessary to have read any book prior to attending these
events.
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Date: June 17 |
The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida.
One of
the most important books written for men after feminism,
enabling men to move into the power and elegance of the
masculine while honoring the deep feminine. Thus, this is a
most important book for women.
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Date: July 15 |
Blue Truth: A Spiritual Guide to Life & Death and Love & Sex
by David Deida.
Blue Truth contains practical exercises and understandings
for finding the Divine in every present moment, under all
circumstances, and especially through sex. How can we awaken
as the bare openness we are, moment by moment, no matter
what is going on? How can we honor our depth, appreciate
dissatisfaction, express who we really are, allow love's
hurt, and hold nothing back?
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Date: August 12 |
Tantric Quest: An Encounter with Absolute Love by Daniel Odier.
As a 29 year old man searching to reconcile his quest
for spiritual openness and his love of life on earth in a
human desiring body,, Odier encounters a Tantric
practitioner living alone in the Himalayan mountains of
northern India. This book describes his three month
initiation into the mysteries of the divinely erotic in
every day life. It is a testament to how far we can allow
the sensuality of the physical world to inspire us towards
God.
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| THE WISDOM OF THE SERPENT |
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| Dreams and Dances of the Animal Powers |
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| A Celebration of the Life and Work of Carl Jung |
Date: Saturday, July 22, 7 pm |
Fee: $15 |
Location: Studio 206 (206 E. Market St.) |
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Presented by Len Worley, Ph.D., along with African dance
performance, bamboo flute, interpretive dance of the
serpentine powers and words about the instinctual wisdom
available to us through dreams of animals.
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