Inspirational speaker and four-time NY Times best-selling author Marianne Williamson held her first public speaking event promoting her new book, A Course In Weight Loss-21 Spiritual Lessons For Surrendering Your Weight Forever, last Saturday, Nov. 6th at Woodloch Pines Resort.
That’s right- Held at Woodloch Pines in Hawley, Pennsylvania!
As I arrived to work on that cool fall afternoon, I observed a sign that read “PARKING FOR MARIANNE WILLIAMSON EVENT”.
I had never heard of Marianne Williamson.
After parking in the lot reserved for Woodloch Staff members, I headed towards the Heritage Club to begin my work shift.
As I entered the theatre, to my surprise, there were nearly 400 people seated, listening intently to what this woman was saying. I asked the person nearest to me, “who is this?”
I was informed that Marianne had been a popular guest on Oprah, Larry King, Charlie Rose, and Good Morning America. How did I not know who this person was?
As I stood there for a few minutes listening to her talk, I noticed how captivated the audience appeared. Mostly middle aged women, but men scattered throughout, it was as if they were hanging on to here every word. They looked inspired and moved.
Shortly after I had arrived, she concluded after speaking for nearly 2 hours. She then fielded questions from several women who were visibly filled with emotion from her words of encouragement and hope.
My immediate reaction was that I had just missed something spectacular. This room was filled with men and women, who, I assume the majority of which, were struggling with some type of food addiction; not only compulsive eaters, but anyone who views food as their enemy. And my assumption was that those that weren’t battling a food addiction were struggling with some other type of addiction.
I think we all know someone we love that battles the demons of addiction on a daily basis. The lack of self-worth, self –confidence, and self-respect that we addicts possess, can leave us in a state of extreme loneliness and isolation, and we sometimes feel as though there is no way out. So we turn to that thing that does not judge us; that which is always there for us. Whether it be food, alcohol, a drug, or any other object of addiction.
Marianne reminded the people in that room on Saturday, that though our biggest fear is inadequacy, that there is a way out and there truly is hope. Conquering any of our addictions is a spiritual quest and a life-long process. It takes hard work and discipline. She also encouraged us that our best days are ahead of us, and we can learn to love ourselves again.
Though I did not know of Marianne Williamson before last week, I was inspired to purchase her book and say “hello” to her afterwards. I have since learned that she is actively campaigning supporting legislation to establish a U.S Dept. of Peace. She also founded Project Angel Food in 1989 which serves food daily in the Los Angeles area to thousands of home bound people with aids. Marianne is a true humanitarian and an inspiration to many. It was an absolute pleasure to have had the opportunity to listen to her, even for a short time.
I hope that Woodloch is encouraged to hold similar events in the future.
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