Nourishing the Soul participants wore bespoke fascinators, garments, and jewellery that enriched last Wednesday’s morning session in harmony with the Melbourne Cup traditions. Elegance and charisma paraded side by side at Amici House.

The morning started with a breathing technique demonstration, including relaxation and anxiety control. In pairs, participants learned a guided massage technique, enabling them to receive and give love through a simple gesture like a massage.

As part of the Melbourne Cup theme, Co.As.It. offered homemade scones with whipped cream and jam, coffee, and tea—a delicious break to recover the energy for what was ahead.

It was the moment for a “horse ride competition”, where each participant picked a wooden horse and moved according to the number rolled by the dice. At the end of the activity, all the participants received a calendar for 2024 as a prize.

“The importance of having a project like Nourishing the Soul is that women learn how to empower their lives, bond with their peers, share stories, and grow,” says Cintia Paolino, Community Services Officer.

Nourishing the Soul creates opportunities for multi-aged and multicultural women to develop, increase, or improve their self-esteem and self-love. The techniques taught involve meditation, self-massage, and presentations based on women’s mental health—classes on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month.