Institute to host actor for retreat

By Brenda Rindge

Post and Courier, Charleston
Saturday, Jan 15th, 2010

Even while living the Hollywood life in the 1970s, actor Lindsay Wagner sought a quieter, more spiritual journey.

She studied healing and its relationship to the expansion of human potential, a journey that has brought her in contact with doctors, scientists, healers and spiritual leaders around the world.

Wagner, 60, is bringing that learning to The Sophia Institute for an evening lecture and weekend retreat.

"Quiet the Mind & Open the Heart" is designed to help participants learn how conscious and unconscious thoughts often have a negative impact on a person's life, and to learn to release negative thoughts and emotions through relaxation techniques, energy psychology and emotional freedom techniques.

"When the mind is more quiet, contrary to what one might think, we become more focused and effective, more patient and creative, and we can then far more enjoy whatever we're doing in the moment, be it the so-called fun stuff or the not-so-fun stuff," she says. "Once we become more content and happy within ourselves, we more naturally enjoy being with others."

The workshops often lead to personal breakthroughs for participants.

"It is always a miracle for me to witness when the shift happens, when people can finally let go of the pain and burdens they have carried for far too long," she says. "At the same time, they marvel at how effortless the process is and how immediate the change is in their feelings and relationships."

Wagner is best known for the role of Jaime Sommers, which originated on "The Six Million Dollar Man" in 1975 and later spun off into its own series, "The Bionic Woman," airing 1976-78. She won an Emmy for the part in 1977.

During the 1970s, Wagner, who splits her time between homes in Los Angeles and the Seattle area, persuaded producers to make movies about subjects such as terrorism and child abuse.

She has continued to act in TV dramas, miniseries, made-for-TV movies, specials and documentaries, and feature films. Most recently, she played Billy Graham's mother, Morrow, in the 2008 movie "Billy: The Early Years of Billy Graham."

She also has been involved in causes that are close to her heart, including animal welfare, domestic violence, the environment and the advancement of human potential, and she has co-authored a best-selling vegetarian lifestyle cookbook, "The High Road to Health," and "Lindsay Wagner's New Beauty: The Acupressure Facelift." She recently released a meditation CD.