New-York tribune., 1901-02-08
EFFORTS AT RELAXA TTON
HOW BOSTON WOMEN GO To WORK TO
SECURE REPOSE AND POISE-TAK-
ING THEIR PLEASURES SADLY.

For years the entire seriousness with which the
New-England woman in general and the Boston
woman in particular goes at everything has been
held mp as model and a warning" said a woman
educator yesterday. This spirit OF Intensity pro-
duces a high degree Of excellence In most things
no doubt. but it also produces more lines wrinkles
and creases in the human countenance than any
one thing on earth-wtuess the faces of the crowds
on fremont, Washington and BoylstCn sts. or at
the lectures, recitals and what not where women
conerepate.
THE first impression made on an outsider by an
assembly Of Boston women averaging over twenty
five years Of age is that each one gets a daily
herating from her husband. occasoning her air of
repressed suffering. ana that whatever she Is doing
-stnbroider.ng playing whist organizing charity
boards the sole support Of large family. Now,
these very women. the most OF them usually
have the kindest and most indugent OF husbands
Boston men are proveTbiaIly that-and healthy,
well cared for children. and their air of misery,
with TIE deep lines that furrow their faces. only
means that they take their pleasures sadly and
life altogether seriously.
"A popular falacy has existed that Bostonians
are unenthusiastic This is a mistaken idea The
fact Is their very moving spring is and always has
been passionate energy for liberty. for reform for
beauty. unframed. unsatisfed perhaps. but alive
with intense yearning: above all. they full of
the passion for knowledge and insight into the
meanings OF things both material and spiritual.
Herein lies the OF the matter; the subject in
hand is immaterial, but zeal and concentration
must characterize the pursuit
In these days when mankind and womankind
travel up and down the length and breadth Of the
land. local differences bound to disappear.
Long ago the Boston woman awoke to the fact that
she was behind her more cosmopolitan sisters in
certain matters OF grace. restfulness and repose
And to-day she is consciously making effort
acquire some Of these attractive qualities which
she recognizes as desirable. In matters of dress
she is longer OF a distinctive type though often
the woman one meets is corsetless as
well as cultivated and conscientious But that is
another story.
How does the Boston woman go TO work TO
secure repose and poise? The process would be
amusing II It were not nearly pathetic. with
all her might and main she tries to let 60 TO
relax. by physical culture classes sometimes. but
primarily by study by untiring and therefore
the reading table OF almost every woman nowadays
copy of Technique OF Rest or Power
on Christian Science or Mental Therapeutics. and
similar suggestive helps toward attaining the de-
sired ends Of peace and harmony.
The Technique Of Rest tells her that "a
an has power TO accomplish the impossible and
she should never fear 10 undertake f. That braces
her viii TO ardent effort. In Tune with the
Impotence for power Weakness and siyfeHing for
abounding health and strength pain and unrest for
funess and plenty And. again, she increases the
tension 10 secure all this. OF, if Christian Sci
ence is her panacea. she constantly repeats the
ready formulas. and carries around with her some
ments at railway stations or in stTeetcars on her
hurrying way from club 10 lecture. 1t is even an
inspiration to feel the book in my pocket one
woman said. Possibly her choice OF Influences is
the Metaphysical Club. which commends itself
10 al those who are seeking solution Of the prob
lens OF life which shall make life richer and
sweeter and more serene Whatever II IS she is
IoIIoNIhS II up readings and meetings and al, with
results.
If a whole generation OF these earnest women
could be born without consciences il would be a
blessing, and IL would certainly improve their
looks. When VIII the Boston woman when Will
every woman. learn that gentleness and genuine
sympathy, and sef-control which stops well short
OF seIf-repression and pretty clothes and timely
diversion and serenity OF mind arising from n
persistently sunny outlook will do yastII, more
toward overcoming her world than any amount OF
strenuous effort and tireess Seeking. Inheritance
and environment difficult influences 10 sur
mount But perhaps the recognition OF what thew
stand against as well for is the entering wedge
change" SO