Dear Wellness Community,
We’re very aware that the horrifying recent events in our society are on your mind. We are here to support you and we want to let you know that GME will be having a virtual Forum on the Black Experience and Racism on Thursday, June 4th at 6pm. We are available for appointments in this trying time, and if you prefer a culturally congruent therapist, please consider using this resource to assist you in finding one in your neighborhood.
As we round the corner into June, transition is on my brain. Not only will we soon be swinging into the summer months and navigating new phases in our society, but we also will be welcoming new members into our resident and fellow population and sending others on their way to the next chapter of life. I’m feeling a sense of loss in the face of not being able to conduct our normal welcome and goodbye rituals around this shift in academic year.
Our collective pivot to virtual communication has been inspiring and impressive, but that doesn’t mean I don’t long to share a boxed lunch with colleagues and newbies on orientation day. I’m also thinking about those of you who might be leaving the Seattle phase of your life who had to cancel travel plans or who won’t get to run through the bucket list of your favorite hikes, breweries and restaurants or walk on the glass floor of the space needle before you set off (don’t worry, that last one is just plain scary, so you’re not missing out too much there!).
Even though you may rightly focus on the things that are going well in your life most of the time, you can have permission to honor these little losses and make space to feel the feelings that often come up in times of change. Doing so will give you empathy for others who surely are coping with some version of the same. And for heaven’s sake, celebrate your true accomplishment in finishing a training program before you start to fret over the next step!
This is also the time when we, at the Wellness Service, have to bid farewell to those of you who’ve given us the joy of supporting you through this journey. Please don’t be shy and do book an appointment to say goodbye if you wish! (Even if it’s just to share in the excitement for your future plans.) We’ve also created a spot to capture your experience with our services. If you have a few minutes to spare—please tell us about your experience with GME Wellness!
Warmly,
This week’s Wellness Corner authored by:
Julia Kocian, LICSW, MPH
GME Wellness Counselor
Monday – Thursday at UWMC Montlake
206.543.6408
jkocian@uw.edu
Wellness Corner Quick Links
Contents
GME Forum on the Black Experience and Racism, Thursday June 4th, 6pm – 7pm
We would like to invite you to participate in our virtual forum for residents and fellows, program directors, administrators, staff and faculty so that we may be together to reflect on the recent devastating events in our nation’s history. Please join us via Zoom on Thursday June 4th from 6pm – 7pm.
Health Sciences Community Gathering: A space to be heard and support our Black colleagues
Join a panel of the deans of each of the other health sciences schools, along with the leaders for equity, diversity and inclusion from each school and UW Medicine for this community event on today June 3rd at 3pm. Join the meeting here. It will also be recorded and available for those unable to attend.
Please check out the Seattle Library’s toolkit for anti-racism.
Entertainment
- Bellevue Art Museum’s Artful Evening Virtual Gala has gone virtual! Streamed Events Saturday, June 13th and Sunday, June 14th at 6pm
- Starved for Sports? Try Marble Racing! Yes it sounds like you’d have to lose some marbles before watching them race, but with the announcer keeping track of the action, you’ll be rooting for your favorite in no time–Break out the finger foods and get in on the action!
- Sofar Sounds Listening Room is waiting for you – Keep listening to live music and support the arts community! The shows are free but after you have your own living room concert, you might feel compelled to donate.
JOY from the NYT
Here is a NYT collection of articles in which different authors have written about what brings them joy right now—maybe you’ll find inspiration!
Your Next Skill is Waiting
What have you been wanting to learn? How to build a bookshelf? Swahili? Excel tips and tricks? Whatever it is, let a librarian kickstart your growth project!
UW Wellness Resources
Check out the many wonderful resources compiled here. You can dive into mindfulness, nature, self-care bingo and more!
The Moth Virtual Event, Thursday, June 4th $10
Many of you might already be familiar with The Moth live storytelling events and radio show. Some live nights have gone virtual and there is a Seattle event coming up this Thursday! If you’re not free then, the recordings are free! Make your own Moth night by playing one for inspiration and then inviting your zoom friends to trade their best tales—and don’t forget, you have to tell your stories live, without notes!
Interior Design Explained!
This article demystifies interior design in a way that is so pleasantly approachable–if you are busy pinning fiddle leaf figs on Pinterest or fawning over Moroccan rugs on Instagram, you’ll love this break down of current trends with an eye for their historical roots!
Virtual Play and Learn
Access archives or tune in live for these developmentally appropriate, 20 minute bites of entertainment, play and cerebral stimulation for your little one!
Wellness Service Testimonial
We’d love to gather your experiences with the Wellness Service especially if you’ll be transitioning on to the next chapter of life. Submit your testimonial!
Chief Resident Seminar
National Trails Day, Saturday June 6th
You might consider celebrating this one from home, but on an off peak day and time, state parks are now open for your respectful enjoyment! Use WTA’s hikefinder to search for hikes on the Discover Pass (you can make this a parameter) and then hike responsibly. Here are some tips for how to enjoy the outdoors in our new reality and a list of some ideas for where to go. Have fun!
Exercise Opportunities
-
- Tomorrow, June 3rd is Global Running Day! Pledge to run at least one mile or just get out there and enjoy!
- At Home Options:
- Orange Theory Comes to You!
- Peloton App FREE for 90 Days!
- Core Power is Streaming Yoga for FREE!
Gems from Treasure Valley
- Idaho Botanical Garden Now Open! (Adults $8, Mon-Sun 9am-7pm) Thanks Lani for this suggestion!
- Support Local Restaurants in Boise! Find all the info you need on sooo many different take out and curbside pick up options at local eateries!
- Be sure to check out the virtual events mentioned above as well!
Got Feedback for Us?
We’d love to hear it! Share your thoughts about the Wellness Corner, suggestions for future events, discounts or articles to highlight, or anything else you’d like to share. Please email your thoughts to Dipti Chrastka (diptic@uw.edu) and/or Julia Kocian (jkocian@uw.edu).