Dear Wellness Community,
There goes the sun! Before we even notice the changing colors that Autumn brings, our senses notice the whiffs of chimney smoke, the metamorphosis of the trees, people donning comfy scarves and a run of Starbucks’ pumpkin lattés. We can feel the energy of summer waning and the approach of the Autumn Equinox.
This is a quiet time, time to find balance, a time to reap the harvest, recharge and reflect. It’s a time to take a hike to Picture Lake, take a serene walk-through Kubota Gardens, embrace change and be grateful for all that we have.
You’ll find some great ideas here for activities around Seattle as we welcome Fall: Magic, inspiring art, night markets, outdoor adventures, and Equinox Festivals.
Please take time to curl up with a good book, listen to a podcast, or sip your favorite beverage at a local coffee shop. Perhaps it’s time to call on your creative spirt and write a Haiku that reflects our changing times.
The Japanese poet Basho welcomes the fall with: “On a bare branch/dark, a crow is perched/autumn evening.” I invite you to think about this season and its gifts and see if you can write a Haiku. If you do, email it to Howard at the Wellness Corner and we’ll share them in an upcoming issue.
So, as we enter the Jewish New Year of 5782, let’s take a moment to reflect and embrace the changing of the seasons with a compassionate heart and an open spirit. “Shana Tova”.
Our wellness team salutes you and all you do in building the health of our community. Thank you.
Warmly,
This week’s Wellness Corner authored by:
Howard Schafer, LMFT
Mental Health Counselor
hischa5@uw.edu
GME Wellness Counseling
Contents
Upcoming Event
- GME Outreach Event at SCH on October 6 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Throughout the year, the GME Office hosts outreach events for residents and fellows to come meet our GME team and learn about some of the services our office provides. Please stop by to say hello, meet our GME team members and grab a packed lunch. Exact location will be conveyed via email leading up to the event.
Outdoor Fun
- Tacoma Night Market and Sunday Brunch Market. September 24th 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm & September 25th 11:00 am – 4:00 pm a gathering of talented artists and makers. Incredible music, great drinks, and delicious local food. Plus, an all-ages, family friendly Drag Show on Sundays only at 12:30, 1:30 & 2:30 pm!
- As Fall approaches visit the world-famous Japanese Gardens at the Washington Arboretum. Walk the 3.5 acres of pathways, take part in the Tea Ceremony and witness the fabulous fall.
- Lego Convention. October 1-2. View thousands of models created by adult hobbyists and visit LEGO vendors at BrickCon Public Exhibition in Seattle Center Exhibition Hall.
Entertainment
- Acclaimed Japanese artist, George Tsutakawa presents his major retrospective: The Language of Nature at the Bainbridge Art Museum. The show runs until October 9th. This retrospective focuses on Tsutakawa’s work from 1950 forward and features sculptures, paintings, drawings.
- Champions Of Magic – an evening of impossible illusions and spectacular special effects, a daring escape from Houdini’s water torture cell, a mind-blowing prediction that must be seen to be believed, levitation high above the stage and a finale beyond explanation. Friday September 24th at 7:30 pm and Saturday September 25th at 2:30 pm at the Paramount Theater.
- Come on down to the Washington State Fair. Happening now through September 25th. Amazing events, Dinosaur exhibition, Home Arts, Rodeo, Concerts, Extreme Dog Show, Miniature Livestock, Carnival Rides and more. Fun for all.
Celebration
Exploration
Meditation
Huzzah Jamie!!
Jamie Wright, MD, PhD is a PGY 2 Neurology resident. In her words: “When I started residency, I knew maintaining wellness would be both important and challenging, especially as someone with hydrocephalus. The University of Washington Internal Medicine and Neurology Residency Programs, Graduate Medical Education, and my co-residents have all proven to be great sources of additional support, in addition to my care team, so that I can continue to train in the field I love and help patients. There are so many people at UW who I am thankful for and supported me through this past year!” Please read more about Jamie and her journey.
Black Lives Matter
- Listen to the melodious voice of LeVar Burton read amazing short fiction.
- Visit the Gallery Onyx and see the 17th annual Summer Solstice Art exhibit.
- An Incredible TED Talk on injustice: Bryan Stevenson, We Need to Talk About Injustice, TED Talk (2012).
- Check out the website Black Girl Nerds and read about 5 Black owned wellness apps to help you feel calm and centered.
Henri’s Corner
A Great Read
Fall Comfort Food
Wellness Corner Quick Links
Mindfulness Minute
- A Self Compassion Practice by Kristen Neff: This exercise can be used any time of day or night and will help you remember to evoke the three aspects of self-compassion in the moment you need it most. Also available as an mp3.
Did you know? Resources
- September is Suicide Prevention Month. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This is the number to call or text when experiencing a mental health crisis, or if you are worried about a loved one in need of crisis support. You can also call 1 800 273 TALK (8255).
- UW employees and their household members have access to Care Link 24/7/365. CareLink EAP can offer up to 5 free counseling sessions. You can reach CareLink by calling 1 866 598 3978.
- Yoga for Hope and Healing Wednesday, Sept. 14 5:30 – 6:30 pm Join this virtual trauma-sensitive yoga class that mixes strengthening movements with restorative stretches. This slower paced class is great for all levels, whether you’re new to yoga or you’ve been practicing for a while. No props are needed but you might consider having a mat, towel, or blankets nearby.
- Coping with Trauma and Transition Thursday, Sept. 22 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Join this upcoming workshop led by Dr. Jane Simoni to learn more about trauma and its impacts on mental health. At the end of the recorded portion of the presentation, attendees will have the option to connect further in breakout groups.
- The August GME News and Notes contains great information about policies & processes, awards, publications, resources, new leadership team members, etc. Please also remember that any concerns can be raised (including anonymously) via GME’s Report a Concern. (Thanks, Cindy!)
Gems from Treasure Valley
- Linder Farms – Meridian, ID Fall season fun begins in late September. A 20-acre pumpkin patch and 15-acre corn maze this fall. Other activities include hayrides, straw bale maze, petting zoo, laser tag, rock climbing wall, zip line, pony rides, pumpkin slingshot, mechanical bull, duck races and more! They are open Monday through Saturday evening. Their address is 7165 S Linder Road, Meridian, ID 83642.
- Hyde Park Street Fair – Boise, ID – Sep 16 to Sep 18, 2022 An annual fundraising event held in Boise’s Camels Back Park featuring vendor booths, activities for the kids, live music, exotic foods, cold beer, community entertainers, and a wine garden for three fun-filled days. All proceeds go back into Fine Grants and programs in the North End community.
- Orofino Lumberjack Days – Orofino, ID – Sep 15 to Sep 18, 2022 Activities include carnival, parade, horse pull competition, skidding & truck driving competition, and more.
- Bike MS Cycle the Silver Valley – Kellogg, ID – Sep 24 to Sep 25, 2022 Bike MS is more than a ride. It’s an experience grounded in camaraderie and marked by passion, inspiration, determination and pure enjoyment. It will be an experience you’ll never forget, shared with new friends and old.
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), Julia Kocian (jkocian@uw.edu), Patty Long-Brohm (pattylb@uw.edu), and/or Howard Schafer (hischa5@uw.edu).