Dear Wellness Community,
In this issue of the Wellness Corner, you’ll find opportunities to dig into the region. From Día de la Raza to cozy cups of tea and ferry crossings, we invite you to savor the last weeks of summer, while also turning the corner into fall.
Autumn can bring not just a change in weather, but also changes in our mood. You might notice a lowness, irritability, or even despondency and a sense of dread. If your mood starts to affect your work or relationships, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Wellness Service or your PCP.
You might also relish the coming of the cooler temperatures. Maybe you live for cozy evenings or blue bird mornings in the snow. For me, thriving in the gray is a practice of embracing the both/and.
Yes, fall is often gray and ambiently damp. I find myself drawing in and slowing down. I try to lean into the shorter, darker days and seek opportunities to move my body, connect with others, and look for signs of change.
I plant bulbs that will bloom in the spring and curl up with a good book. I gather my people, dust off my skis, and light candles. I apply for spring and summer trail permits and fill my home with as many house plants as the windowsill will allow.
This fall, the Wellness Service and I encourage you to ask yourself, “What helps me to thrive in the gray? Your both/and might look different from mine. Maybe you plan a vacation somewhere warm and dry, maybe you notice the changes in your body and extend yourself loving kindness.
Whatever you find, you are not alone. You are always welcome to book an appointment or send us a message. In the meantime, read on for more ideas and opportunities to explore.
Warmly,
This month’s Wellness Corner authored by:
Amy Wheat LMHC
Mental Health Counselor
amywheat@uw.edu
GME Wellness Counseling
Contents
GME Partners and Spouses Support Group
- Feeling lost? Disconnected? The GME Wellness Service invites you to join a support group for partners and spouses of trainees. Beginning in mid-October, we’ll gather to build community and explore tools to navigate transitions, connect with your loved ones and (re)discover what makes you vital. For more information and to receive a registration link, please send a message to facilitator Amy Wheat, LMHC: amywheat@uw.edu.
Upcoming Events
- Wondering what you’ll need to transition to independent practice? Register now to attend the GME’s September 16 virtual seminar, Life After Residency and Fellowship.
- For some, advocacy is an antidote to despair: on September 22, join Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility to celebrate their annual gala and support efforts to create a healthy, just, peaceful and sustainable world.
- Honor Suicide Awareness Month by building tools for suicide prevention with Forefront, a UW Center for Excellence.
Mindfulness Minute
- Walk, bike, or drive onto the Bainbridge Ferry and immerse yourself in the changing seasons on a Stroll for Well-Being at the Bloedel Reserve. Afterward, you can browse the shelves at Eagle Harbor Book Co. and Town and Country Market or take a free tour of the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.
- Practice self-compassion with this loving kindness meditation from Tara Brach. Curious about the benefits of compassion? Learn from one of the foundational researchers, Dr. Kristen Neff.
- From the mouths of babes: watch this short film, “Just Breath” from Mindful Schools that features kids learning to navigate complex feelings with mindfulness.
Black Lives Matter & Cultural Events
- RSVP to learn more about anti-racist communication in healthcare from Dr. Hannibal Person and the team at UW Network of Underrepresented Residents and Fellows.
- Check out this collection of art installations, films, and events to learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month.
- From resident artist Johnaye Kendrick to the award-winning Roosevelt High School Jazz Band, the Earshot Jazz Festival celebrates the living legacy of black artists in Seattle October 6 – November 5.
Embrace the Season
Support Immigrant-Owned Businesses
Prepare for the Cozy Months Ahead
Wellness Corner Quick Links
Gems from Treasure Valley
- On September 24 the Idaho State Historical Society will host a free community gathering to celebrate Idaho’s Hispanic heritage. ¡Fiesta! Will include art, food, and live performances by artists like Lobo Lara.
- Grab tickets for Schooled! an improv comedy show based on the best, and worst, schooldays memories.
- Get indoorsy: Catalyst Arts Collaborative invites you to join an open studio session (September 15, 19, or 27).
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), Howard Schafer (hischa5@uw.edu), and or Amy Wheat (amywheat@uw.edu).