Dear Wellness Community,
As spring begins to blossom around us the gentle warmth of the sun begins to melt away the last traces of winter. We begin to see a verdant landscape bursting forth with the variant hues of spring. We now find ourselves standing at the threshold of a new season filled with promise and possibility and as we enter the home stretch of this academic year, we can take a moment to reflect on our challenges and our successes. It is a good time to share stories about all the stuff we do as students, doctors, and humans.
In this newsletter you will find stories, hidden poems, and adventures in Seattle. From flower festivals, celebrations of the Earth, cultural events, outdoor markets, film festivals and immersive experiences, April opens the door for us to get back outside and embrace our natural and colorful surroundings.
Spring is also time to pause, breathe and take a mindful moment to be present. In this addition you will also find mindful practices for nurturing your physical and emotional health.
As healthcare professionals, our commitment to wellness extends beyond the confines of the workplace. This April let us prioritize self-care and adopt healthy lifestyle habits that not only enhance our own wellbeing but also set a positive example to our patients and our community. Let’s embark on this wellness journey together by empowering ourselves and those around us to thrive. In honor of Earth Day, I end with this poem by Ada Limon called Instructions On Not Giving Up.
Wishing you a fulfilling and rejuvenating April.
Warmly,
This month’s Wellness Corner authored by:
Howard Schafer, LMFT
Mental Health Counselor
hischa5@uw.edu
GME Wellness Counseling
Contents
Announcements and Resources
- Sponsored by the Northwest Narrative Medicine Consortium, it is an amazing night of storytelling a la The Moth called Interstitium: A Space for stories of health, Illness, Wellness and Beyond which focuses on stories about our experiences as students, doctors, and humans. The Shindig is Sunday evening April 28 7-9PM at the beautiful Shafer Baillie Mansion. The theme for the night is: Making the Call.
- UW Disability Studies Faculty Drs. Heather Evans and Heather Feldner invite you to participate in a Disability Allyship 26-day Challenge. Starting on April 5th, we challenge you to spend 5-20 mins every day for 26 days engaging with an item from a curated set of materials aimed to expand your knowledge of ableism and broaden your perspectives of disability.
- Physicians Anonymous is a peer based nonprofit organization which offers free anonymous support groups with med students, residents/fellows and MD/DOs who are suffering from burnout/mental health/suicidal ideation and substance use.
- Check out SmartHealth, a free wellness program that supports you and your well-being.
Events and Festivals
- Seattleites can make the drive over to Puyallup on the weekends of April 11-14 and April 18-21 to partake in fun, rides, and food at the annual Spring Fair. Read all about the Washington Spring Fair before you go.
- From April 1 through April 30, Seattleites can make the spring pilgrimage to nearby Skagit Valley to see vibrant fields of tulips. Read all about this year’s Skagit Valley Tulip Festival before you go.
- Take a Drive and visit Washington State Apple Blossom Festival in sunny Wenatchee. Enjoy food vendors, an entertainment stage, carnival rides (beginning April 26), an arts & crafts fair, and a grand parade.
Earth Day
- Earth Day at the Arboretum is on Saturday, April 20, 2024. It is time to celebrate the Arboretum’s 90th birthday. Volunteer and explore with work service events, tram rides, gorgeous walks and more!
- Come experience the national parks! National Park Week is happening April 20 to April 28 this year. Entrance fees will be waived on April 20, 2024, to kick off Earth Day.
- Embrace Seattle’s greenest event at Magnuson Park and enjoy an Earth Day run on April 20. There will be 5K, !0K and 15K runs. Cross the finish line and stop by their tree-hugger station where you can pot a tree to take home or leave it to be donated to local non-profits.
Henri's Corner
Nourish
Inspire
Mesmerizing Cultural Events
- Behold: Untold Stories: Beyond Words – Storytelling through Indian Classical Dance. Immerse yourself in the gestures and expressions through Indian classical dance, known as Bharatanatyam and witness a captivating performance. Wednesday, May 8 from 7 – 8:30 pm at the Bainbridge Island Art Museum.
- The 21st annual Seattle Black Film Festival is only just beginning! Running this year at two locations: the historic Langston Hughes Performing Art Institute and Washington Hall. From April 25-28.
- Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival will take place on April 12-14: 11am-5pm at the Armory Food & Event Hall and Fisher Pavilion.
Mindfulness Minute
- Savoring Walk: How a stroll outside can help build lasting happiness.
- Walking Meditation: Turn an everyday action into a tool for mindfulness and stress reduction.
Wellness Corner Quick Links
Gems from Treasure Valley
- The City of Kuna Parks and Recreation Department is proud to invite you to The Kuna Hometown Fair on May 3-5 at Bernie Fisher Park. There will be Carnival, food vendors and more.
- Come on out to the Caldwell Night Rodeo! Introducing 2C Wild West Spring Fest! Happening on April 20 & 21, 2024 at the O’Connor Field House from 9am-6pm on Saturday & 10am-5pm on Sunday.
- Celebrate Earth Day with the City of Boise and community partners on a mission to preserve and protect our planet! Walk, ride, or roll to Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park for food, music, art, and activities. April 13 from 12pm – 4pm.
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), Howard Schafer (hischa5@uw.edu), and or Amy Wheat (amywheat@uw.edu).