Dear Wellness Community,
In this evening’s moist darkness, I wrapped myself in a blanket woven with the words of Maya Angelou’s poem Continue, and it felt right to share it with all of you.
The vibrancy and impermanence of autumn is giving way to a season of stillness, hibernation and darkness and we Continue.
We’ve endured a tumultuous political process, we reckon with the foundation of our national origins, we honor National Native American Heritage month, and some celebrate a variety of holidays that close the calendar year (Solstice, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Bodhi Day). As we Continue, it is essential to our health and very being that we name and express our feelings. May you find safe, connected spaces to experience your feelings fully.
Together, we can “astonish a mean world with kindness.” There is light in leaning on one another, in reflection and in knowing that others have walked this path before us.
I encourage you to reflect: how will you Continue through the darkness?
Allow “gratitude to be the pillow” on which you rest. Continue with small acts of kindness, shared laughter, moments in nature, mindful breathing and the joy of movement. In these moments, you will invite and discover the light.
In gratitude for each of you,
Contents
Announcements and Resources
Your mental health and well-being are always a priority, especially during these anxious and stressful times. Know that you have access to these resources to support you and build your community:
- As we approach the holiday season and the start of winter, many of us face challenges like family gatherings, travel, financial pressures, and emotional stress. If you are feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, this online seminar is for you. Breaking the Burnout Cycle (UW NetID required).
- 24/7 counseling is available through the Washington Employee Assistance Program. Call (877) 313-4455 or visit.
- Throughout the year, the GME Office hosts outreach events for residents and fellows to come meet our GME team and learn about the services our office provides. Our next outreach event is December 5th, from 11-1:00pm at Harborview Medical Center. Our theme is “Spiritual Wellness”. Please stop by to say hello, meet our Wellness team, and grab a packed lunch. Email will be sent with more details.
Festivals and Markets
- After four holiday seasons away, Enchant Christmas is returning to T-Mobile Park! Visit this festival of wonder from November 22 to December 29 to experience breathtaking light sculptures, an ice-skating trail, the world’s largest Christmas maze, and countless other festive attractions.
- Pathway of lights. Enjoy our annual seasonal event at Green Lake. Walk the 2.5-mile inner path around the lake lined with over 1500 luminary bags and enjoy music at 3 stages along the path. Dress for the weather. Please bring a can food donation to support our local food banks. December 14th.
- Astra Lumina: A beautiful and magical experience under the night sky. A celestial pathway of lustrous light and cosmic vision. At the Seattle Chinese Garden now through the end of December.
- Renegade Craft fair: returns to Hangar 30 November 23rd and 24th—the weekend before Black Friday. You will see more than 180 curated indie vendors, which include a selection of outdoor food trucks. Handmade goods like delicate jewelry, bold ceramics, scented candles, bath and body products, paper goods, and other charming trinkets.
- Phinney Craft Fair: Join us for the PhinneyWood Winter Festival, a much-anticipated event that brings together 140 artisans in a vibrant celebration of Held at the Phinney Center in Seattle. December 7th-8th from 10am- 5pm.
- Seattle Christmas market: The Seattle Christmas Market returns to the Seattle Center from November 21 to December 24. Based on European Christmas markets, visitors can peruse 80+ wooden huts with thoughtfully curated European and locally made crafts. You can find one-of-a-kind charcuterie boards, hand-stitched leather goods, custom-designed hats, aromatic decadent chocolates, freshly roasted nuts, and toffee popcorn. See the 50-foot walk-through Christmas tree with countless twinkling lights, a double-decker Christmas Carousel and the Fairy Tale Forest featuring German fairy tale inspired displays and excerpts from the classic stories.
Native American Heritage Month
We welcome Native American Heritage Month. It is a time to celebrate the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples in the United States.
- Listen to Daybreak Star Radio whose mission is to provide musical, educational, cultural, and language arts programming that reconnect Indigenous, Native American, and First Nations people to their heritage by strengthening their sense of belonging and significance as a people. Daybreak Radio is part of the Native American Cultural Center for Indians of all Tribes in Discovery Park.
- Visit the Burke Museum to learn about Northwest Native art and cultures and learn more about how the museum cultivates an ethical relationship with local tribal communities.
- The Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center will be hosting our annual Native Art Market on Friday November 29th, Saturday November 30th and Sunday December 1st.
- Listen to “Living Nations, Living Words,” a collection of contemporary Native poetry curated by poet laureate Joy Harjo and the Library of Congress.
Henri's Corner
RUN RUN RUN
Jingle Bell Run in your favorite holiday costume as you spread good cheer. December 6th at Gas Works Park or Join UW Medicine Seattle Marathon the oldest marathon in the Pacific Northwest on Thanksgiving weekend.
Snowflake (The Little Shrew)
Mindfulness Minute
- Singing Bowls for relaxation and healing. A powerful and beautiful healing meditation to dissipate negative energy and anxiety.
- Breathing Meditation: UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center presents a brief daily meditation to calm the mind and spirit. A video urged to listen to twice a day to ease the overwhelming hold anxiety sometimes has on us.
- Kristen Neff presents a beautiful and thoughtful Ted Talk on the power of self-compassion.
- If you find that you are feeling a little more stressed than usual right now, you are not alone. Here are some ways to make the season less stressful and more fun.
Wellness Corner Quick Links
Gems from Treasure Valley
Thank you, Dr. Moe Hagman, Tanya Conger, Dr. Ryan Day for a warm Boise welcome!! Dipti and Howard (GME Wellness)’s visit to Boise was very enjoyable. We got a tour of the VA hospital (thanks Ryan), talked to IM and Psychiatry residents over a delicious lunch (thanks Tanya Conger and Moe) and delighted in Boise and its pretty sights.
We shared information about ways we can support our trainees in Boise with free, unlimited, and confidential wellness services. If you are a resident in Boise, you can schedule a wellness session with Howard or Dipti. If you have any feedback or questions for us, please send us an email. Howard can be reached at hischa5@uw.edu. Dipti can be reached at diptic@uw.edu.
From all of us on the Wellness Team, we wish you all a happy and joyous holiday Season!!!!!
Thanks,
Dipti
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), Amy Wheat (amywheat@uw.edu) and or Maureen Horgan (mhorgan@uw.edu).