Dear Wellness Community,
As I reflect on the changes in my own life and around me, I found myself focusing on transitions. We experience transitions in large and small ways – currently apparent as we transition to darker and wetter days. You all are no strangers to transition – as many of you have moved great distances and regularly experience the change of rotations or welcoming new trainees. On a much larger scale we continue to experience significant transitions due to Covid and calls for Social Justice.
Transitions can be a time of challenge, celebration, reflection, vulnerability, and strength – requiring our mindful attention and exquisite care – and the darker season invites us to go within to reflect and encourages us to take care of our inner landscapes.
During times of transition, self-care, community, and kindness with ourselves and others is vitally important. My intention for this issue is to provide reminders of what contributes to our well-being and resources for taking care of our bodies, hearts, and minds individually and in community (and having fun along the way). I hope you will take time to peruse the offerings in this newsletter!
I also invite you to reach out to Dipti, Julia, and I along the way for support, resources, and tips for well-being.
This week’s Wellness Corner authored by:
Patty Long-Brohm, LICSW
GME Wellness Counselor
Monday – Wednesday at Seattle Children’s Hospital
pattylb@uw.edu
GME Wellness Counseling
Contents
Well-Being Tips for the Season
- Four Well-Being Strategies from the New York Times!
- Preventing Winter Blues – Start initiating these self-care habits now! Read more here.
- Check out Whole U’s October Yoga Month Free Classes here! Plus a variety of other free virtual classes for health and wellness!
- Join Reverend angel Kyodo Williams and Micheline Beery for Re-Emergence: A Return to Belonging series October 25-29th. Virtual mindfulness teachings and practices to help us “recognize our own value, and support others from a place of genuine inner authority and freedom.”
- Mindful Healthcare Speaker Series with Jon Kabat-Zinn, Kristin Neff, Richie Davidson, and more – access for FREE on demand!
Halloween Thrills and Chills
- We look forward to seeing those of you who are registered for our Halloween Play Day at Kelsey Creek Farm event on Saturday October 30th. Add your name to the waitlist here.
- Peruse taxidermy, quack medical devices, bones and more at the Seattle Oddities and Curiosities Expo on Saturday, October 30th, 10am-6pm at the Convention Center!
- More Fun Halloween options: Haunted Chocolate Factory Tour, Halloween Cabaret show, SIFF Theater’s SLAY: The Northwest’s Independent Horror Film Festival, and Trick or Treat at the Woodland Zoo!
Dia de los Muertos Festivities!
- Dia de los Muertos is traditionally celebrated November 1st-2nd (along with All Saint’s or Soul’s Day) – as a time to show one’s love and respect for deceased loved ones. Read more here!
- Check out these area Dia de los Muertos events! Dia de Muertos Festival at the Seattle Center, October 30th to November 7th!
- Celebrate Dia De Muertos with music, dance performances and vendors at Pier 62, October 23rd, 12-4PM – family friendly.
- More Dia De Muertos fun to be had November 1st– 5th in Burien! Details here!
Black Lives Matter
- Diversity Lecture Series Presents: Race and Gender In the Clinic: You Can’t Have One Without the Other, Dr. Jules Gill-Peterson, Associate Professor of History at Johns Hopkins University. Attend via Zoom on November 3rd, 12:30-1:30 PST. Presented by ISCRM and UWNURF.
- Seattle Arts & Lectures and Langston Seattle Present: Patrisse Cullors in Conversation with Ijeoma Oluo: Our Existence Beyond Trauma, October 27th at 6PM (online event)!
- Join The New Yorker journalist Jelani Cobb and the release of his The Matter of Black Lives, The New Yorker’s groundbreaking anthology on race in America – Wednesday, November 3rd, 7:30PM
Seattle Earshot Jazz Festival
Join the 33rd annual Jazz Festival — in person and virtual. Now through November 7th.
Wild Mushroom Show
Learn about wild mushrooms and hunting in the area! October 23-24th, North Seattle College.
Sound Bath!
Seattle Sound Temple, October Full Moon Soundbath with Irene Ingalls, October 20th at 7:30 PM
Native American Heritage Month
- Proclaimed in 1990, November is Native American Heritage Month. Seattle’s roots are that of it’s namesake, Chief Seattle, of the Suquamish and Duwamish people. Learn more on Chief Seattle Club Blog including event links.
- Explore the number of events happening in the area to honor Native American Heritage.
- Bring your children to “Learn about and honor the important contributions of Native Peoples. Hands-on activities, crafts, songs and dance.” Lakewood Library in partnership with Clover Park School District Native American Education program. Information here.
- As we honor the Native Peoples on whose land we live, please consider making a monthly donation to Real Rent Duwamish!
Family Corner
- Check out free activities at the Children’s Museums on either side of the metro – in Everette and Tacoma.
- Empower your inner teacher! Parents and caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers. The Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences (I-LABS) offers resources to help you learn the science behind child development and engage in developmental activities with your child.
- Cultivate Learning – UW resources for parents/families with educational resources for home.
- Follow the Mount Rainier Institute for ongoing nature programs for kids and families. Read more here or check out the Institute’s website.
Mindfulness Minute
- Self-Compassion Break (8min) from the Center for Child & Family Well-Being.
- Find many more recorded practices online at the Center for Child & Family Well-Being!
- “The ground-breaking Healthy Minds Program uses neuroscience, contemplative traditions, and skill-based learning methods to help you develop the skills for a healthy mind.” The Healthy Minds Program is now available in an application for your phone! From the center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Wellness Corner Quick Links
Entertainment
- Seattle Queer Film Festival 2021 – October 14-24th – with in person and virtual options (purchase tickets)!
- Black Pride 2021 – October 29-31! Hybrid events planned – check here for more details!
- Catch Coldplay in concert at the Grand Opening of Climate Pledge Arena at the Seattle Center – October 22nd (tickets still available)!
- Nancy Wilson of Heart with the Seattle Symphony, October 30th – in person and virtual! More info here.
Gems from Treasure Valley
- Exquisite Creatures exhibit at the Discovery Center of Idaho – “an artistic experience that unravels humanity’s intimate relationship with the natural world.” By artist, naturalist and New York Times bestselling author Christopher Marley. Open now through February 2022.
- Celebrate Dia de los Muertos! Here are a few options: Saturday October 23, 10am-5pm at the Idaho State Museum. Enjoy screenings of Coco and other family fun activities!
- Return to the Museum on Wednesday October 27th, 7-8:30PM for an Interactive Alter Workshop!
- Don’t miss Downtown Boise Restaurant Week: October 29-November 7.
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) and/or Patty Long-Brohm (pattylb@uw.edu).