Heidi the Art Therapist

I’ve never been one to walk quietly through this world. And the more sure I am of something, the louder I get. The importance of this next season we are steppi...ng into, as a community, is something I am very sure about. I feel that a mental health crisis in our communities is imminent and the only way home is solidarity and connection. The critical piece to remember: we’re fighting a virus, not each other. Am I starting to sound like a broken record? Well, crank it up, because it’s a song for the ages. Emotions will be high as students and teachers head back to school and companies send their staff back to the office. Deep breath. Hear me when I say it’s okay if you’re still tired. It’s okay if you’re apprehensive to step back in. As we wrap up this final week of August, try to find some me moments and get your feet firmly grounded. Here are a few tips for preparing your heart with stillness: 1. Focus on living in the present moment 2. Journal or write 3. Go for an unplugged walk outside 4. Dedicate 5 - 10 mins to sit in silence and focus on your breath 5. Practice gratitude Don’t ever underestimate the value of slowing down, even if it’s only for a moment - whatever you can afford - it’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Give yourself the gift of stillness and I promise you’ll be rewarded tenfold. #drjodycarrington #reconnectionrevolution #bestill

This might sound ridiculous - but rest might be the most difficult thing on your agenda this summer. Not because you don’t want to - but maybe because your bo...dy is not so convinced that it’s safe to relax, just yet. See, as van der Kolk has written about, the body keeps the score. As a globe, we’ve been in a heightened state of arousal - on the edge of our proverbial seats - for 16 months. Why are we still so chippy and irritable when we’re supposed to be relaxed, damnit!? Forgetting things, still being so exhausted even after a week of naps and doing nothing - sound familiar? We’ll likely be a little out of practice and it might take longer than usual to slow down. Be gentle with you. Our bodies need to be convinced that we’re no longer on the brink of potential disaster. Give yourself grace. And then sink in. I’d love to hear how the whole rest thing is going. xo #sinkin #reconnect #relax #drjodycarrington

One of the things we make in Art Therapy is a sensory bottle- these are kinda like that! Could watch this process for hours

There's some great things on Instagram, including talented artists who aren't afraid to explore the dark places.

Our best looks different different days.

Wait... are the statues disappearing?