A Return to Healing Through Art and Somatic Movement
As I return to my art this winter, following a season of intense advocacy and documentary work, including "Sins of the Amish" and an interview with "Cults of Consciousness," I find myself stepping back into the practices of personal healing. Besides the curiosity of abstract exploration in my art, I’m practicing somatic movement and dance to release stored emotions and trauma. There’s a crucial balance between pouring out and replenishing, between advocating for others and nurturing my own spirit.
Raising awareness about the systemically abusive and patriarchal structure of the plain circles, as important as it is, necessitates a return to practices that ground and heal me. With a handful of live painting events on the horizon for this year, this winter season is providing me the opportunity to prepare myself not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally for the creative work ahead.
No matter how long I show up for this work, the process of creativity continues to pull back the layers, inviting me into newly discovered raw areas that are longing for healing. There is no “arrival”, and that’s both a brutal reality and beautiful discovery in this journey.
The truth about making art is this: it won’t allow you lie to yourself. There's no room for pretense or half-truths. The canvas reveals the truth even when I’m in denial. Here, in this place, there’s what is and who I am and who Love is. Nothing more, nothing less.
Each of the following healing practices have been introduced to me over the past fifteen years by various trauma therapists, coaches, and mentors. This winter I’m realigning my body and spirit by continuing some and being more consistent with others. If you’d like to try any of these or learn more about them, please feel free to reach out.
Healing practices, for any time they may be helpful:
Moving Intuitively to Music: Embracing the rhythm, I allow my body to move freely, each motion a release, allowing my body to feel what it needs and longs to feel. This is usually done alone, but can be transformative when shared with someone you trust. Only a few of those closest to me have ever witnessed my intuitive “dancing” practice. When I felt completely safe in the presence of my now husband to move to my favorite SIA song in an interpretive flow, I knew the love I was experiencing with him was something special.
Awake Dreaming with Holy Spirit: "Be still and know that I am God." To be still is to let go, to surrender. God is in motion all around me, within me, working all things together for my good. I’ve found it helpful to play chakra-specific tones as I delve into awake dreaming with the Holy Spirit, exploring the spaces within my heart, throat, and pelvis, uncovering and understanding deeper layers of myself and bringing love to the areas that are dry or broken.
Practicing Love for My Physical Body: As wonderful as it is to have a husband who literally adores every part of my physical body, his love can’t replace my acts of love for myself. Most days it looks like simple acts of self-care like enjoying a steamy Flat White with oatmilk, heading to the sauna, and creating nutritious meals not only for myself but for our children and my husband. This year it looks signing up for a transformation challenge to rebuild my physical strength. I thought I’d never say this, but I really miss doing Crossfit!
Somatic Movements for Trauma Release: Focusing on areas like the hips and pelvis, I work to release the trauma stored within, reconnecting with the wisdom of my body. I was first introduced to somatic movements by a sexual trauma release expert, which eventually allowed me to feel safe in my body to fully enjoy pleasure and later… safe and beautifully pleasured with the Lover of a husband who would come into my life in 2020 (a story for another time).
Guarding My Energy: I consciously choose positivity and avoid negativity or cynicism. It's about creating an environment conducive to healing and creativity. This is important not only for me, but for my family. Whenever one of our children sinks into the couch with a full-body sigh of relief, breathing the words “Ahhhh… it’s so peaceful here”, I know the work of Shalom is present in our home. There are other tell-tell signs as well, the fruit of guarded energy and focus.
Fully Feeling Whatever I Feel: From disgust to rage, I allow myself to fully experience my emotions, channeling them through writing, journaling, or making marks on canvas… then releasing them so they don't stay trapped inside of me. When we don’t feel an emotion through to completion, we get caught in a cyclical tunnel, as Brene Brown describes, never making our way through to the sunshine and freedom on the other side. Our daughter Evika wrote a book about emotions, “The Magic of Emotions”, and even though it’s written and illustrated for children — it’s truly applicable to all ages.
It’s no coincidence that many of these healing practices involve movement. In the book, "The Body Keeps the Score", I learned that our bodies are not just passive vessels; they are living libraries of our experiences, holding onto trauma in silent, hidden chapters. Understanding this has been pivotal, guiding me towards practices that not only engage the mind but also invite the body to participate in the healing process. Each step, each sway, each stretch, becomes an act of liberation.
As I practice healing, I'm not just preparing for my art; I'm cultivating a space where my soul can breathe, where I am fully in tune with my body, where the voice of the Holy Spirit isn’t clouded, where pleasure is experienced without shame, and where I can be unapologetically me. It's here, in this sacred space, that I find the strength to create, to express, and to BE. Art, like healing, is not stagnant but flowing, a dance of color, emotion, and life.
What practices have you found to be healing? I’d love to hear… drop a comment below if you care to share. Remember, you are loved, my friend.
These practices are close to my heart and have supported my journey. However, they are personal experiences and not a substitute for professional advice. If you're dealing with deep-seated trauma or emotional challenges, seeking help from a qualified professional is crucial. These suggestions are not designed to replace therapy or professional guidance but to complement your healing journey.
