KERRY J HECKMAN, LICSW
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Tuning In September 2022

9/1/2022

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Each month I post an update called Tuning In on what I'm up to and various content I would like to share with you. Most of the links on this post are informational only, but a few are affiliate links that help me keep up my website.

Events: 

Facilitating: 
  • Center for Chronic Illness - Web-Based Rare Chronic Illness Support Group Tuesday September 6th, 2022 at 4pm PST
  • Center for Chronic Illness - Living with Thyroid Eye Disease Support Group Tuesday September 6th, 2022 at 6pm PST
  • Center for Chronic Illness - Living with Cystinosis Web-Based Support Group, Tuesday September 20th, 2022 at 4pm PST
  • Center for Chronic Illness - Supporting Loved Ones with Cystinosis. Tuesday September 20th, 2022 at 6pm PST

Publications: 
  • 3 of my senryu were published in failed haiku, Volume 7, Issue 80. 
  • 1 of my haiku was published in tsuri-dōrō, Issue #11, Sept/Oct 2022. 

National Days: 
  • September 5th is Labor Day 
  • September 11th is National Day of Service and Remembrance 
  • September 17th is National Dance Day 
  • September 20th is National Voter Registration Day 
  • September 26th is National Pancake Day 
  • September 29th is National Coffee Day

National Months:  
  • September 15th is the start of Hispanic Heritage Month 
  • National Pain Awareness Month 
  • National Suicide Awareness Month  

Dear Valued Community, 

It happened. After two and a half years, I finally contracted Covid-19. I am beyond grateful I had two boosters and that the virulence of the virus seems to have declined. I continue to be in awe of the times we are living through and how we continue to do the very best we can in such difficult circumstances. 

With the CDC announcing the end of quarantines, I feel compelled to share some insight into the collective grief of the chronic illness community. From early on in the pandemic, when people raged against the simple act of wearing a mask or opted out of a life-saving vaccine, people who are chronically ill felt the familiar pang of being disposable. While I was fortunate enough to have survived Covid-19, some people are not able to risk how their body would react to the virus.

I recently went to a picnic with many people who have chronic illness. It was held outside, we all agreed to do a rapid test that day, masks were optional (but respected), we all brought out own food, and social distancing came naturally. We talked about how difficult this time has been for our community and the ways we are still behaving differently because of risk. 

To this community of people, I simply want to say that I recognize the pandemic is not "over" or past tense for you. I recognize that you still have to go to great lengths to protect yourself and that is valid. I know it is hard to watch others return to "normal," when your life is not normal. I see you. 

With Gratitude, 

​Kerry ​
Picture
Lake Roesiger, Snohomish, Washington

​What I'm Reading Related for Therapy: 
My Inner Sky: On Embracing Day, Night, and All the Times in Between by Mari Andrew 

"From New York Times bestselling author Mari Andrew, a collection of essays and illustrations, divided into phases of the sky—twilight, golden hour, night, and dawn—that serves as a loyal companion for life's curveballs. 

A whole, beautiful life is only made possible by the wide spectrum of feelings that exist between joy and sorrow. In this insightful and warm book, writer and illustrator Mari Andrew explores all the emotions that make up a life, in the process offering insights about trauma and healing, the meaning of home and the challenges of loneliness, finding love in the most unexpected of places--from birds nesting on a sculpture to a ride on the subway--and a resounding case for why sometimes you have to put yourself in the path of magic.

My Inner Sky empowers us to transform everything that's happened to us into something meaningful, reassurance that even in our darkest times, there's light and beauty to be found."


What I'm Reading for Fun: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus 
​

"Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results. 

But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.  

Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist."

​
(I'm a proud member of the sloth reading club, so what I'm reading will not always change monthly) ​
​
Projects: Self-development book on trauma and worthiness, submitting haiku & poetry, ongoing content for various publications. Considering next steps in career training: psychedelic assisted therapy, HeartMath training,  biblio/poetry therapy training, or yoga teacher training. 
​
Picture
Sunflowers in Seattle

Poem: 

The Living Doubleness
by Rumi 

I ask my heart, Why do you keep looking
for the delights of love? 

I hear the answer back, Why will you not
join me in this companionship? 

This is the conversation of being
a human being, the living doubleness. 

Cool and in motion like water, 
placed and passionate like fire. 

Subtle as wind, yet obvious
as a wineglass poured to the brim, 
spilled over and drunk down
all at once for toast. 

Like rain, you make any image
more vivid. Live a mirror,
you can be trusted to hold beauty. 

There are mean people who see only 
meanness reflected in you, 
but they are wrong. 

You are pure soul
and made of the ground. 

You are eyeshadow, 
and the kindness in eyelight. 

A ruby from no telling which mine, 
let yourself be set in a seal ring. 

Lift the sword-discernment 
that rules a thousand compassions. 

Shams in the love shape of Shams,
spring source of invisible meaning. 
Picture
Lake Union, Seattle, Washington

​Quote: "healing comes in waves
and maybe today
the wave hits the rocks
and that's ok,
that's ok, darling
you are still healing
you are still healing." 
-Ijeoma Umebinyuo
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    Welcome

    I'm Kerry (She/Her/Hers) and I am a licensed therapist, group facilitator, poet, writer, & speaker. This is a place to acknowledge and validate our suffering and trauma, while also learning how to turn toward aliveness and spaciousness. 

    Kerry J Heckman

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