KERRY J HECKMAN, LICSW
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Tuning In October 2022

10/1/2022

0 Comments

 
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 Web-Based Support Group Tuesday October 4th, 2022 at 4pm PST
  • Center for Chronic Illness - Living with Thyroid Eye Disease Web-Based Support Group Tuesday October 4th, 2022 at 6pm PST
  • Center for Chronic Illness - Living with Cystinosis Web-Based Support Group, Tuesday October 18th, 2022 at 4pm PST
  • Center for Chronic Illness - Supporting Loved Ones of Those Living with Thyroid Eye Disease Web-Based Support Group, Tuesday October 18th, 2022 at 6pm PST

Publications: 
  • 1 of my senryu was published in failed haiku, Volume 7, Issue 81. 
  • 1 of my haiku was read on The Poetry Pea Podcast S5E18. 
  • 1 of my haiku was published in The Haiku Foundation's Haiku Dialogue on 9/7/2022.
  • 1 of my haiku was published in The Haiku Foundation's Haiku Dialogue on 9/21/2022. 
  • 1 of my haiku was published in The Haiku Foundation's Haiku Dialogue on 9/28/2022

National Days: 
  • October 4th is National Taco Day 
  • October 10th is World Mental Health Day 
  • October 11th is National Coming Out Day 
  • October 17th is Black Poetry Day 
  • October 26th is National Pumpkin Day 
  • October 29th is National Cat Day 
  • October 30th is Candy Corn Day 
  • October 31st is Halloween 

National Months:  
  • Adopt a Shelter Dog Month 
  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month 
  • National Bullying Prevention Month 
  • National ADHD Awareness Month 
  • Vegetarian Month 

Dear Valued Community, 

Lately, ​I've been thinking a lot about stuckness and how to move stuckness in the body. Stuckness can show up in a lot of different ways, sadness, overwhelm, and lack of motivation. It's a frustrating feeling and can lead to discomfort in the body. 

This is a very interesting time in our history. We are possibly starting to feel slightly safer after two years of survival mode. That is a very confusing place for our body to navigate. Like tentative newborns, maybe we are not quite sure what to do with all this input. It's overwhelming, so we may shut down sometimes. That's what the body is designed to do. However, it can feel a lot like stuckness, a lack of motivation, or a lack of forward progress .

When it comes to stuckness (and everything else), I don't think we give ourselves enough credit. I think often times we are moving, it's just that the movement is very small or isn't moving us forward quite yet, so we end up feeling stuck. Give yourself credit for the small movements forward, that is what leads to big shifts over time. 

Perhaps as we settle in to the fall season, start turning inward and slowing down for the winter months ahead. Slowness and stuckness are two very different things. Allow yourself to move slowly and see what happens. 

With Gratitude, 

​Kerry ​
Picture
Latte Art at Cafe Champagne near Pike Place Market

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: The Plot: A Novel by Jean Hanff Korelitz 
​

"Jacob Finch Bonner was once a promising young novelist with a respectably published first book. Today, he’s teaching in a third-rate MFA program and struggling to maintain what’s left of his self-respect; he hasn’t written―let alone published―anything decent in years. When Evan Parker, his most arrogant student, announces he doesn’t need Jake’s help because the plot of his book in progress is a sure thing, Jake is prepared to dismiss the boast as typical amateur narcissism. But then . . . he hears the plot." 
​
(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
Fall flowers in a community garden in Greenwood, Seattle

Poem: 

The Only Obligation 
by Rumi 

Today a new madness
is trying to set us free, 
tearing open our sacks. 

Some nameless Bedouin
Has bought Joseph again
for eighteen coins. 

A narcissus sprouts through the ground. 
Our souls, having pastured all night
on jasmine, leap up for the dawn. 

The world is new, and you 
have been chosen to say this poem, 
because you are the one with the love bites on you. 

Your love has brought us to silence, 
where the only obligation 
is to walk slowly through a meadow 
and look. 
​
​
Picture
Sunset at Lowman Beach Park, West Seattle

​Quote: "Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations." - Unknown 
0 Comments

Tuning In September 2022

9/1/2022

0 Comments

 
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
0 Comments

Tuning In August 2022

8/1/2022

0 Comments

 
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 August 2nd, 2022 at 4pm PST
  • Center for Chronic Illness - Living with Thyroid Eye Disease Support Group Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 at 6pm PST
  • Center for Chronic Illness - Living with Cystinosis Web-Based Support Group, Tuesday August 16th, 2022 at 4pm PST
  • Center for Chronic Illness - Supporting Loved Ones with Cystinosis. Tuesday August 16th, 2022 at 6pm PST

Publications: 
  • 1 of my haiku was published in Mayfly, Summer 2022, Issue 73. 

National Days: 
  • August 7th is National Friendship Day  
  • August 15th is National Relaxation Day 
  • August 26th is National Dog Day 
  • August 30th is National Grief Awareness Day 

National Months:  
  • National Dog Month 
  • International Peace Month 
  • National Wellness Month 

Dear Valued Community, 

Summer in Seattle finally started, as predicted it happened we started to get warmer temperatures and sunshine in mid-July. Even with the fairer weather, the tension of the outside world can be felt at every level. 

This a time when the art of oscillation comes in. As an important part of somatic therapy, oscillation is a helpful tool to use when you feel overwhelmed by the world around you.

To understand oscillation let's use the metaphor of dipping your toe into ice cold water. The first time you dip your toe in the water it is freezing and you yank your toe out, but if you do this a handful of times your toe starts to get used to the temperature of the water and it's not as shocking to your system. This is how oscillation helps the body regulate. 

Our tendency is to either ruminate on unpleasant things or cut them off completely. An alternative is to move in and out of exposure to unpleasant news or processing unpleasant feelings. Try to spend more time in the pleasant experiences around you, while occasionally dipping your toe in to test the waters. Oscillation is how we start to find grounding when things get difficult and it is available to us in every moment. 
​
With Gratitude, 

​Kerry 
Picture
A rose in West Seattle

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
Scooter taking a nap

Poem: 
​
Split the Sack
by Rumi 

Why does the soul not fly
when it hears the call? 

Why does a fish, gasping on land,
but near the water, 
not move back into the sea? 

What keeps us from joining the dance
the dust particles do? 

Look at their subtle motions 
in sunlight. 

We are out of our cages
with our wings spread,
yet we do not lift off. 

We keep collecting rocks and broken bits
of pottery like children
pretending they are merchants. 

We should split the sack
of this culture
and stick our heads out. 

Look around. 
Leave your childhood. 

Reach your right hand up
and take this book from the air. 
You do know right from left, don’t you? 

A voice speaks to your clarity. 
Move into the moment of your death. 
Consider what you truly want. 

Now call out commands yourself. 
You are the king. Phrase your question, 
and expect the grace of an answer.
Picture
Three little birds in West Seattle

​Quote of the Month: "The more we are willing to dive into the discomfort of life, the more lightness there is." - Lisa Rankin
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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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