Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Call for Presenters, Performers and Artists

CALLING PRESENTERS, PERFORMERS AND ARTISTS

Submit your art work, present your workshop or performance at the 4th Annual Healing through Creativity Art Event for Survivors of TraumaTrauma Survivors and Supporters of Survivors of Trauma are invited to share art, music, writing, poetry and other creative forms at the Healing Through Creativity Festival.

Connect with other trauma survivors at the event. Volunteer today.Calling for Presenters, Performers and Artists. CONTACT US NOW.

When: Oct 17-24 2009Where : Heart of Virginia Foundation Center for Integrated Arts, Grandin Gardens, 1731 Grandin Rd, Roanoke, Virginia

The experience helps trauma survivors and promotes community understanding.For more information visit our website and forum at www.healingthroughcreativity.org for contact details. Email info@healingthroughcreativity.org.

CHECK IT OUT TODAY

Friday, June 19, 2009

The Courage To Heal, 20th Anniversary Edition


A couple of days ago, I recieved my copy of The Courage To Heal 20th Anniversary Edition. As I was flipping through it I noticed some changes from the 3rd edition that I would like to share with everybody.
The authors have added some sections that I think may help:
Trauma and the Brain-This section talks about how trauma affects the brain chemistry and possible mental afflictions that may result. The most common is PTSD.
Using Guided Imagery- This I enjoyed reading. I have personally used guided imagery with my second counselor. There is about a couple of pages dedicated to use of medication. I found this helpful as well. The authors have also taken out the section : Honoring The Truth. There is an expanded resource guide and the section on survivor accounts. There are other little things like more survivor poetry, list and information boxes ect. On a more personal note, I found some things that have inspired future poems about the healing process. If you can, I would encourage everybody to purchase a copy of the book. As my first counselor Carol said to me ,"it is the survivor's bible".

Sunday, June 7, 2009

New Poem

Someone In The Crowd



Saw him sitting there in the crowd

For a moment remembered the things he has done; like a thief stole youth’s dreams, innocence and possibility with one touch, the anger, rage and pain, how through the journey the spirit cleans up the mess he made

The moment over, turn and walk away, remember what has been done to live and thrive

In a new life he has no place, no longer a face or a name, now just someone in the crowd