Drawing on the Rhythm of Nature

Dance was my only outlet. It was not until I was an adult that I wrote and spoke about being sexually assaulted as a teenager, and that my healing journey began. In many ways, dance saved my life.  It was my safe space where I was able to express myself through the language of movement. I felt seen, heard and acknowledged. Still, at a deeper level, cellular memory of trauma remained stored in my body.   

Healing, I have learned, is non-linear and an ongoing process.  Over the years, with support and encouragement from healers and therapists, I began to unfold what has been stored deep in cellular memory. The more I immersed myself into different healing modalities, my body began to release the tension and stoic hold which had protected me, or so I thought. During a circle dance conversation with other artists in 2021, I was intrigued by a conversation about the intersectionality of dance, writing, and creative arts expression. These learnings helped me realize more clearly the ways in which these creative outlets have become an integral part of my life.  Reflecting back to the years I taught dance, my approach was eclectic, integrating visual arts, music and play to foster self-esteem and build confidence.  

Nature has and continues to be a great part of my healing process. When hiking or meandering in the woods I breathe deeply, feel the wind on my face, see the sunlight stream through the trees. As a painter, landscapes have always been my inspiration. The inherent calm, majesty and ever-changing rhythms of nature are what carry me forward in my life and creative endeavors. 

Drawing on the rhythm of nature is part of my day to day life.  I feel freer in my body and more comfortable in my skin. I have recognized that the more I am able to let go of the inner tensions, I am less afraid. 

The journey of unfolding cellular memory stored in the body, although uncomfortable at times, has taught me to be kinder, gentler with myself and with those around me. As an artist dancer/writer/painter and sexual assault survivor, I have gained a deeper understanding of both the healing capacity of the arts and impact of finding one’s voice through these expressive outlets. Through dance I have reclaimed my body, through writing found my voice, and through painting created space within myself for quiet and calm.      

Inspired by a hike in Revelstoke National Park, British Columbia. I was mesmerized by the beauty, quiet calm of the lake and majestic mountain range and surrounding trees and rock formations, and created a painting of Echo Lake. We each have our own way of healing, mine has been through expressive arts. I have grown as a woman, gained more confidence, gained a deep understanding about the healing capacity of the human body and spirit. I am less fearful, kinder, have more self-compassion and feel joy.