The Journey of Healing – De-stigmatizing the Discussion of Trauma and New Related Think Round Exhibition

Heidi Hardin. 2012. Power Lines/Cherry Tree Skies on Webster @ California Tempera on Paper, 23.5” x 30”

It is all too common to be closed off when discussing the worst experiences we have faced in life. Feeling scared, embarrassed, emotional, or that no one else can understand are all-natural reactions when approaching the difficult discussion of trauma.

However, the strength it takes for people to come forward and share their personal experiences opens the door for others to do the same.

“Just as trauma happens person-to-person, much of the healing also happens person-to-person, through acts as simple as talking.” Ellen Hendriksen, Ph.D., Savvy Psychologist

United States Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) came forward via an Instagram Live broadcast on the evening of February 1 to address the insurrection at the Capitol and related the fears for her life as triggering to her past experience with sexual assault, something she has not opened up to the public about before.

About one month later, Representatives AOC and Jason Crow were interviewed on CBS News and asked about their thoughts and suggestions moving forward from the insurrection. Both were direct in commenting on the importance of being more open about surviving trauma.

“Telling our stories… is a really important part of healing and getting through it. Giving that account, allowing yourself to move through that emotion–allowing yourself to revisit that fear, process it, and move past it–is important.” (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez)

“We are not good as a society at dealing with trauma. Why we are here is because one of the biggest problems as a nation, as a society, is the stigma that is put on survivors, and that prevents survivors from actually coming forward and getting the help that they need.” (Jason Crow)

Known political figures like AOC and Jason Crow speaking out about accepting trauma instead of stigmatizing it will hopefully show that others can feel comfortable enough to do just that. It is looking like a step in the right direction towards the long journey of healing.

You can hear more details from AOC herself here as she recounts the Capitol attack and connects the fears she faced on January 6, with that of her experience with sexual assault.

In relation to the acceptance of trauma in one’s life in order to overcome it, Think Round Fine Arts Online is very pleased to announce the opening of Discovering True Love… an installationof 13 works on paper by Heidi Hardin accompanied by original music by Jonathan Sacks.

Heidi Hardin. 2016. Plum Blossoms/Valentine’s Day 2010 #2. Pastel on Sanded Paper, 18.5” x 26.5”

Heidi’s family history is not an easy story to tell and included many traumatic memories that she repressed for years. To Heidi, this exhibition (along with others) is about healing from the many traumas of her childhood.

“Every time I hear leaders speak up about the need for victims to tell their stories in order to integrate them into their consciousness and accept them as part of the fabric of their soul, the more easily I can do this with my own story.” (Heidi Hardin)

As a testimony to Think Round’s commitment to raise awareness about, prevent, and heal Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Heidi has two other exhibitions currently on view at TRFA ONLINE that “are a chronological progression through my story of remembering, recounting, recovering, and restoring my innocence by discovering the True Love, God, within me that has been protecting and caring for me all along.”

These other exhibitions includeChocolate in the Garden/Plum Tree Skies where her memories first surface, as she feels the sky falling, she is called by her inner teacher to “look up!” The second exhibition, Rebuilding, is a radically honest examination of her school year “TO-DOs” that buried her in silence and bewildering confusion that children and victims of trauma are often put under by their perpetrators. Hardin’s final exhibition on her own story, Oklahoma is NOT OK, will open next month and will reveal the silver linings, the Great Works held within the magic and mystery of her life’s journey.

Hardin’s upcoming exhibition, Discovering True Love… an Installation will take place February 13 — April 30, and includes two series of springtime blossoms: plums in soft pastels and cherries in tempera. 100% of the proceeds from this exhibition benefits future Think Round Fine Arts projects.

There will be an Opening Reception on February 20 from 4–5 PM via Zoom. It is free to attend, please RSVP at linktr.ee/thinkround

This exhibition is organized by Think Round, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed in 2004. Heidi Hardin is both the founder and executive director, where she aims to demonstrate life’s fullest potential through the arts and sciences, especially where environmental concerns meet family homes and neighborhoods.

If you or anyone you know is in need of trauma recovery, Think Round Inc. offers a health and wellness trauma incident reduction program, Turning the Tide of Trauma. This program is offered free of charge. It is non-medical, non-religious, and confidential. Contact info@thinkround.org or visit https://www.thinkround.org/turning-the-tide-of-trauma for more information.