Welcome to Indy Maven’s Mental Health column coming by way of Adair McDonald, LMHC (she/her/hers). Check out her website for information about how Adair works with clients, and to contact her directly to book a session.
Recently, I attended a professional training in Colorado that doubled as a personal self-care retreat. Up in the mountains for 5 enchanting days and nights, the spotty cell service made it all the easier to unplug. I learned exciting new ways of working with trauma, anxiety, and depression. Part of the training involved going deep into my own work with the support of my fellow attendees. I was able to move among the pines, reflect, journal, read, ask questions, de-stress, dance, do yoga, and eat wholesome, delicious meals prepared by the onsite chef. The time and money spent were more than worth it for all the inspiration and information I came back with, but alas, as a working mother with lots keeping me busy here in Indy, not an experience I’ll be able to replicate anytime soon.
Upon returning, I’d been making an effort to keep integrating what I’d learned. I’d been better about journaling, sleep hygiene, connecting with friends and moving my body…but as the weeks passed post retreat, I was noticing my habits starting to backslide a bit, the screen time pretty much back to where it had been, and the fullness of the inspiration that had accompanied me down the mountain had started to feel fuzzy, more like a memory of growth than a grounded feeling.
I’d expected that. Real life can’t always feel like a retreat in the mountains. But still, I knew the lessons were still inside me, and I’m a firm believer in looking for what you need when you need it rather than waiting for your next big trip. With that in mind, I decided to look for ways of diversifying my self-care with the goals of reconnecting to my inner peace and getting a good list to recommend to clients…and all of you! I committed to a few new experiences to give me that “mini retreat” feeling right here at home, and I spoke to local experts about what they love and recommend. So here are some of the offerings in our community that make it possible to have brief but very special experiences that pack a big punch.
Local Experiences
First up is Studio A in Brownsburg, owned and run by Allie Whitney. I first met Allie when she hosted a gathering for local somatic practitioners. I was impressed by her passion and expertise as well as the calm and lovely space she has created for hosting classes, body work, and other creative offerings. The other night, I finally made it to one of her classes. From 6-8 on a Friday night, a friend and I allowed the stress of the week to melt away as we paid attention to parts of our body that deserved extra love and attention. Allie provided the perfect setting, making all of us feel as safe and comfortable as possible with lots of encouragement to do what felt right for OUR bodies rather than comparing ourselves or pushing into painful stretches. Afterwards, my friend and I mused about how meaningful it had been and what it inspired in us before heading home for a truly great night of sleep.
Next up is The Yoga Studio in Broad Ripple. Most of their classes are heated with great music and fun flows designed to give each practitioner a chance to get stronger while focusing on physical fitness and self-trust…with a lot of sweat! I was drawn to the mental health aspects of hot yoga, having heard a lot about the benefits of saunas for boosting serotonin and other feel-good chemicals in the brain. I love all the classes, but when I really need a hug for my soul, I carve out time for a Yin class. Unlike the more athletic heated classes, you can come to these in any comfy clothes (even pajamas), and you will be unlikely to break a sweat. Rather, you will be guided to gently move into soft stretches while being treated to the ambient music and soothing voice of whatever excellent teacher is guiding. Afterwards, you may float out of class, so be careful driving home! Check their website for their latest times and offerings. I know there are other great Yin or restorative classes in the Indy area, too, so be sure to check your local studios for additional offerings.
Wise friends and somatic experts have also recommended the Indianapolis Movement Arts Collective, specifically the EmbodieDance classes taught by Lanie Weissbach. These classes look amazing! They are welcoming for anyone who wants to move their body without concern for “getting it right” or performing in any way. They are described as liberating and empowering, which is what so many of us need to be able to feel in our bodies.
I love listening to singing bowls and new age music to wind down before bedtime, but until recently, I’d never been to a live sound bath. With that in mind and a rare Sunday night to myself, I searched Eventbrite and found Sacred Sounds Ensemble hosting a summer forest sound bath in Peru, IN. It was a drive, but so worth it. The musicians created an atmosphere of soothing compassion, and being outdoors, it really seemed as though the birds were singing along. The fellow participants and I all seemed deeply moved by this peaceful hour. I experienced it as similar to meditation, but the beautiful, immersive sounds made it much easier to stay present. Afterwards, my body felt great and my heart was full of gratitude.
A Google search and some recommendations from trusted sources has assured me that there are sound baths closer to home as well. One option is Immersive Sound Experience with Sarah Gardner, which came highly recommended from one of my favorite yoga teachers. Sarah offers private group experiences as well as the Sunday Reset, which seems like it must promote the OPPOSITE of the Sunday Scaries.
Another friend and trusted medical/mental health professional recommended Inner Alchemist Healing Arts with Hoai-Huong, a Reiki practitioner who is also a registered nurse. She is informed by her own diverse approaches to healing and has a passion for utilizing a holistic approach with her clients. Check out her website to see her sound bath offerings and all the other cool stuff she is offering!
The Impact
Each one of these offerings have been transformative for some people, and are, at the very least, likely to increase feelings of wellbeing and decrease stress for most of us. These all have the potential to push some people out of their comfort zone, but are also quite welcoming and inclusive, which is why I chose them. Expanding our zone of comfort in a safe and supportive environment shows us that positive change is possible, and if we make it a priority to do these sorts of “out of the box” activities more often, we become more open to knowing that we have the ability to change our mood and recenter ourselves on our priorities- especially when we are noticing that we need a mental/emotional boost.
These are just a few ideas that I gathered- but if you search for local events and ask around, you are sure to find lots more. The hardest thing for many of us is to actually choose something and go for it, but if you challenge yourself to commit to one new and positive experience, it will be easier the second, third, and fourth time, and eventually, you may find that your zone of comfort has greatly increased. This is how we learn more about ourselves and others, and it’s part of how people get healthier and happier.
I will be sharing these ideas with others, including some of my clients, and I’d love to know what else I should have on the list. If you know of a great way to have a local mini retreat, let me know! In the meantime, take care of yourself and try something new in order to do so. I can almost guarantee you’ll be glad you did.
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