Who Are You?
Hi, I’m Sylvan. Club 100 members may know me as the girl who stomps and dances around upstairs in the Studio. I am also a licensed therapist trained in art therapy, EMDR, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, MBSR mindfulness based stress reduction, and somatic integration – tools for bridging the mind, body, and soul. My love of fitness and desire to help others is rooted in my journey navigating life with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and Celiac Disease and is driven by a passion for advocacy work and non-profit efforts –specifically through the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, American Diabetes Association, and as Creative Director for the Kurdish Refugee Relief Foundation.
So Why Dancing?
While fitness has been a constant throughout my life, dancing has not. My beginning skill level was comparable to a flailing fish when I began shuffling about 2.5 years ago. During my masters program, teaching myself to dance became an outlet without pressure, deadlines, or expectations. Not every session feels smooth but I am motivated by the challenge and growth.
Some days I go into the studio and practice the same move on repeat for an hour, other days I have no agenda and will dance with my eyes closed to just play with feeling mindful and present in creative expression. With consistent practice, you naturally gain precision and control over your body.
A Few Mental Health Tips
1. Engage in Play
Play brings joy, relieves stress, and promotes physical/emotional well being. Ideas: dancing around your kitchen, learning an instrument or skill without expectation/pressure, scribbling on a piece of paper, exercise, etc.
2. 4-4-4 Breathing
Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds. Repeat. (This is a great way to introduce mindfulness into your day by pairing it when you switch activities).
3. Ice BOWL Quick and accessible alternative to a cold plunge.
Fill a large bowl with ice water and submerge your entire face for 15 seconds. Repeat and/or pair with 4-4-4 breathing. This works to reduce stress and regulate your nervous system.
Please visit ➔ sylvansart.com for more information on mental health. Contact me directly for information on available therapy services. ➔ (509) 903-9488 call or text ➔ sylvan@sylvansart.com
