If you're feeling the weight of past trauma and struggling to find healing, then you are not alone! Many individuals have tried traditional methods of healing without finding the relief they seek. Instead of finding validation and empowerment through conventional means, there's a unique path to healing waiting to be discovered through creativity and art.
My special guest is Erin Hung
Erin Hung, an artist residing in Hong Kong, brings two decades of experience in the art and design space, collaborating with prominent global brands such as Chronicle Books, American Greetings, Liberty of London, and Selfridges. Her creative journey, spanning from illustration work to murals and community art, is intertwined with her deep commitment to advocacy. A graduate from Central St. Martins School of Art and Sotheby's Institute in London, Erin's practice now revolves around amplifying voices at the fringes, working closely with mental health organizations and NGOs like UNHCR. Her profound insight into the healing power of creativity, stemming from her own experiences with religious trauma, has led her to spearhead the social media movement "A to Z of trauma recovery," inviting survivors and marginalized communities to heal creatively together. With her compelling art and thoughtful advocacy, Erin is a beacon of inspiration and empowerment.
Therapy is not just for those who are in crisis, although it's definitely for that. But therapy is also a place where you're just stepping into your own skin, figuring out who you are, what it is you're offering to the world around us, and how you're making the world a better place. - Lori Adams Brown
In this episode, you will be able to:
• Discover the transformative power of healing through creativity and art for personal growth and emotional well-being.
• Uncover the impact of spiritual abuse on faith and explore ways to navigate and heal from this trauma.
• Embrace the role of therapy as a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery, unlocking your full potential.
• Navigate the intricate layers of cultural and religious identity, finding empowerment and validation through self-exploration.
• Experience the profound benefits of somatic practices for trauma recovery, fostering a deeper connection between mind and body.
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Impact of Spiritual Abuse
Erin Hung shares her candid experiences of spiritual abuse within her faith community, highlighting an issue that is oftentimes overlooked or swept under the rug. Such experiences can cause an individual to internalize pain and shame, profoundly impacting their perceptions of self and their relationship with their faith. As Erin rightly emphasizes, acknowledging and addressing the impacts of spiritual abuse is crucial in the journey towards healing.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
• Follow Erin Hung on Instagram at @erinhung_studio (https://www.instagram.com/erinhung_studio/) to see her beautiful art and stay updated on her latest projects and movements.
• Contribute to the A to Z of trauma recovery (https://mailchi.mp/7da801102c8c/qq8hcdz6rk) movement by using the hashtag #AtoZofTraumaRecovery on social media to share your own creative expressions and join the community of healing and support.
• Explore the A to Z of trauma recovery hashtag on social media to view the diverse and impactful artwork and expressions shared by others in the community.
• Engage in right brain activities such as art, creativity, and expression to process and heal from trauma, allowing yourself to explore your own creative impulses and find healing through artistic endeavors.
• Reach out to Lori Adams-Brown to share your thoughts and experiences, and to connect with others who are navigating similar journeys of healing and recovery.
I think for people, when they say they are not creative or they're not artistically inclined, I want to try and be the person that brings that piece. That's like, maybe if I ignite this match, you might burn a fire. It might kindle a fire that could help you on your way. - Erin Hung
Transformative Power of Healing
Art has a powerful potential to heal, as guest Erin Hung explores in her personal journey of self-discovery and recovery. Channeling our creative impulses can serve as a means of processing personal experiences and finding solace, particularly when navigating trauma. As Erin notes, the exploration of art can foster empowerment, liberation, and ultimately, transformative healing.
If we don't answer to what the creative impulse or the thing that God put inside us and fully explore that, then it's very hard to imagine a way forward for ourselves and for the church. - Erin Hung
Role of Therapy as Catalyst
Therapy, particularly non-verbal modalities such as art and somatic body work, can act as a catalyst for trauma recovery. Erin Hung recounted how these therapeutic methods empowered her to process her ...
