PSAN Recovery Speaker Series – Heidi Lee

Bio

Heidi HyunJin Lee (she/they), BFA, MEd, CPS/certified peer specialist is an artist, visual arts educator, mental health activist, somatic healing fanatic, and mother to a beautifully spirited child who keeps her heart young and mind curious.

She is currently working on her MSW degree, inspired by her former clients at Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and Common Art (an art program for those experiencing homelessness), leaving her former life as a Boston high school art teacher, community organizer, and community advocate for those experiencing homelessness.

For self care, Heidi practices Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Forrest Yoga as a form of exposure therapy to combat cPTSD, bipolar disorder, and cooks massive amounts of Korean food economically for fellow hungry souls.

Title of Talk: Somatic Modalities: Releasing Trauma From The Body

Description of talk:

When we experience trauma, especially early in life, it can erode our trust in our own bodies. Healing is not just about repairing what’s been hurt, but about building new pathways for safety, self-trust, and balance.

In this talk, we’ll explore how the concept of Yin-Yang or Fire and Water activation and restoration can guide us in reconnecting with our bodies as allies in healing.

Using polyvagal theory as a foundation, we’ll look at how the nervous system shifts between states of overactivation, regulation, and shutdown.

Practices such as yoga, diaphragmatic breathing, walking, martial arts, or other mindful movement can help regulate the nervous system — moving us toward a calm, alert, and grounded state.

Some of these practices also provide safe, intentional activation — through pressure, resistance, and release, which strengthens nervous system flexibility and expands the window of tolerance, making it easier to stay present without becoming overwhelmed.

By combining activation (fire) with restoration (water), we can support both body and mind in developing resilience and adaptability. Somatic practices not only help us release tension and regulate in the moment — they also lay the groundwork for long-term nervous system health, body trust, and the possibility of post traumatic growth towards one’s homeostasis.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://bostonmedicalcenter.zoom.us/j/96984874345

Meeting ID: 969 8487 4345
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