Getting Out

Author and healer Heather Hawk, an artist in residence at Hypatia-in-the-Woods outside Shelton, will read from her memoir "What is Still Wild" at 4:30 p.m. July 25 at the Shelton Timberland Library, W. 710 Alder St., Shelton.

In her book, Hawk chronicles her diagnosis of a massive uterine fibroid and three-year healing experience while navigating grief and divorce. Her story also illustrates larger social issues related to the body, such as menstruation, virginity, female agency, pleasure and violence. The book asks the question "What does it mean to listen to and trust a body that lives in a world that doesn't listen to women?"

Hawk is a longtime community activist and volunteer who earned a graduate degree in women's studies. She spent 10 years working in violence reduction, intervention and trauma-informed care. She writes from her home in the Northwest, where for the past decade she has operated her own wellness practice.

Hawk's work has been published in Off Our Backs, Northwest Women's Journal, 5X5 and 100 Word Story. "What is Still Wild" was selected as a 2023 finalist or the Barbara Deming Memorial Fund. A personal essay related to the project is coming in the literary journal Zone 3.

"I blend writing and art with ritual and healing," Hawk states on her website.

"Writing has long been my love and primary medium, ranging from microfiction to lyrical essay," she wrote. "In 2005, I joined Portland-based Northwest Women's Journal as a columnist for their monthly publication. I named it "Migrations" and used it to explore themes of contemplation and the personal journey." At a store one day, a stranger recognized her from her column mugshot and noted, "You're the nature writer!" At another store, a woman said, "I love your columns of spiritual writing."

"I was equally flabbergasted and inappropriate and later thought, what is spiritual writing?" she wrote. "Funny enough, those two taught me about myself and my writing. With that said, my desire is to create, perform, ritualize, and write whatever arrives, opening so much space that I don't have to check boxes, stick to the confines of the squares. I like to stay fluid, be surprised, be in awe."

With her wellness business, Zen Shi, Hawk conducts channeled readings and energy medicine sessions.

IF YOU GO

WHO: Author and healer Heather Hawk

WHEN: 4:30 p.m. July 25

WHERE: Shelton Timberland Library, 710 W. Alder St.

ADMISSION: Free