Finding a New Voice: Art Can Express What Words Cannot

“Art can express what words cannot.” On this latest episode of Building on the Light, guest, Nika Wood, talks about how art plays an important role in emotional healing by calming intense feelings, providing a healthy outlet for release, and supporting clearer thinking. She has found that by engaging both the creative and analytical parts of the brain, it can also build resilience and help people focus on hope and healing.
“Brokenness is not the end. It can be mended and even made stronger. My brokenness led me to a new life.” During this process, the goal is not to become “normal” again, but to grow into something new. Nika is the founder of SoulArt to Heal, a program that empowers trauma survivors to transform and thrive through art.

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The Miracles Continue

Whether you are a survivor seeking solace, an advocate for healing, or simply a reader captivated by stories of the indomitable human spirit, this book invites you to reflect and be inspired. Miracles in the Dark is not just a story—it is a call to action to believe in the possibility of transformation and triumph. A must-read for those who believe in the resilience of the human heart and the miracles that guide us back to the light.

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Strength Through Connection

Sharon from “Surviving Together” shares how reaching out can be a vital tool on our healing journey. Even when we are not talking about our trauma, we all need someone who “sees” us and helps us see the value in ourselves. Sharon also shares tools for building healthy connections.

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Learning to Trust Again After Sexual Trauma

Building trust—or relearning to trust—after sexual trauma starts with understanding and respecting your own boundaries. It’s important to recognize what you are comfortable with and where you need to draw lines to protect yourself. The act of trusting others involves being selective about whom you allow close to you. You have the power to choose your team—those people who respect your boundaries and provide support.

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A New Life Vision: You Are Not Shame; You Are Strength

Trauma of any kind limits our vision of life. It skews the vision of who we really are. Our body, mind, and even spirit are forced into survival mode. We can only see what is immediately around us. The moments that our power is taken away blind us to the bigger picture. The soul-ripping pain we are left with causes long-term blindness to life beyond the trauma. It can blind us to our own value—to the light and strength within us.

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Eyes to See the Beauty; A Heart Open to Joy

So how do we embrace this new year? Maybe it’s more about seeing the beauty on the journey than arriving. Seeking to have eyes to see the beauty woven in our life experiences opens us to strength to face our trials with courage. It gives us a heart open to joy.

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Giving It Forward: What Kind of Gifts Are You Giving?

Giving It Forward is not a fundraiser, it’s an awareness-raiser. It is about the life-giving value of connection, reaching out, and believing in each other. This year, the focus is on the question, What kind of gifts are you giving? Do they have value that lasts beyond a fleeting moment? Do they lift and encourage the receiver?

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Let Your Light Shine!

Jodi Orgill Brown shares the power of claiming and sharing your light and ways to “Let your light shine”. She explores the concept of anti-fragility, where challenges and stressors can lead to personal growth. Jodi shared her personal experiences and practical strategies, including creating a list of positive activities and connections that can be accessed during challenging moments. There is value in exploring new ways to find peace and strength, whether through existing hobbies or discovering new interests, to create a more resilient and fulfilling life.

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