Healing From Helene & Updates
Dearest Friends and Family Worldwide,
It's been one month since Hurricane Helene hit my beloved Asheville hometown. This storm is now classified as a "geological event" with catastrophic impacts. PBS reports that 1,800 landslides have damaged over 600 sewer systems, thousands of bridges have collapsed or been destroyed, and more than 6,000 miles of roads have been compromised. You can imagine the estimated 126,000 homes affected—my home is one of them.
I was in Asheville during Hurricane Helene, and I will never forget how my utopian mountain town was transformed into an apocalyptic disaster zone overnight. For weeks, we endured the absence of electricity and water, propelling our community to adapt to this challenging situation.
A week and a half after Helene, I had a work trip to Sedona, Arizona. Leaving brought up feelings of survivor's guilt, but it was essential for me to integrate the shock trauma, and grief. I taught my Foundations: Thai Yoga Massage and Trauma-Informed Care training, which felt deeply meaningful given my emotional state. The training was well-received, and I am grateful to the students, the majestic landscape of Sedona, and the Soul connections I encountered that helped restore my Spirit in a significant way.
Returning to Asheville meant embracing surrender. I discovered while getting off the the airplane that my house was unlivable and required significant renovations for the next few months. I feel fortunate that my exceptional friends opened their homes to me right away.
I am back offering one-on-one sessions in my downtown healing studio and adapting to the new normal. Honestly, I'm falling deeper in love with Asheville. Spending quality time with clients and my community enriches my life. Listening to everyone's stories and reflections on the Helene aftermath has been incredibly valuable.
Many people lost everything in the storm, including aspects of their identity beyond the material. People seem to be more open-hearted now, and expressing genuine emotions feels real and sincere. I am in awe of the compassion and awakening I am witnessing in the midst of so much destruction.
Supporting Appalachia’s Healing from Hurricane Helene
Devoted Healing Arts LLC is dedicated to supporting the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the people in Asheville and the surrounding areas. I have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help our community and economy recover from this recent devastation. Please learn more about our initiatives below. 🙏
Starting next week at the Devoted Healing Arts studio, we are opening a donation based community clinic for people to receive holistic care. Come on by WNC and get loved up!
(( More community clinic hours will be offered in November & December. Dates TBD.))
Sharing touches my heart-
I hope to have the pleasure of hearing from you.
With Love,
Dominique Warfield