Halls Pond Healing Arts

09/01/2025

~ Lulu

08/19/2025

08/19/2025

A major new study suggests that dancing may be the single most effective exercise for reducing symptoms of depression—outperforming not just other forms of physical activity, but also some standard treatments like antidepressants and talk therapy.

Australian researchers analyzed data from 218 studies involving over 14,000 participants and found that dancing consistently led to the largest drop in depressive symptoms, beating out walking, jogging, yoga, tai chi, strength training, and even SSRI medications or cognitive behavioral therapy.

The findings held across different age groups and genders, with dance offering universal benefits in mood and mental health.

Experts believe dancing works so well because it engages both body and mind. It combines movement with music, enhances self-expression, and often involves social connection—all of which contribute to increased neurotransmitter activity, mindfulness, and emotional release. In fact, dancing is considered a form of somatic therapy, helping people shift out of rumination and into present-moment awareness. Whether it's a solo dance in your bedroom or an evening out with friends, this joyful movement may be one of the most accessible and effective mental health tools we have—and it’s been hiding in plain sight.

source
Noetel M, Sanders T, Gallardo-Gómez D, Taylor P, del Pozo Cruz B, van den Hoek D et al. Effect of exercise for depression: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials BMJ 2024;

Posted • .alghaili Research shows ANY exercise is better at treating depression than medications.

07/26/2025

Yoga is for every body!

05/31/2025

"Beneath the surface of the protective parts of trauma survivors there exists an undamaged Essence, a Self that is confident, curious, and calm...

A Self that has been sheltered from destruction by the various protectors that have emerged in their efforts to ensure survival.

Once those protectors trust that it is safe to separate, the Self will spontaneously emerge, and the parts can be enlisted in the healing process.”
― Bessel A. van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score- Highly recommend this book.

Photo on Pinterest

Archaeology for the Woman's Soul

05/28/2025

Yoga classes are at the Ballroom in Harrison this week.

05/18/2025

Less than one week until the second annual Journey Through the Dawnland goes live! The finished booklets have already gone out to all libraries and locations so they can prepare for visitors. What are your favorite memories from last year's scavenger hunt? What are you most excited for this year?

05/18/2025

Opening this Saturday May 24, 3pm at the Ballroom in Harrison

Butterflies get nourishment from drinking the tears of turtles. In this time of overwhelming assaults on life, liberty and justice we need each other to be held in respectful caring community. Sharing our grief, outrage, passion for change is like the butterflies feeding on tears transforming pain i...