APRIL 2025

H 0 L L 0 W Z I N E A P R I L 2 0 2 5

H0LL0W ZINE H0LL0W ZINE

“You nourished this land with your wounds. The cedars would weep if they knew the hardships the hands that planted them endured.”

— Yzadin al-Siddiqi

canvas covers the cavernous wound in my chest and it is decorated with all the good that has come despite your absence but in dreams you thrash and scream and tear at my healing; you remind me that it’s all my fault it is. losing you is a lesson I needed to learn and one I won’t soon forget

t h i s i s h o w I ’ v e a l w a y s

p r o c e s s e d f e e l i n g s

s o m e o n e h a n d s t h e m o v e r ,

I t a k e t h e m ,

I r u n a w a y .

I s u b m e r g e ,

I t r y t o d i e ,

t o d o a n y t h i n g b u t f e e l

n o o n e k n o w s

i f i t ’ s t h e r e d w i r e o r t h e b l u e

i f I c a n e v e n b e d e t o n a t e d a t a l l

A S o c i a l S t a t u s E x p o s é

by @ w a n b l i c o d a a r t

We live in a society that cries out, “Notice me.”

“Tell me that I am important.” We are surrounded by all the things that make us feel safe. Then we realize that we built our very own golden cage. Where all around is just a stage and we show up front and center in the roles we play. Yet, all the faces we see have become paper mache and I suppose that’s the reality that is meant to be ripped away. They say be humble or be humbled as if their roles were God. As if their rules were God.

Yet, I am but a seed in His righteous sod.

We’re Rooting For You We’re Rooting For You

We’re r You

We’re r You We’re r You We’re r You We’re r You We’re r You We’re r You We’re r You We’re r You We’re r You We’re r You We’re Rooting For You We re Rooting For You We’re Rooting For You We’re Rooting For You We’re Rooting For You We’re Rooting For You

Welcome to The Comfort Zone, where we provide discussions and resources related to mental health.

Topic of the Month: Sensory-Friendly Homes

SENSORY-FRIENDLY HOMES

We can’t control everything about the environment we live in. You may live in a high-traffic community with noisy neighbors and bright streetlights, or live in a climate that’s either too cold or too hot. Unfortunately, a neurodivergent person’s socioeconomic status can have a great impact on their ability to access a safe and comfortable space to call home.

Here are some elements of home design that we can control, and some suggestions for improving your living space, drawn from The Interior Design Nook’s guide for a Sensory Positive Home.

STEP 1: IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS

Are you sensory-avoidant or sensory-seeking? Find out with these resources:

Therapy in a Nutshell - Sensory Needs Quiz

The Sensory Coach - Sensory Types Quiz

Sensory-Friendly Homes

Here are suggestions based on your sensory type:

SENSORY SEEKING

Lots of art pieces with rich, vibrant colors - pick 3 main colors to keep it cohesive!

SENSORY AVOIDANT

Use patterns and textured fabrics to create visual interest.

Lots of fresh air and natural light - or yellow paint.

Display sentimental items to create a positive mood.

Organize collections so all items are visible and neatly arranged.

Background noise (music, fan, white noise machine). Experiment with different scents.

Use low-contrast colors that feel relaxing to you.

Use diffused and indirect lighting, avoiding harsh, bright lights.

Choose relaxing background music to block out exterior noise.

Minimize the amount of items you have to simplify storage.

Use appropriate storage for the items you do have, reducing visual overload.

Show your SUPPORT for INDEPENDENT ARTISTS

Meet Annelise, an artist and art therapist with a deep belief in the healing power of creative expression. She just relaunched her Etsy shop!

Follow @annelisesart on instagram if you find solace in creativity, believe in the magic of making, or are curious about the connection between mental health and art.