"Social connectivity does more for your health than quitting smoking." ~ Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) We all want to be resilient. (Right???) Resilience is built by cultivating: Self-Care Spiritual Practices Social Support Therefore, we suffer when we don’t do the following: Invest in healthy habits for ourselves Cultivate spiritual practices [...]
In light of recent news here in CO (and across the US) that wait times at the VA are still egregiously long or are being manipulated to a point where veterans cannot utilize the Veterans Choice Act and seek covered care outside the VA medical system, I wanted to re-voice my concern over this issue because [...]
Sun Salutes Sun's fingers reach over the hills (pausing first, of course, to inhale the beauty of that recently swollen river and admire his own reflection along the way) through the trees, and around the pavilion pillars. Light Breeze, she travels with the Sun, and reaches, sweeps, dances over the warriors, too, as they [...]
Why practice? Specifically, why practice mediating, moving, and/or praying mindfully DAILY? Because it trains our brains during times of calm how to better respond in times of anxiety, pressure, or stress. It is like soccer practice versus the big match: we cultivate the skills and muscle memory mindfully when we have the time and space [...]
I got to spend two energizing days with the Mission Continues at the Women Veterans Leadership Summit in New Orleans, LA from April 1st to the 3rd. The intended purpose was to empower women veterans for successful transition to civilian life. And the message I heard loud and clear was the importance of finding authentic [...]
Our progressive Veterans of Foreign Wars Post-1 in Denver has been featured yet again, this time in the Christian Science Monitor. You know why? 'Cause we're rocking it with gender equality, gay rights, yoga, meditation, child care, art shows, and much more at this Post! Healing happens together, folks. :) So, as the article goes... "In [...]
Integrate, don't isolate. Healing happens together because healing happens in the very place the initial trauma or stress occurs - in relationship. I know this might initially sound contradictory, but think about it - healing cannot happen in isolation because we are relational creatures. Of course, we often want to retreat at the very times we [...]
"Since I began teaching, I understand the principle of 'yoga off the mat' more and more every day. I teach veterans -- who tend to be survivors of anything from combat to sexual assault -- that you can apply yogic principles to all areas of your life. Service... is also about helping people live better, [...]
While clinical health services exist for service members with existing mental health conditions like posttraumatic stress, they are not stemming the rising tide of service suicides. A new approach to mental health intervention and suicide prevention in military-connected personnel is required, one that speaks to the participatory, hard-working ethos of military culture. Social work and [...]
Resilient Leadership Retreat for OIF/OEF Veterans A quick break in my regular blogging programming to ask you to please help Just Roll With It Wellness LLC share a unique opportunity with wounded, injured, or ill veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. The retreat is this March in beautiful Charleston, SC. Lodging, food, and gear are all covered, and travel [...]
