Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] is a common problem in the United States. It is an anxiety disorder in which the person suffering becomes stuck in “fight-or-flight” mode which is our body’s natural response to dangerous situations. PTSD is caused by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event such as military combat, natural disasters, rape, and abuse.
For someone suffering from PTSD the “fight-or-flight” response is changed or damaged which means that the body reacts as if it is in a dangerous situation when it is not. This can show up in a number of ways including nightmares, re-living traumatic events over and over [flashbacks], trouble sleeping, outbursts of anger or anxiety, and turning to substances, such as alcohol, as a way to numb oneself.
There are many types of therapy offered to help with PTSD and one that is proving to be very effective is the practice of Yoga. Why? Because Yoga offers us many tools which help to bring our body and mind into a state of balance. Through Pranayama [Breath work] we learn to relax the body and mind, through physical Asana we gain more strength and flexibility and open the energy channels that run through our body, and through Meditation we find peace of mind. These are just some of the benefits of practicing Yoga.
PTSD is very common for those who have served in the military. I have recently joined a team of Yoga teachers who are creating a Foundation that will offer free Yoga and healing services to veterans suffering from PTSD. My teacher Bhava Ram, who is founding Warriors for Healing, was a war correspondent who suffered from PTSD and found healing through the practice of Yoga. I myself suffered from PTSD for many years and found much of my healing through practicing Deep Yoga. Through the practice, I found the tools that I needed to find balance in my body and mind.
Now I feel it is my turn to help others who are suffering. My first step is to help raise funds for the Warriors for Healing foundation which is hosting an event with Yoga Journal in Coronado, CA June 2015 to raise awareness.
Would you like to help? Proceeds raised by your efforts go directly to support programs produced by Give Back Yoga Foundation and Connected Warriors, both national foundations providing Yoga science and other healing services to our veterans and those suffering from PTSD. Your donations will also help Warriors for Healing grow this movement of selfless service, expand awareness of the healing powers of yoga to a broader audience, and to hold more special fundraising events nationwide.
For every $100 raised we can provide one veteran the following package:
- A thorough Mindful Yoga Therapy For Veterans Practice Guide with detailed explanations of yoga therapy, how yoga helps deal with PTSD, series of yoga postures with photos and illustrations, techniques for mindful breathing, meditation and affirmations, plus audio CDs for breath work and deep meditation. (Provided by Give Back Yoga Foundation)
- Access to a list of complimentary yoga class for veterans in various states across the country. (Provided by Connected Warriors Foundation / availability subject to geographic location).
- A PDF version of the highly acclaimed memoir Warrior Pose, How Yoga Literally Saved My Life, by former netwroks news war correspondent and W4H founder Bhava Ram. (provided by the Warriors for Healing Foundation)
About the Give Back Yoga Foundation:
Give Back Yoga Foundation’s Mindful Yoga Therapy (MYT) program has developed and delivered an evidence-informed, clinically tested yoga program specifically for veterans with post-traumatic stress and readjustment issues.
About the Connected Warriors Foundation:
Connected Warriors provides free Free “trauma conscious” yoga classes nationwide for veterans, service members, and their families that are designed to encourage physical, mental, and emotional health and wellness. Participants learn and develop skills that allow them to mentally, emotionally, and physically heal while reconnecting to everyday life and the communities in which they live.
“Find Yourself in the Service of Others” – Ghandhi
Please join me! I have set up a fundraising page where you can donate any amount. If we all give a little we can give back a lot! You can make a donation here.
To see a list of full incentives and benefits click here.
To learn more about Warriors for Healing click here.
Rachel Dragonfly 
Reblogged this on Break The Overdue Silence and commented:
There’s this magnet effect of this on me.