|
Monday, December 31, 2007
|
Yoga for Veterans |
|
|
|
|
The practice of Hatha yoga is widely known to have the benefits of initiating great mental and physical change. Yoga can bring a sense of calm and peace to our hectic lives and help to heal our bodies, and for those who suffer from extreme trauma as a result of combat, this practice can assist in dealing with the memories and effects of war. Recent images of the war in Iraq are awaking traumatic memories in Veterans of all ages across the country. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition characterized by severe and recurrent emotional reactions to extreme psychological trauma, and close to one in every three soldiers returning home from Iraq are being diagnosed with some form of it. Fortunately, some groups of these Veterans are finding solace in the practice of Hatha Yoga. Hatha yoga classes have a deep emphasis on peace and stillness. For many reasons, the practice of the physical postures, or asanas can be soothing and balancing. The word asana means “to sit with.” So the practice of yoga asana asks participants to put their bodies in certain postures and then sit with whatever physical or emotional experiences that surface. The practice encourages finding peace within these experiences and letting go of frustrations and fears, which can surface quite frequently as anger. The practice of yoga supports the work of releasing traumas and anger, a healing process that may be beneficial for veterans of combat. PTSD does not go away, but through the practice of yoga and its work in cultivating peace, veterans can begin to learn how do deal with the symptoms, and maybe even lessen them. Australian Vietnam vet Peter Board spoke of the benefits of yoga, "My levels of anxiety and paranoia were probably much reduced. I was a lot more relaxed. I could sleep better, and I was a lot more content within myself." The website www.yogaforvets.com lists teachers and studios that offer free yoga classes to anyone who has served in any past or present wars or military conflicts. Veterans can search the site for studios or teachers in their area who offer four free yoga classes for active duty military personnel including Reservists, National Guard and any discharged military veteran of war. Paul Zipes, RYT and founder/director of www.yogaforvets.com comments that, “Regardless of your views about war, everyone seems to agree that letting a vet try yoga is good karma.” Teachers can sign up by visiting the web site, and students can help by spreading the word. In addition, YogaBasics.com is offering a 6 month premium membership to any war veteran. You can sign up at YogaBasics.com by filling out this short form. Historically, Yoga is not an uncommon path for warriors. Arjuna, the hero of the Bhagavad Gita, was a warrior who was led to fight by the great lord Krishna. Many of the Hindu deities were warriors, yet what set’s these warriors apart from our veterans of today is that they all shared the realization of the peace within. This is what gained them their greatest power and victory, and this is what our warriors of today are lacking. The hope is that through the practice and path of Hatha yoga, they can begin to regain this awareness and again find peace. 0 Comments
Write comment
You must be logged in to a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.
|
Our Sponsor
Awe-inspiring collection of Buddha & Ganesh Statues & Art.
|
| Premium Content |
|---|
| Our membership site is chocked full of detailed yogic information and deluxe features. Take our membership tour to find out all of the benefits of joining. |
| Yoga Poll |
|---|
| Yoga Scholarships |
|---|
| To encourage and support the development and training of great yoga teachers we have created a Yoga Scholarship program. If you need financial assistance for your 200+ hour yoga teacher training please apply for our scholarship. Partial scholarships are awarded twice a year to qualified candidates. |
| Yogic Wisdom |
|---|
|
Can you see the holiness in those things you take for granted--a paved road or a washing machine? If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul. Rabbi Harold Kushner |
| Spread the Love |
|---|
|
Add this page to one (or more!) of your favorite social bookmarking sites: 
|
| Yoga Basics Retreats Come to our Costa Rica Yoga Retreat and spend the beginning of your new year in a rainforest paradise! |
Japa Mala Beads Use one of our hand-crafted prayer beads to calm the mind and summon your soul. |
SacredOms.com We have searched the world to bring you a collection of sacred Om symbols to adorn your body and abode. |
Ahimsa, the yogic practice of non violence must be adhered to when engaging in the practice of hatha yoga. Respect your body's limitations and inner wisdom, if something feels wrong or dangerous, please do not do it.
Please consult your health care practitioner before starting a yoga, pranayama or other exercise program.
All contents copyright 2001-2007 Timothy Burgin and Yogabasics.com. All rights reserved. Om shanti peace.
Please consult your health care practitioner before starting a yoga, pranayama or other exercise program.
All contents copyright 2001-2007 Timothy Burgin and Yogabasics.com. All rights reserved. Om shanti peace.
