Author Archives: Kanani Fong

About Kanani Fong

Founder, WarRetreat.Org, devoted to helping with the aftermath of war through movement, breathe, and yoga. Army wife, long time mental health advocate, writer, editor, specializing in military and veteran outreach for film and books. Projects include Restrepo, and High Ground.

Our Challenge: A Year Without Buying More Stuff

Posted on by
Reply
cropped-ywap-header91

Follow The Accidental Missionary: Year Without A Purchase

I follow “The Accidental Missionary,” for its self-effacing humor and wisdom. This year, the family of four embarked on a mission to not purchase anything new for year. Yes, there are exceptions, such as new shoes for the kids, groceries, staples, and car repairs. But they’re getting away from the accumulation of “stuff.”

Our culture in the US  is one where prosperity is measured in what you own, and most people go through periods of accumulating stuff. Sometimes it starts when one moves  to their first apartment, along the way picking up a car, continues to buying the first house, and grows exponentially with the arrival of kids. While stuff can make us more comfortable, an excess of it can complicate our lives.  I’ve made it a habit to regularly go through the house and take things over to The Goodwill. But still, there’s always that lone closet or garage space I dread opening, knowing that getting rid of the stuff in there will be a logistical nightmare, and I imagine involve cranes, movers, perhaps a call down to Camp Pendleton for the Marines.

But it’s about more than just uncomplicating our lives. The Accidental Missionary writes it’s about avoiding a “A short-term fix with a long term penalty.  Perpetuating the lie that “you are what you own.” And they admit, they’re not going to be perfect. I’m sure there will be some things they buy. But from my point of view, being mindful about what you purchase is important over the long run.

crazylovewarretreatThe yoga world isn’t without its temptations to mistake” being” from “getting.” Purchasing that new mat might be a necessity, but it’s just the vehicle for us to do the work to find inner peace. On days when a glossy photo slides across our screen of our favorite yogi striking a pose at the beach, it’s so tempting to mistake inner peace with spiffy clothes, a yoga retreat we can’t really afford, or a new app that we’ll rarely use.  It’s all “stuff,” and the real hard work is taking the peace we’ve gotten from going inward, and putting it toward the relationships we have with others. I mean, it’s so hard, that a lot of time it’s easier to shop and buy someone something nice, rather than just say, “I love/like/notice you, but you drive me crazy. Can we work on that?”

So, if you have the mat, the clothes, the blocks and props, if your household is set with more stuff than you use –Are you ready to take the challenge and not purchase anything more for the next year?

Short Film: Caregivers & Service members Talk About PTSD & Yoga

Posted on by
Reply

“As caregivers, we’re very good at compartmentalizing things because that’s what we have to do.” -Col. Patricia Lillis, Yoga & PTSD Documentary

But the long term implications of shoving your feelings away can negatively affect both your mental and physical health. Watch this short documentary about how PTSD affects the lives of those who go through trauma, and how yoga can help.

Brain Plasticity and Transcendental Meditation

Posted on by
1

“The Brain is a river, not a rock.” -Dr Fred Travis

Dr Fred Travis of the Center For Brain, Consciousness & Cognition shows what happens over 8 successive days of a patient who does meditation.  He shows the effects of chronic, high stress on the brain.  Note: the subject is a neurotypical male who has meditated since he was five. Not representative of a veteran with either PTSD or Trauma, but still, an interesting talk.

Suicide: Can We Help Each Other Live Through This?

Posted on by
Reply

Live Through This

Live Through This: A blog about suicide survivors

Live Through This: A blog about suicide survivors

Suicide: We feel the desperation, the cures that didn’t stick,  their guilt and pain.  While it’s tempting to gloss over suicide and cut straight to the tinkly music and let WarRetreat be a narcissistic yoga blog, it really doesn’t interest us. Because even if we’re on the mat, even if we’re feeling great, we know the white elephant in the room is suicide. More veterans have died by their own hand than were lost in combat. And no amount of downward dogs can make that go away. Not talking about it hurts. It’s akin to consigning someone’s life to a bin of shame. Everyone deserves better.

Over the weekend, another veteran committed suicide. I say another, but the truth is, several probably did. We just don’t know about them. But this one, like the late Clay Hunt, was a veterans advocate who volunteered for Habitat For Humanity, Team Rubicon, and with wounded warriors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. No one can ever accuse Neil Landsberg of not reaching out. The photo shows a young, vigorous man helping others. Volunteering probably made him feel complete, it gave him hope. Helping others was normal. But what couldn’t be captured on the camera was the trench he couldn’t get out of. Eventually, Neil took his own life.

No one in the military family is immune to suicide. Veterans, spouses, family members. Sometimes the weight just gets so heavy, circumstances become so hard, tiredness takes over every muscle and bone, and we wonder how to go on?  Most find a way through it. But others get stuck in a series of dark corridors and they can’t find the light. Then they take their life.

Painted ElephantThe white elephant? Grab your paintbrush and start coloring him in as we talk about mental health, erasing the stigma, and yes, suicide. We have to get beyond the point where we’re assuming that someone who is busy is doing okay. Maybe they’re not. And we also have to learn not to kick ourselves when tragedy happens. People who are busy, who seem involved in a lot of things, are often the best at hiding their emotions. If you’re starting a program for veterans, the only advice I can give you is to love yourself as much as you’re going to love the people who come to your classes. Only if you do that can you weather the ups, downs, and the tragedies.

Check out a blog about suicide survivors. Live Through This is the painted elephant.
VCL-CMYK

Register: PTSD conference in San Francisco

Posted on by
Reply

BatWar_2013_web_header4Register now for the NCIRE conference on trauma, June 20, 2013, in San Francisco.

The Brain at War provides insights into the most recent research and innovations with the hope that they will catalyze decades of discovery and scientific advancement focused on the healthy brain and mind.  As hundreds of thousands of men and women return from service, the United States faces a moral imperative to meet the needs of a skilled, youthful generation of Americans who may be vulnerable to the long-term consequences of combat duty.  The decisions we make today will reverberate in the lives of American Veterans, their families and the nation at large.

NCIRE’s sixth annual The Brain at War conference convenes a diverse and dedicated gathering of physicians, scientists, representatives from the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, academia, policy makers, community leaders, students, and Veterans for a series of intensive discussions and presentations providing new and exciting thinking and approaches to health care innovation

Buy Yoga Products Made In The USA

Posted on by
Reply

bemindful     When those of us from the military family say, “We went to war, while America went to the mall,” we’re not exaggerating. While the tarmacs welcoming home soldiers from war were sparsely attended, the malls remained packed.  It used to be –back in the prehistoric dinosaur days, that we bought less, and what we had lasted for years. At some point, shopping became a past time. People buy things they don’t need to fill a void that used to be filled through family, friends, hobbies, sports, church, and cultural events. We went from buying when we could afford it, to buying on credit. Savings -even the concept of it, disappeared, and in its place were cheaply made goods stacked in closets and piled in rooms as though they were a pirate’s lair.  We didn’t question where the goods were from, as much as whether it was cheap enough to toss into a cart along with the paper towels, treating the goods as though they were another disposable.

Sadly, what also became disposable were American jobs and American workers. Today, when the unemployment rate is high for everyone, the number of post 9/11 veterans without jobs is rising.

In raw numbers, 203,000 post-9/11 veterans were unemployed in February. One year ago that number totaled 154,000. -Bill Briggs, NBC News, March 8, 2013

Unemployment isn’t just a financial crisis -a job helps with one’s self-identity. For veterans, who are out on their own and missing the camaraderie of their peers, employment is part of wellness.

So we’re asking yoga-doers everywhere to be mindful about how much they purchase, and to know the source. Buy less. Be picky about where things are from. Because we know the way to keep communities health and happy is to keep locals employed. That yoga mat? The pants? Block? Search for products made in the USA.

Watch this Vimeo from Verve founder Christian Griffith.

Two Upcoming Veterans Retreats in California

Posted on by
Reply

HPW Rafting 2012 pic 01

UPCOMING RETREATS WITH HONORING THE PATH OF THE WARRIOR

By Dyan Ferguson, Founder, Honoring The Path of The Warrior, and US Army veteran

Honoring the Path of the Warrior is pleased to announce our two upcoming retreats:

  1.  The Women Veterans Retreat at Tassajara Mountain Retreat Center from June 17th – June 21st 2013 and
  2.  The Whitewater Rafting trip open to both men and women from July 30th to August 2nd.

Both of these events combine nature and engaging physical activities with meditation, Sensory Awareness and mindfulness practices.  The intent is to provide Veterans with connection, community and tools that support them in using their strengths and experiences to find a meaningful and productive path in civilian life.

US Navy veteran Scott Gunning made this video about a White Water Rafting retreat by Honoring The Path of The Warrior.
US Army veteran Steve Lewis talks about his experience: “You get a bond, and you have fun….” Here’s what others have said about these events:

I really can’t put into words what this trip meant for me, but I can say that this was easily one of the most meaningful and special experiences in my life.  I got more out of this 4 day trip than I did in the entire 5 months that I was in the [...] PTSD program.”

“I just want to take the time to say thank you both from my complete and whole heart for what you two have given me this weekend. I’m speechless cause the gift you both gave me was HOPE. And I really can’t remember the last time I truly had it. The act of pulling a trigger from a man made weapon on another human being has shattered my person. You both have given me the hope and energy I need to some how find a way to try to put my shattered soul back together.”

All events are nondenominational and are completely free of charge to veterans.  We do, however, welcome contributions from veterans and members of the broader community so that other veterans may attend future events.  Please support us as you are able:  Honoring The Path. 

Wisdom: The Sound Application of Knowledge

Posted on by
1

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion” -The Dalai Lama

By CJ Keller
Veteran, USMC

Wisdom is the sound application of knowledge.  It is a deep understanding and realization of people, things, events or situations, resulting in the ability to apply judgments and actions that serve optimal outcomes.

How can we cultivate or tap into wisdom through yoga?  Wisdom often requires control of one’s emotional reactions and control of the senses, so that universal principles of reason and morality prevail to determine our actions.  Our practice, whether in a physical posture, breath control or meditation, facilitates presence and grounding in the moment.  This grounding enables a yogi to draw upon judgement from a more objective place, where the mind is calm and freed from emotional barriers of stress and anxiety.  A quiet mind can listen to the authentic inner voice that we all posses. Ultimately, this is the voice in line with your values and this is the voice that guides your actions.

CJ Keller, USMC, Retired

CJ Keller, Veteran, USMC

The mindful movement, breathing and relaxation techniques used in SFHW’s yoga teachings, allow us to be lifted from the fog of our senses and from our selfish and often misguided desires.  As brothers and sisters bound by the honor and pride of military service, we can use our unique knowledge from training and combat, combined with a focused mind to make better, wiser choices for good in the world.  Mindful yoga fosters connection, sharpens intellect, and strengthens knowledge of self and others. This wisdom is a compass for our actions, leading us to happiness and compassion for ourselves and those we serve.

Tim Hetherington: Fundraiser for RISC, Help James Foley, and The Book

Posted on by
Reply

Screen Shot 2013-04-20 at 8.13.56 AMWe can’t begin to count the ways that Tim changed lives, including our efforts here. We don’t want this to sound like a post-eulogy, so we’ll cut right to the point.

As a way to mark the two year passing of Tim and Chris Hondros, we’re raising money for RISC (Reporters Instructed in Saving Colleagues).  This is the effort started by Sebastian Junger after Tim died of acute blood loss after and injury to his femoral artery while covering the war in Libya. Donate Here. If everyone who reads this would give the cost of a cup of coffee and a bagel, that would help a lot. Or heck, a boat load of money. Jillian, Chris and I are going to bug people all week long on twitter and FB. Please help us by telling all your friends.

Screen Shot 2013-04-20 at 8.28.23 AMRISC is a multi-day course, which instructs journalists in advanced life-saving skills. Photos of the first and second year course can be found at the Bronx Documentary Center page. A course is coming up June 18-21 in NYC, with others in London and Beirut to be announced.

Why is this necessary?  Because journalists are going over with lots of heart and varying degrees of knowledge about conflict and war, but they don’t know how to apply a tourniquet because it isn’t taught in college. Increasing numbers are going over to chaotic and unsupported territories, with or without the support of news agencies, and unlike the embeds that marked both Afghanistan and Iraq –they are on their own. Donate here. 

images-1In addition, we’re asking you to sign the appeal to Free James Foley. Sign Here. From the Foley family:

“Unidentified gunmen kidnapped journalist James Foley in northwest Syria on Thanksgiving Day, November 22 2012.

 Jim is the oldest of five children. He has reported independently and objectively from the Middle East for the past five years. Prior to his work as a journalist, Jim helped empower disadvantaged individuals as a teacher and mentor assisting them in improving their lives.

The family appeals for the release of Jim unharmed.

The Foley Family  -Sign here

imagesAfter encouragement from my friend Greg Victor, who reviewed the book, and also a request from Tim’s beloved Idil, I’m reading, “Here I Am: The Story of Tim Hetherington, War Photographer” by Allan Huffman.

My response? I laugh, marvel, cry, and shake my head. I cannot put this book down, even while going through in detail what happened the fateful day he was killed. Tim was the real deal. He got it. He was so much more than anyone could have imagined, and our sorrow is that we never got to see him move on to the second act of his life. And so, as friends, we carry on his life and spirit with a multitude of projects, inspired by his creativity, passion and willingness to reach out and dialog with others. He was not a war photographer, he very much was the “image maker” he claimed.

In addition, if you haven’t seen Sebastian’s film (a tribute to his late friend), “Which Way Is The Front Line: The Life & Time of Tim Hetherington”  try to catch it on HBO, or whenever it becomes available to purchase or moves to Netflix. It’s excellent, and leaves you with the sense that there is much each of us can do in this world fueled by our desires and a willingness to go into the unknown through collaboration with others.

We’ll wrap it up with a video of the RISC training. Please donate and tell your friends. Give

Boston On My Mind: Resolve, Uninterrupted

Posted on by
2

gallery-boston-marathon-explosions27-4_3_r536_c534

Sicut Patribus Sit Deus Nobis.*

Yesterday, my stomach was messed up. I couldn’t figure out why.  Perhaps it was something intuitive about the balance of my conscious world about to be shifted once again?  Or maybe it was just something I ate, a lack of mindfulness about my diet, a shortage of sleep following a rather stressful spring break. Then, news of Boston.

I grabbed my stuff, shuttled to yoga, went through the breathing and moving, the shifting to and fro on the mat. But then again, my stomach started fluttering.

I broke with routine, laid down on the mat, and held my hands over my tummy, thinking of my friend Deb, aka Yankee Mom, who is a no bullshit person, and also a well-trained Reiki healer. Things settled down, I rejoined the class modifying the poses –after all, a yoga practice isn’t about keeping up, as much as it is being in touch with how your body is feeling.

What Boston reminds us is that we’re not immune from the thread of violence being played throughout the world. From the IEDs that killed six in Afghanistan just recently, to what one friend, a  Marine veteran, referenced in a FB post late last night:

“Also today, at least 6 bombs went off in various cities in Iraq killing at least 33 and wounding another 70+. This followed a weekend in Iraq where a couple political candidates were assassinated over the weekend.”

breatheWhat differentiates us is how we respond to the chaos. Those who attempt to shift terror our way so it paralyzes us, or throws us into a cycle of instability as it has other places will be sorely disappointed. Carl Salazar, a Navy veteran and founder of Expedition Balance wrote:

I’m going to the movies. I’m going to sporting events. I’m going on airplanes. My kids are going to school. Not armed. Not worried. Not hiding. Brave, happy, free. Living. Alive.

F–k fear.

This isn’t to say we overlook the fact there are bad guys in this world. There most definitely is, and they live in fear 24/7. To accept fear, and have a life governed by it is conceding to their way of life. And that’s not acceptable. We will keep praying, breathing, and living in the now with purpose to be here for others. With each breath, we beat back the terrorists.

*City of Boston motto, which means, “God Be With Us As He Was With Our Fathers.”