This weekend, scores will hitch up trailers, pack bags, fill coolers full of beer and head out for the 3-day weekend. We hope they remember Monday is Memorial Day. In the hubbub of the weekend, maybe everyone can take a few moments to remember those who sacrificed their lives in service to our country and show gratitude that they lived.

I remember going to the cemetery each Memorial Day to clean, sweep, and put new flowers on my grandparent’s graves. Even though they weren’t veterans, my Dad was, and this tradition was his orderly way of marking the day and thinking of the war he’d been through and the friends he’d lost. Many who didn’t grow up with this tradition –and still don’t commemorate the day, miss taking part in a meaningful holiday. Often, “memorialdayweekend” is uttered without the realization that Monday is a special day, not a weekend.

 Across the country, everyone will mark the day in their own way. Some will pause and reflect by themselves, others will place flags on headstones of veterans. Speeches will be made, a few tears shed, music played. One event is the Floating Lantern Hawaii. 

From the Merriam Webster Dictionary:

1:  the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress

2 : an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change

A sponge will keep its shape, form, and composition whether wet or dry. A spring will compress when force is put upon it, and it will decompress back into its shape when the force is lifted. The word has been used when it comes to people

Quite often, the persons to whom the term resilient is applied to first are children who have undergone a shift in familial circumstance. Children who lost a parent were considered “resilient” and could keep going. In the 1970′s, during the time when getting a divorce became more accepted, the word was often used to describe the children. Someone might say in response to hearing the news of a family break up that children were resilient.  Often this would be followed by a nod of the head, relieving all the adult parties of the real impact of the force they were introducing to their children’s world.  Perhaps the reason for doing this is that deep down, we know people aren’t like sponges or springs. A change in circumstance can impact a person in ways that are unknown initially, but might last their entire lives.

 This is not to say that people don’t adjust, however, what I worry about is that when we call someone resilient, we risk overlooking their emotional life.  Good or bad, what happens to an individual affects them, and while they may resemble the same person, inside there is a structural change that affects their spirituality, emotions, perspective, outlook, and often even their physical being.

I have the same observance when it comes to applying the word to the men and women who have fought, suffering great injuries and personal tragedies.  When we use the word resilience, what comes to mind is a phoenix rising from the ashes.

From Psychology Today:

Resilience is that ineffable quality that allows some people to be knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever. Rather than letting failure overcome them and drain their resolve, they find a way to rise from the ashes. 

This is such an idealized definition, it sounds like an attempt at branding. To an extent, we need words like resilience around our wounded warriors and their families. Resilience used in this context, conjures up hope. It stirs visions that are cinema-perfect: the victorious but injured warrior crossing the finish line; the shattered family coming through obstacles loving one another unconditionally.

 But I wonder if some might feel “resilience” is tossed at them like a bone. That perhaps some guilt might come over them because they’re not having enough Harry Potter’s quidditch moments. I think there is danger in blithely using the word resilient and glossing over how trauma affects the mind, body, and spirit.  Can meaningful expression be stymied by such a romanticized description of resilience?

Don’t get me wrong: I understand the military’s use of the word resilience. There are more programs, support, and an understanding than before. I just want to make sure we don’t blithely say “resilience,” and leave it at that. War changes everyone. Rather than springing back to our original form, the individual, families and friends, need help in adjusting to changes, learning how to encounter each point along this new path, as we realize we are both vulnerable and strong.

We’re a blog written by an Army wife, and the GF of a USMC veteran. That is to say, we’re rocking all day long, going from one activity to the next. We work, we volunteer, Jillian teaches and is finishing her degree, and we love Facebook. Sometimes we forget the blog, and at best we could be called Twitter-deficient.  That’s why we’re always surprised when someone writes, reminding us that we have readers. We’ll share our mail here.

Looking in Savannah Writes: We are a therapeutic yoga studio. We have two certified trauma-sensitive yoga teachers  and a Level II irest teacher. We just opened and really want to work with vets. Can’t seem to find a way into the military….any suggestions????

If you want to find a way into the military, visit a recruiter. Just sign the little line and you’ll be on a bus to basic training in no time.

Oh?  That’s not what you mean? Okay, so here’s  the abyss of all these trauma-yoga training programs we’ve witnessed or heard of. They know the yoga, some of them even know the V.A. But what’s missing for most is the meaning of outreach. So first, let’s figure it out. What is it?

Outreach is nothing more than getting to know the community around you, figuring out what people do, and how they are connected.  So that’s your first job. You might start by talking to your students. Do they have relatives in the service? Is one of your quietest students a veteran? Who do they know? What veteran or troop support organizations are within a 5 mile radius of your studio? Does the local university have an ROTC?  Is there a military spouses club listed on Facebook?  What is your local VFW Post doing? Speaking of …what is your yoga studio doing on Memorial Day?  Are you going to the cemetery? Are you helping place flags?  It’s going to pay off if you don’t see yourselves as a stand out, but really work to become part of the functioning group of military and veteran supporters in Savannah.

I know, you want to find a way into the military. And I have this vision of you knocking on the door, and no one listening. It’s an awful scene. But I really think the approach is wrong. Remember, you want them. It’s not that they don’t want you, but they have a zillion other things to do. So do your homework and start having a conversation with those around you. Start a weekly or a monthly program for veterans and spouses. Be tenacious: go meet some of these organizations or groups in person. Invite them to your studio –and if they won’t come to you, go to them.  Go teach in a gym on base next to the exercise machines and weights. Who cares? If you can’t find peace with the grunting of people lifting weights nearby, then your students aren’t going to find it on the battlefield. Stick with whatever you decide. Slowly, you’ll build both credibility and trust.

In Savannah, there are loads of milfolks around you. Hunter Army Airfield is there,  Fort Stewart is an hour away. I’d focus on bringing military vets in from Hunter, as well as their spouses before I went all the way to Ft. Stewart. While building your own program, learn about the structure of the hospital, behavioral health, warrior transition unit, and how they all work together. You can also learn about MWR and the fitness centers. As you do, you’ll be ready for when the times comes to pursue base activities, but remember, focus on where you are at the present and build your program where you are. If you don’t, you’ll waste a lot of time trying to pound on doors before you find the right one. Worry less about “getting into the military,” than building a practice that appeals and is welcoming. The veterans will want to come to you.

Our thanks to Kate at Ganesha’s Place! We wish you all the best, and it looks like you’ve got a FABULOUS start with a terrific crew!

But today, Tim Hetherington, Chris Hondros and 68 other journalists were remembered by adding their names to a new memorial panel at the Newseum in Washington DC.  68 of the journalists were killed in 2011. Another two were killed in previous years. Families and friends flew thousands of miles to honor the journalists and honor their work and memory. Tim Hetherington and Chris Hondros’ families donated personal items from the two, who were both killed in Libya on April 20, 2011.

Alejandro Junco, president and chief executive officer of Grupo Reforma was the speaker. He said:

“For 40 years, I have worked alongside journalists working to burn away the fog of anonymity,” Junco said, “working to help eliminate those bad influences on people’s lives — the bad incentives, the bad systems, the bad practices.”

Junco also reminded guests of the constant dangers journalists face each day.

“This year is less than five months old and already, across the world, 18 journalists have been killed; 179 have been imprisoned,” he said.

The work of WarRetreat, started in honor of Tim, continues not only in his memory, but for every person who gave their life not only getting the story, but doing so to broaden our perspective, and deepen our understanding of the world.  To them, we are grateful for their work, and also for the platform we have used to help so many.

“ Our unit is always looking for ways to hone our physical fitness program and improve our ability to interdict narcotics and pirates. Yoga offered something different that could compliment our current exercise regime.”  -L.t. j.g. Shannon Hickey, Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team, Assistant Operations Officer

Written by Petty Officer 1st Class Allyson E.T. Conroy and Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Anderson.

The Coast Guard’s Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team members scale cargo ships, dig through the holds of fishing vessels and board unsteady go-fasts bobbing in the ocean. They seize narcotics being smuggled into the United States – more than two tons of cocaine already this year – and combat piracy near Somalia.

Tactical law enforcement team members Petty Officer 3rd Class Elliot Felix (foreground) and Lt. Brian Finn (background) perform one in a series of poses. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Allyson E.T. Conroy.

To perform these demanding missions – often conducted near the equator where temperatures soar above 100 degrees – the team must be in top physical condition. For the Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team that meant employing the use of a powerful tool – the yoga mat.

To read the rest of this exceptional article, please click here to go to the Coast Guard Compass, the official blog of the United States Coast Guard.

UCLA scientists have linked two genes involved in serotonin production to a higher risk of developing PTSD. Published in the April 3 online edition of the Journal of Affective Disorders, the findings suggest that susceptibility to PTSD is inherited, pointing to new ways of screening for and treating the disorder.   

“People can develop post-traumatic stress disorder after surviving a life-threatening ordeal like war, rape or a natural disaster,” said lead author Dr. Armen Goenjian, a research professor of psychiatry at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA. “If confirmed, our findings could eventually lead to new ways to screen people at risk for PTSD and target specific medicines for preventing and treating the disorder.” 

Read the rest of the press release here:  UCLA Study Identifies genes linked to PTSD

From the Count Your Culture Blog

We’re looking for yogis with a few too many unused bricks, straps and blankets who want to lighten the contents of their home, and donate their new or slightly used props for our classes.  If you send 2 blocks, we prefer ones that are the same size, and please wash the blankets to save Jillian a trip to the laundry mat!  Lululemon in Las Vegas has donated ten brand new mats. (Thank you Lululemon Las Vegas!).  The equipment is all going to stay with Jillian, as she turns her car into a portable yoga studio (aka The Breathe Mobile).  The classes start in June, and we’d love you to send us extra props that are cluttering your house. Of course, if you’re a Las Vegas area yogi who wants to donate, that’d be great to make that connection.

Jillian needs:

1. 20 Blocks
2. 10 Straps
3. 20 Mexican Blankets
4. Collapsible cart to fit into the Breath Mobile (see below).
   

Please reach us by hitting the “contact” us button at the top of the page.  Kanani will be attending the classes with Jillian to do the modified poses (which is all I do anyway) and help haul stuff from the Breath Mobile into the classroom.

100% of the money that is raised will go to funding tuition for the Veterans to participate in the 6 day retreat at Feathered Pipe Ranch.

Please consider taking a moment and checking out Semper Fidelis Health and Wellness and looking at the donation site and if it within your ability, please feel free to donate to the cause. It will help these groups be able to do great things, supporting these Veterans who have given so much.

For those of you trying to set up a class at your local VA,  I have once piece of advice: just keep trying. It takes time.

Don’t just make phone calls. Make sure you’re physically going to VA to talk to people, as well as trying to make contacts through social networking. Sooner or later, you’ll meet someone who supports you and will work with you to get something going.

I know most people want to head straight to the PTSD or Mental Health clinic, but that shouldn’t be your only stop. One of the first times I went into the VA in Las Vegas, the Occupational Therapy team was interested in talking with me.

Also, check into your local Vet Centers. They typically offer more activities and it may be easier to attach to a program that is already functioning. At one of the Vet Centers here they have a program called “MOVE” for overweight and inactive Veterans, which I will be presenting a yoga program to over the summer. So try to think outside the box and you may find something that way.

It can get frustrating when you feel as if you are talking to so many different people, who seem interested, but it never goes any further. But trust me, if you keep at it and this work really becomes something that you are passionate about, then sooner or later it will work out.

Wounded Warrior Battalion East, Camp Lejeune, April 2012 with the SFHW Warrior Wellness Team: Cheryl LeClair, Clarissa Kussin, Elijah Sacra

The following are the words of the Bravo Company Commander following the SFHW Warrior Wellness Team successful implementation of the FIRST & ONLY Juicing | Smoothie |Super Food Program for Wounded Warriors at Wounded Warrior BN East Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.  United States Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment.

“Marine are leaders, and if you are going to continue to lead in life-you need to learn how to lead yourself.  Just like you stepped off the bus onto the yellow footprints at Parris Island into the unknown and made  a transformation in 12 weeks, you can do the same thing with your own Health & Wellness.  It starts with a single step and your results will spread out to Corps, your family, friends and the community in a ripple effect.  We are all here because of my favorite four-letter word.  It starts with an “L” and ends with an “E” and that’s LOVE. 

We didn’t become a Marine because we have to-we did it for LOVE of Country.  The bonds that are forged while serving in the Corps will last forever.  In the Marine Corps the motto Semper Fidelis  describes and signifies our dedication, loyalty and commitment to each other, our organization, and our “Corps and Country” even after leaving service. “For those that understand, no explanation is necessary.” “For those that do not understand, no explanation is possible.” 

THE THREE CORPS VALUES: Honor, Courage, Commitment make up the bedrock of the character of each of you. They are the foundation of the Corps. These three values, handed down from generation to generation, have made you the Warrior Elite and the Tip of the Spear in the defense of our great Nation.“  

So, today we want to thank you folks from Semper Fidelis Health & Wellness for taking the time to come here today and being at the Tip of the Spear in creating a Paradigm Shift in Wounded Warrior Education & Training.  We Salute You.

 DEFINITION OF AN INDIVIDUAL LIVING A WELLNESS BASED LIFE: Individuals who live life as fully as possible within the seven dimensions of wellness (emotional, environmental, vocational, physical, spiritual, intellectual, social). Regardless of socioeconomic status or health conditions, individuals can live useful, active and productive lives. GET SOME WELLNESS. http://www.sfhw.org/