Have you tried yoga and/or meditation? Has it helped with stress or a condition you have? Would you recommend it to others?

SN Vivien Roman-Hampton — Fri, 12 May 2017 21:50:11 -0400

Share your experience with alternative treatments.

Response by SGT David Ortiz-González made May 13 at 2017 6:04 AM

SGT David Ortiz-González — Sat, 13 May 2017 06:04:25 -0400

When I returned from my deployment I tried yoga and mindfulness for my anxiety and it really helped me. Now I'm a clinical social worker that works with soldiers and veterans and recommend it for their behavioral health issues.

Response by SSG Bethany Viglietta made May 13 at 2017 9:05 AM

SSG Bethany Viglietta — Sat, 13 May 2017 09:05:30 -0400

After coming home from deployment, a company commander brought all of the NCOs to a yoga class. At first I was like "yoga is for girls, let's do something else" but I fell in love with the way it made my mind and body feel. 3 months later I was attending a yoga certification so I could bring it to other military members and veterans. My best advice find the class that fits you.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2017 11:21 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 May 2017 23:21:11 -0400

I have and it works. My wife is an instructor so I have had her come out and teach us classes for Command PT that hurt....but you feel so much better.

Response by Thomas Weissmuller made May 14 at 2017 1:34 PM

Thomas Weissmuller — Sun, 14 May 2017 13:34:26 -0400

If you are a vet or still on active duty, and you are near Westerly, RI, please join my free (6:15-7PM) Monday, Wednesday, and Friday yoga group for vets/military at Weissmuller Academy, 271 Post Road, Westerly RI. It is free and we have a great group of people supporting the effort. Almost everyone in the group is a vet or active duty, but members of the public may pay and join in. See some yoga here: http://connecticut-martialarts.com/academy-yoga.html

Academy Yoga

RECOVERY - POWER - ASHTANGA - HATHA - YIN - YAMA Academy yoga practice does not follow a set series of poses, nor is it bound to a particular modality or methodology. Experienced instructors guide...

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made May 20 at 2017 11:40 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Sat, 20 May 2017 23:40:00 -0400

I love Yoga! JBER, AK has good programs on base. Downtown I've seen Beer & Yoga at Williwaw. Crazy but fun! Also Yoga at the Museum lawn during the summer months.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2017 7:05 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 19:05:14 -0400

I am buddhist, I have been fora while, but not my whole life. I have non military related PTSD. My daily meditation has been more beneficial than any of the medicines that doctors have tried to prescribe me over the years. I would definitely recommend meditation, even if you aren't buddhist, I think everyone should at least give it a serious try

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Sep 24 at 2017 7:37 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 19:37:29 -0400

I travel for work, but I would like a resource that is free and not cheezy so I could give it a try.

Response by Grace Kono-Wells made Apr 8 at 2020 5:48 PM

Grace Kono-Wells — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 17:48:27 -0400

Yes, it helps the mind and body. And during this especially stressful time, yoga is a gift. I am a yoga instructor and also a Veterans Yoga Project Mindful Resilience instructor. I am currently teaching online for free to vets and civilians. Happy to share my online practice. It's for all levels! Also go to http://www.veteransyogaproject.com for free tips, videos and online classes across the U.S. Stay safe, everyone!

Veterans Yoga Project

Building Resiliency In Our Veteran Community Learn More

Response by SSG Rick Kahla made Apr 8 at 2020 7:18 PM

SSG Rick Kahla — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 19:18:38 -0400

I was so hesitant to try Yoga/meditation/mindfulness but my VA doc recommended using the VA’s mindfulness app. Wish I would’ve started sooner. I really enjoy starting my day with a Yoga session now!

Response by SPC Mary Schons made Apr 8 at 2020 8:06 PM

SPC Mary Schons — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 20:06:23 -0400

I recommend yoga and meditation for stress relief, and would encourage folks to try different types of yoga until you find a style that best fits you.

Response by Sgt James White made Apr 8 at 2020 8:07 PM

Sgt James White — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 20:07:25 -0400

Yes often on both morning meditation and deep breath stretches

Response by LCpl Alex Hermida made Apr 8 at 2020 8:50 PM

LCpl Alex Hermida — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 20:50:30 -0400

Yes I do it frequently at night and in the mornings.. Yoga is enhanced with relaxing Meditative music playing.. I particularly enjoy Positive Frequency Video's on YouTube.. There are hundreds to choose from.. From Nature sounds to Native or Celtic flutes.

Response by SP5 James O’ Rourke made Apr 8 at 2020 9:04 PM

SP5 James O’ Rourke — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 21:04:03 -0400

I am a Vietnam Vet and I discovered yoga after I retired from the business world. Thought yoga was for sissy’s, first class proved that wrong. I have Asthma, but take minimal meds due to my yoga practice. The organization that teaches yoga for me is Connected Warriors. They offer yoga at no cost to all branches of the military, active or veterans. They also include family members at no charge and Connected Warriors is a world wide nonprofit organization. What I like very much about CW’S is they teach Trauma Conscious yoga with no judgement. That means classes are for all levels, no need to feel bad about not being a pretzel.
After 5 years I became a teacher, at the request of the founder of Connected Warriors, Judy Weaver. I asked Judy “why should I become a teacher, I am 70 years old”. Judy said the students will listen to you because you are a veteran. Judy was so right and it was the best move I have made in my retirement years. Yoga has been and continues to be extremely beneficial to me mentally, physically and socially.
I am very proud to be part of Connected Warriors
Connectedwarriors.org

Response by SSG Gordon Thomas made Apr 8 at 2020 10:28 PM

SSG Gordon Thomas — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 22:28:12 -0400

As a student in the US Army 91C Clinical Specialist course at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, CO (1973-1974) I was trained in Guided Visualization, a technique used by nurses and others to help patients deal with discomfort and anxiety while hospitalized. In civilian life, after working as a California Registered Nurse, I retrained as a Tennessee Licensed Certified Neuromuscular Massage Therapist. I also attained Reiki Master certification. I would routinely incorporate guided visualization for my clients in bodywork sessions. In my own life, the techniques I've learned have been personally helpful in dealing with PTSD related to my Vietnam service and my childhood, along with Anger Management, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy. I'm disappointed with the Guided Grounding Meditation video posted to YouTube by V.A. I believe a much more suitable soothing voice can be found to replace the current audio.

Response by MSgt Chester Swift made Apr 9 at 2020 8:51 AM

MSgt Chester Swift — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 08:51:26 -0400

I have previously tried meditation, yoga would not be possible due to my challenges. I have lost the structore of what I was taught and would like to try meditation again.

Response by 1LT Ernest Chamblee made Apr 9 at 2020 11:26 AM

1LT Ernest Chamblee — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 11:26:34 -0400

Meditation definitely!! Whether it’s about the day to come, the issues of life, or a quiet time for prayer - I am firm believer that solitude and stillness are the best way to reset or sometime recalibrate. I’ve done yoga but have found meditation is the real takeaway.

Response by Lea Weiss made Apr 9 at 2020 11:50 AM

Lea Weiss — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 11:50:25 -0400

Check out these amazing Veteran Yogi's: https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/how-yoga-is-being-used-within-the-military

The Good Fight: How Yoga is Being Used Within the Military

The U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies have been spearheading efforts to use yoga to manage and mitigate pain and mental health problems among active military.

Response by Daniel Libby made Apr 9 at 2020 4:12 PM

Daniel Libby — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 16:12:50 -0400

Until a few weeks ago, Veterans Yoga Project had been teaching 350 yoga and meditation classes each month around the country, most at VA and Vet Centers. We document clinically significant reductions in Pain and Distress. Most classes are taught by veterans or active-duty military members and their families. During the current world situation we have pivoted to offering more than 5 hours of live-streaming practice each day across 11 "classes" on Facebook and Zoom https://www.veteransyogaproject.org/online-classes and we have lots of short easy practices on our website at http://www.veteransyogaproject.org/practice. Finally, you can find feedback from veterans we serve in our Monthly Program Evaluation Report on our Accountability page: https://www.veteransyogaproject.org/accountability

Live streaming online yoga classes for veterans — Veterans Yoga Project

streaming live yoga classes to veterans 7 days a week

Response by CMSgt Dick Curley made Apr 9 at 2020 5:15 PM

CMSgt Dick Curley — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 17:15:41 -0400

I started yoga 3 years ago when I was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. It has not only helped me physically by keeping me more limber and in shape, but has also helped psychologically to adapt to the reality of Parkinsons

Response by Lt Col Hallie Greenberg made Apr 9 at 2020 6:19 PM

Lt Col Hallie Greenberg — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 18:19:44 -0400

I have tried meditation and I do find it helpful. I have not tried Yoga and would like to try. Does the VA offer an online Yoga class. I would definitely sign up.

Response by MSgt Bertis Parish made Jul 26 at 2023 10:49 PM

MSgt Bertis Parish — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 22:49:47 -0400

Great for stretch old limbs. Helps with back and hip pain.

Response by Darlene Carter made Jul 27 at 2023 1:03 AM

Darlene Carter — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 01:03:08 -0400

Working in my flower garden helps me destress!

Response by SGT Emanuela Fenelon-smith made Jul 27 at 2023 5:08 AM

SGT Emanuela Fenelon-smith — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 05:08:32 -0400

Yes, I have tried meditation and Yoga. I am a fitness instructor and I teach yoga, Pilates and we do meditation .
I would recommend it to anyone because it has allowed me to understand where I am at times. I also find grounding, as well.

Response by SR DiLynn Stephens made Jul 27 at 2023 5:29 PM

SR DiLynn Stephens — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 17:29:47 -0400

Ha! I found yoga through MBSR at the Seattle VA. One section of the program is yoga. I liked that enough to go for the regular yoga class they offered. Halfway through the first class, I knew I was going to teach it some day.
15 years later, I graduated on Father's day this year with my teaching certificate.
My goal is a 501c3 that works with LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, low income, trauma thrivers, veterans, and survivors of sexual and domestic violence. I hope to offer yoga, mindfulness, and meditation classes and groups, as well as therapy, parenting classes, anger management, and other services. I want to give back to my community