Finding Balance After Trauma: The Power of Gratitude

The Unseen Journey

In this episode of *The Unseen Journey, host Guy sits down with special guest Brian, a veteran deeply involved in the Veterans Yoga Project. Brian shares his unique journey from military service to becoming a yoga advocate, emphasizing the crucial role of gratitude and mindfulness in healing trauma. The discussion delves into how simple daily practices like yoga can significantly impact veterans' mental and emotional well-being. Brian also highlights the importance of caregiver awareness and the parallels between military training and yoga in managing stress responses. This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in the intersection of mental health, trauma recovery, and holistic practices.

Key Points:

- [0:00] Introduction and Mission

Guy welcomes Brian, discussing the challenges they've faced in getting him on the show and introduces the Operation Red Wing Foundation and Veterans Yoga Project.

- [0:57] Brian's Background and the Transition to Yoga

Brian shares his military background and how he discovered yoga as a tool for healing and balance.

- [8:23] The Caregiver's Role in Trauma Recovery

Discussion on caregiver burnout, secondary trauma, and the challenges caregivers face in supporting veterans.

- [9:34] The Warrior's Balance: From Combat to Yoga

Brian draws parallels between ancient warriors' practices and modern veterans using yoga to balance the warrior mindset with mindfulness.

- [18:15] The Power of Gratitude in Recovery

Brian explains why gratitude is the most powerful element of yoga and how it helps veterans deal with moral injuries and trauma.

- [32:54] Response vs. Reaction: A Vital Distinction

Insightful discussion on how yoga helps veterans shift from reactionary responses to mindful, processed responses in high-stress situations.

- [39:11] Closing Thoughts and Resources

Guy and Brian wrap up the conversation, discussing the importance of mindfulness in veterans' lives and providing resources for listeners.

Quotable Moments:

[9:11] "Trauma equals trauma... Sometimes I just need space, and permission to be human." - Guy

[10:34] "Even the samurai did calligraphy to balance the warrior within them." -Guy

[18:45] "Gratitude lights us up to a ten on our own, but when someone else brings it to us, it lights us up to a hundred." - Brian

Links Mentioned:

• Operation Red Wing Foundation: https://www.redwingfoundation.org
• Veterans Yoga Project: https://www.veteransyogaproject.org

This episode highlighted the profound impact yoga and gratitude can have on veterans recovering from trauma. We encourage our listeners to explore the resources mentioned, especially if you or someone you know could benefit from these practices. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your community.