"Fortunately, how we choose to be today is not predetermined by how we were yesterday . . . You and you alone choose moment by moment who and how you want to be in this world. I encourage you to pay attention to what is going on in your brain. Own your power and show up for your life." - Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor.

Last weekend, I attended the Warriors at Ease Level Two yoga teacher training at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio. Today, I will share my thoughts about this beautiful weekend.

Warriors at Ease is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit that delivers trauma-informed, adaptive yoga and mindfulness practices for the military community. Throughout the weekend, we learned how to lead yoga practices for individuals with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, or loss of a limb(s). Servicemembers may fit into more than one of these categories.

After each day, the instructors asked us to summarize by offering a one-word "gem" about anything we learned. On Sunday, our last day together, we closed the weekend with the rock, stick, leave exercise. In the following paragraphs, I will share my thoughts.

Rock

We were asked, "What was one thing about this weekend that rocked your world?" I said that our instructors created a safe container (space) in which everyone, including them, could share authentically and vulnerably. Many stories shared emanated from deep inside a person's soul—things they never shared with anyone before that weekend. What a profound and healing experience.

Stick

For the second part of this exercise, we were asked, "Of all that you learned this weekend, name one thing that stuck with you?" On Friday, the instructors asked us to watch the video "My Stroke of Insight" by neuroanatomist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor and write down our thoughts about her message. I will include this twenty-minute video and encourage you to watch it. It will be well worth your time. She delivers a vital lesson learned, from which I want you to draw your conclusion. Email me or comment on this post, and I will share my insight.

Leave

Finally, the question posed, "What is one thing that you will leave behind?" Earlier that day, one instructor began to speak about the needs of first responders. I was allowed to share the story of my colleague's suicide. I told my fellow trainees I hoped my story would resonate should they consider working with this population. However, I did not have the opportunity to share what I left behind about myself. When I get hyped up, I tend not to put my best foot forward or speak with good purpose. I will always work on this part of my personality, realizing I am an imperfect being living the human experience. Having a place to leave this behind is an excellent start to this endeavor.

Last weekend, several people gathered as strangers and left as friends, connected forever. I shared this exercise as a call to action. Begin by receiving Dr. Taylor's message. Hold space for yourself and ask, "What are the rocks, sticks, and leaves in my life?"

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns - don't hesitate to contact me through my email at mindbodybadgeyoga@gmail.com or via the comment sections in this blog. I am here to serve and support you on your quest to rebuild your mind, body, and spirit one breath at a time. Until next time -

Namaste,

Tim

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