Since depression is often compared to a heavy burden, it might seem like a natural progression to compare it with a ruck march, one of those endless forced marches that prepare young soldiers for life in the military. Like a ruck march, soldiers suffering with depression aren’t told when it will...
By Jodi Gaines Draw a line in the sand on a crowded public beach, and wait. Soon enough, that line will be crossed — by a person, a bird, a wave or even a random gust of wind. Think of a boundary as just that — an artificially drawn line that, because it is elusive and ever-shifting,...
Traditional care for veterans with PTSD has primarily relied upon cognitive-behavioral therapy and pharmacological therapy. However, medical experts are beginning to acknowledge the benefits of alternative treatments as a supplement to the traditional therapies. In the March/April 2014 issue of...
By Dr. Val of Stand InBalance Sleek, agile, and muscular, horses are the embodiment of power. Some breeds are capable of pulling three times their own body weight, and we humans have harnessed this strength over the millennia to our own benefit. Horses have plowed our fields allowing us to provide...
In old stories, noble heroes on quests fought valiantly to conquer dark forces. In exchange for their sacrifices and bravery, deserving heroes were rewarded with a happy ending. These old myths lead us to believe that happiness is the end goal of a long, harrowing journey. They also suggest that...
Cultures like the Ashanti of West Africa and the many indigenous tribes of North and South America recognize the drum as an instrument of spiritual healing. Drums provide safe passage for our trapped suffering, allowing us to communicate feelings, fears, doubts, and desires that cannot be captured...
Is Warrior Pose the cure for soldiers with PTSD? Imagine reliving the most traumatic events of your life over and over again. What if you didn’t know how to escape them? What if they intruded on your every waking thought, polluted every joyful occasion, and severed connections with loved ones? For...
Post-Traumatic Stress By Kent A. Corso. Those struggling with the lasting effects of trauma don’t need the month of June to keep them aware of how significant trauma is. They know trauma’s impact first-hand. In fact, the mention of “PTSD Awareness Month” may be an uncomfortable reminder some wish...
Here is an article about the the importance of listening and how it affects our relationships . Enjoy! – Project Resiliency Team Listening By Michael W. Taft. If you listen to two people having a conversation, you’ll often notice something interesting: neither of them are listening. They...
Last month the founders of Raven Drum Foundation and Project Resiliency, Rick Allen and Lauren Monroe Allen, visited Walter Reed on a well-visit tour. Whenever in Washington DC, this is exactly what they try to do and this time was no exception. It was after such visit in 2006 that Rick and Lauren...