U.S. MILITARY H BOOK EXCERPT 15TH OF A SERIES

THE RESILIENT WARRIOR

CONSISTENCY THROUGH YOGA

BY HEATHER CLARK

Book Editor’s Note: Featuring self-help, mental health, and mind and body tactics from a variety of sources — veterans, former and active U.S. Marines, Navy, Army Rangers, Green Berets, family members and caretakers — The Resilient Warrior is collaborative collection providing needed wisdom for complete well-being for all of us. The first step to thriving is surviving, and the first step to surviving is knowing how to get what you need, when you need it. The following excerpt of this essential self-help guide to living a healthy, resilient, fulfilled and better life is the fifteenth in a series that EP Magazine has featured over the last several months.

Incorporate yoga into your lifestyle for sound mind and body. Consistency in practice of anything is the key element to it becoming habitual. (Keep in mind this applies to negative habits as well.) Being cognizant of this fact is crucial to being able to control your mindset.

Routine is not only a familiar behavior embedded within veterans, but it is an effective method for keeping you on track and accountable. Sticking to what you are already familiar with will make it significantly easier to achieve success. That success is subjective and relative to each individual. You do not need to be a rock star right away. Leveling up doesn't mean having to reach the top immediately, if you are continuing to put into practice regimens that will get you to the next level until you reach the larger goal.

There are multiple elements that contribute to the overall health of a veteran. While I have found yoga to be an effective treatment supplement to physical and mental disabilities, I also realize that there are other areas that need attention. Transitioning successfully into civilian life, requires more than just getting a job. The best life hack as a veteran comes from the knowledge that you need to fulfill multiple needs to transition into civilian life and thrive.

There are eight elements that veterans need to either have in place before they get out or find, if they have already left service. These eight elements are like the eightfold path in yoga, which serve as a set of guidelines for living your best life. I use this holistic veteran path in my own life to ensure that I stay healthy, motivated, and moving forward. Acknowledgement and incorporation of these in veteran lives can serve as a guide in their own goals of recovery and success. For this discussion, we will focus on mindfulness, specifically using the tools of yoga, meditation, and mindset.