Page 128 - Total War on PTSD

“I am from Arkansas. I am a husband and father. I joined the Army in 1996 as a helicopter repairer. I have been on numerous combat deployments. I am a leader and I lead by example. I started Connected Warriors Yoga to enhance my fitness performance and to deal with some nagging aches and pains. Through my own practice, I recognized the value a consistent Yoga program would bring to my Soldiers physical and mental well-being. I plan on incorporating Connected Warriors Yoga into my current aviation unit’s physical fitness program.” – Mark B. Baker, Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army
One meditation technique is to use a mantra or a Focus Phrase which is a positive word or short phrase that you can use to help bring your mind back to the present and intercept negative thoughts. You use your Focus Phrase by silently repeating the words to yourself. Repeating the phrase is like pushing a pause button on your mind. The repetition intercepts or slows down the distracting thoughts, increasing your level of mindfulness and redirecting your stream of consciousness toward a more beneficial and calmer space. A Focus Phrase can also be used when you feel stressed or unmotivated.
Choose a phrase that is comfortable and natural to you. Examples – Breathe. Be still and trust. All is well. Just be. This will pass.
Another technique is to focus on the breath — either counting the inhales or exhales or noticing the feel of the breath on the upper lip or counting the breath to a selected number and repeating,
Plan to meditate about the same time every day — whatever time of day or night you can be consistent. Establish a place you can use every day where you can be relatively undisturbed during your practice. Sit as long as you can every day, it will help you
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