YOGA + FITNESS / Seva
Veterans Yoga Project
S
eva is a sacred yogic principle that translates to “selfless service.” More specifically, it is service free from expectation of reward. Seva seeks the amelioration of humanity; seva unites us with others. Military members are often commended for serving and providing the ultimate sacrifice, yet they are frequently forgotten in civilian society. Veterans and troops embody seva, and Veterans Yoga Project (VYP) is providing the tools for them to thrive by serving those who have served and by guiding them through recovery and building resilience with yoga. Val Brainerd, Veterans Yoga Project Colorado state director, yoga instructor and navy veteran, says, “We believe that every veteran has earned the right to reintegrate into civilian life fully empowered to become
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successful, well-rounded individuals with healthy relations to their families and communities.” VYP believes that through breath, meditation, mindful movement, guided rest and gratitude, veterans can accomplish that. Brainerd points out that yoga is for everybody, and VYP extends help to all veterans, active-duty troops, first responders, their families and their communities. The organization works in partnership with other veteran services including Veterans Affairs, American Legions and student veteran organizations. Yoga is not one-size-fits all, and it does not cure post-traumatic stress or post-traumatic stress disorder, PTS(D); it is simply another tool to help people be their best. “Veterans with PTS have found that yoga therapy does, however, help them sleep better, concentrate, think more
clearly, manage anger and aggression more easily and find comfort in their own skin,” Brainerd shares. Many veterans and active-duty troops may be hesitant to jump into a yoga class because of the unique atmosphere. As Brainerd explains, though, yogic values align with military values, making yoga an inviting medium for healing and self-exploration; each branch of the military holds a specific set of values, and many of them are rooted in integrity, respect and commitment to service before self, which are foundational yogic principles, too. VYP instructors are encouraged to call upon these values in their classes. They offer a myriad of classes including gentle yoga, yin yoga, chair yoga, power yoga, breathwork and more. VYP instructors teach over 100 free yoga classes a week — both
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Photos courtesy of Veterans Yoga Project
Serving Those Who Have Served
