You’ve seen new veterans here lately, and some that are visiting more often. I want to tell you about how some of them found us, and their experiences with us.
Nearly 50 veterans have found their way to Bastion’s Wellness Intensive (WI). Each one arrives with a different reason. Some come because a trusted friend told them it changed their life. Some are simply ready for something new. Others have spent years caring for everyone else and are ready to learn how to care for themselves too. And some arrive uncertain, but willing to take that first, brave step.
I want to thank each of you—for seeing a part of yourselves in others, especially in the quiet, hesitant moments. For introducing yourself, offering food, welcoming them as they volunteer, and embracing their families as your own. For turning simple moments into connection, in the most meaningful ways, you show the true heart of Bastion. Let me shout out the 14 resident grads (Alumni) who’ve done an amazing job embracing them.
I created the Wellness Intensive to support people in understanding the body’s essential role in the healing process. And to share body-based approaches to reduce the effects of stress and trauma.
I would like to share some testimonials/advice from our Alumni, as they welcomed our current WI group on their first day.
“The WI really changed me, changed my life. Because I found other ways of doing things and communicating with people. I’m growing at Bastion. I can tell that the WI has helped me to mature. It’s been a big help for me and I recommend it. You only get out of a program what you put into it. – Cohort 2 Alumni
I had issues. I still have issues, but I’m a whole lot better after being a participant. I don’t do co-ed type of stuff. But it was one of the best experiences of my life. I’d like to read a little something from Daniel Black. “Do some risky things. This is how you learn how to trust yourself, so take some risks. Separate what happened to you, from what you are about to make happen for you. You are greater than anything that has ever happened to you.” – Dee Brown, Cohort 4, author, Gentilly neighbor
I was trying to get back in, see if I can do it again! – Cohort 3 Alumni
A great way to connect, honestly. I was learning about myself and other vets, learning that even though our struggles have different labels, they all kind of boil down to the same at the end of the day. And the other thing that I really wanted to say is, no matter how woo-woo something sounds, try everything that they offer, at least once, give it a try. – Cohort 1 Alumni
Cohort 1 actually changed my life. I think that anybody from any other cohort following, can agree that in some small way, or in some major ways, that this program, it actually works. So, just go forth and be great and always remember to put your best foot forward. Nothing beats a failure, but a try. – Cohort 1 Alumni