Finding peace after a traumatic event can be tough, yoga is one of the tools local veterans are using to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety.
“Trauma is something that human beings suffer, but it’s also something that human beings can heal from,” said John Chmelir, who took Bootstrap, a free class at the Heart and Core Yoga Studio.
Chmelir served in the Army National Guard for 17 years, and he is an aspiring yoga instructor. Although he never suffered from PTSD, he sees yoga’s potential for helping others.
“I took the class with an interest in the program from a the point of view of using yoga to work with people with trauma,” he said.
Trauma manifests itself in the body as an overwhelming sensation, Chmelir said.
The class, which includes guided meditation, helps practitioners to be more aware of their body, and it restores the nervous system, said Karen Mischke, who teaches the class.
It is not meant to replace therapy. But the breathing exercises, yoga postures and concepts that the focus on thoughts that fuel the chronic stress cycle can help practitioners relax.
“There are ways we can empower ourselves to decrease the effects of chronic stress,” she said.
Mischke suffered from PTSD, depression and hyperthyroidism, but consistent yoga practice in her 20s helped her to overcome her symptoms.
“I know the life-giving power that the techniques of yoga can offer,” she said.
The daughter of a World War II veteran, she also understands the pressure families of veterans go through, and they are also welcome to attend the class for free.
“Living with someone who has the highs and lows of a chronic PTSD cycles can be very stressful,” she said.
People who may have experienced trauma not related to the military are also welcome, but they do have to pay to participate. Although American culture is largely unprepared to deal with PTSD in a military context, it extends beyond that, Chmelir said.
“There’s a cycle of violence and trauma and poverty that is operating in our culture that we don’t even see,” he said.
Those who have anxiety or PTSD usually don’t want anyone to know, but Bootstrap is designed to bring the whole issue of anxiety and PTSD into the open, Mischke said.
Bootstrap is now in its second cycle at Heart and Core Yoga Studio.
Those interested in a future class can email Mischke at [email protected].
