As I write this, I am aware of the changing weather. But snow is not yet in the forecast. More often than not, it is already on the ground by November 10th. A hint of a smile emerges as I await the first blanket of white, which always seems to instill a deep sense of peace within me.
Monday, November 11th, is Remembrance Day. In my household, it is always a day of heartfelt, quiet reflection as we watch the televised ceremony in Ottawa, our nation’s capital. Across this country, it is a sombre day of reflection and gratitude in recognition of those who have lost all or part of themselves, forever changed by their courageous efforts.
A few years ago, I learned that many younger veterans cannot participate in the Remembrance Day ceremonies. The painful memories and flashbacks of their time of service to Canada in wartime, military conflict, and peacekeeping are too fresh, too raw for them to endure. Many of them suffer from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), a relatively recent diagnosis involving a real disorder that was previously recognized but not adequately described, understood, diagnosed, or treated.
This leads me to reflect on a journey I have embarked on: learning to practice and teach iRest Yoga Nidra. This secular practice is a research-informed adaptation of the ancient practice of yoga nidra, a meditation for deep relaxation and healing. The origins of iRest (Integrative Restoration) Yoga Nidra date back to 2003, when its founder, Richard Miller, PhD, was invited to consult on a research project at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Due to the study's successful results, wounded service members were invited to participate in iRest as part of their healing care plans. The Defense Centers of Excellence in the United States currently recognize iRest as a complementary and alternative medicine for treating PTSD. Based on research with iRest, the U.S. Army Surgeon General has listed Yoga Nidra as a Tier 1 approach for addressing pain management in military care.
In the general population, iRest studies have also been shown to be effective in treating chronic pain, insomnia and other sleep disturbances, as well as depression and anxiety. It is an effective set of resources for well-being, and iRest can be practiced by anyone.
I offer complimentary iRest classes on Tuesday mornings, which include healing guided meditation. Click here to learn more. I hope you’ll join us in the new year.
Yours with loving kindness,
Jeannine
