Get Out There and Do Something Uncomfortable
The premise is simple. We all understand that in order to get more physically fit and healthy, we must do things that are uncomfortable. The last time I tried running (this morning), it was still uncomfortable. I’ve gotten a bit more used to it over the years, but then I just run a little faster, and once again, it’s uncomfortable. I think you get the point.
We do something difficult so we can adapt and feel better afterward. However, when it comes to post-military care, the VA’s approach, which I’ve seen countless times now, is to just throw band-aids at problems. A pill for this, a pill for that, whatever issue you’re having, just numb it and move on.
Modern Medicine is Falling Behind
Now, I’m generalizing a bit, but the reality is that modern medicine and health practices neglect the principles that have worked since the beginning of time. Native cultures have used different practices to reintegrate their warrior population after times of war in very deliberate ways. Using mental, physical, and spiritual practices such as sweat lodges, breath training, work camps, and native plant medicine.
Wildly Successful Results
Luckily, there are organizations and groups of veterans utilizing these practices today on their own, and the results are wildly successful. Two of the most profound experiences to begin improving your mental health and fitness after a career at war are psychedelics and breathwork. Each is a different way to achieve similar goals. They allow us to achieve altered states of consciousness, move negative energy that is stored in the mind and body, see events of the past differently, and move forward. This is not to mention the incredible anti-inflammatory and neuroplasticity-inducing effects these practices have on those of us who have been around a few too many heavy weapons.
Chronic stress, toxins, night shifts, stimulants, depressants, etc, lead to a constant state of “fight or flight” within the nervous system. Breathwork creates a reset to this system, and allows us to see clearly what is going on within us. It’s difficult, it’s uncomfortable, it may feel weird, and you may wonder why you have chosen to go down such a path. But then again, isn’t it the same as going for a run in the dark, cold winter morning like we all did?
We must do uncomfortable things to come out the other side feeling like our optimal selves. My goal here is simply to spark thought and curiosity about using completely natural ways to help ourselves. Fitness, nutrition, sauna, Ice, sunlight, sleep patterns, breath, natural medicine. It’s all relatively simple. Once we have these down, we can start digging deeper into the psyche to release what is no longer needed.
When it comes to things like Operator Syndrome or PTSD, consider this. A memory without the emotion attached to it is considered wisdom. Trauma or events attached to high amounts of stress keep the emotional attachment to memories, and if they go unprocessed, they stick with us and build over time, often turning into disease. You can see this process with a baby, if something upsets them, they are able to shake it out, cry it out, whatever they have to do to return to their normal baseline, animals do the same thing. We, as adult humans, train ourselves out of this due to psychological reasons like fearing judgment from others and assuming this behavior is not appropriate. Breathwork, intense bouts of breathing, allow us to process these energetic systems in a safe way, leaving you with wisdom instead of a triggering scenario of the past.
So where are we going with all of this and how do you test this out?
Free Guided Sessions for Vets
We’ve teamed up with our partners at 9D Breathwork to provide a free guided session to vets. This will take place over Zoom, with potential in-person follow-up sessions to come. Many of us have seen long-lasting positive changes from this work, as it can be incredibly transformative.
You can find the link to sign up Here
For those who have experienced things such as psychedelics for TBI, Operator Syndrome, etc., and want to join a group of veterans to learn some of the most powerful integration techniques designed by Dr. Joe Dispenza and his team in the beautiful Idaho wilderness, feel free to register for our retreat. The first event is taking place on May 15, 2024, and there will be more to come. The foundation covers all expenses.
You can find the link to the retreat Here.
If you are interested in learning more about psychedelic therapy and want to dip your toes in at home, our friends at Choose Your Horizon can set you up on your journey to improved neuroplasticity and nervous system regulation.
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By: Pearce Cucchissi
About the Author: Pearce Cucchissi is a former Veteran of the US Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment. He now focuses his efforts on human health and performance for veterans, professional athletes, and corporations.
