Spirit Magazine - February 2014 - (Page 77)

"When they were bombing us, you never knew where it was going to land. You hear it, and you're like, 'Is it close? Is it going to hit us?' " Jones survived such trauma by cutting off his emotions. faster. "For veterans with PTSD- who tend to be emotionally numb- going deep within themselves isn't something they're used to doing," she says. "They felt safe in the group." Over the years that she's led mindbody skills groups at the Minneapolis VA, Beret Skroch has seen veterans react powerfully to many of the techniques, especially the drawings and guided imagery. In the drawing exercise, you sketch yourself three times: in the present; with your biggest problem; and, finally, with a solution. You do this three times- once at the beginning of the 10 weeks and twice at the end. Veterans are often astonished by what their draw- ings reveal. Others respond well to the use of "wise guide" imagery, where you tap into your unconscious by closing your eyes and summoning a mentor-an older relative, a figure from Greek mythology, or even an animal-whom you then consult for advice. Many veterans have epiphanies while mapping out their "genogram," a family tree that makes visible family patterns and strengths. After the genogram exercise, Madeleine Uddo, co-investigator of the New Orleans study, saw vets make tangible changes in their lives. "One decided to go and reconnect with a child he hadn't seen in many, many years. Another reached out to a brother he hadn't seen in 20 years, and they developed this amazing relationship afterwards." The strength of the CMBM's model, Skroch says, is that it offers a smorgasbord of techniques that veterans can choose from-and the safety of the small group. "The most powerful mind-body therapy is not any one technique, it's the container of the group. It's being in a safe space, where you're able to share without a concern that anyone will shut you down or offer advice," she says. K EVIN JONES, a handsome African-American man with closely cropped hair, strides into the Modern Hotel in New Orleans and shakes my hand. Despite being tall and portly, Jones (whose name I've changed at his request) is more composed than imposing. And that's surprising given how much trauma the Iraq War veteran has experienced. As Adventure that Feeds the Soul. newmexico.org http://www.newmexico.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spirit Magazine - February 2014

Spirit Magazine - February 2014
Contents
Gary’s Greeting
Gary’s Greeting en Español
Star of the Month
Freedom Story
From the Editor
Your Words
Your Pictures
Media Center
Eat Drink Sleep
Revel in rum
Cozy up to Chicago
Wise Guide
Learn to slow down
The Numbers
Get briefed on Oscars history
Entertain (with) a proposal
Keep your company current
Business
Cut down on insurance confusion
Digitize your doorman
Seek success with fun and games
Go loco for Lego
Building Lego
A Fighting Chance
Your Adventure In Miami
Promotional Series: Focus on Health for All Seasons
Promotional Series: Focus on Education
Promotional Series: Focus on Franchises
Calendar
Fun!
Spotlight
Community Outreach
Products & Services
Flight Service
Terminal Maps
Information
Rapid Rewards and A+ Rewards Partners
Route Map
The “If” List

Spirit Magazine - February 2014