Copyright 2007 International Associaton for Human Values
2401 15th Street NW l Washington DC l 20009
2401 15th Street NW l Washington DC l 20009
BREATH WORKSHOP EXPERIENCES OF U.S. VETERANS
"For me the greatest benefit was getting sleep. Without sleep you slowly destroy your body and that was what was happening. I found it as a way to relax and get essential sleep. The rhythm of the breath literally helps you relax alleviating a lot of your everyday stresses." (see interview on video here)
- Troy Jackson, Desert Storm and Iraq Combat Veteran
"After getting out of the Army I did not adjust well to civilian life. I was short-tempered toward everyone. After learning the breathing techniques most of my anger dropped away. Now I approach life with a calmness I never had before. On the rare occasions when I do get angry, I have easy-to-use techniques to relax and get rid of the stress. I have a new-found confidence to meet any challenge that arises".
- Ron Bayes, Gulf Veteran
"The course was very beneficial for me uncovering things about myself that I never realized had been bothering me. It helped me be at peace with myself from issues, feelings and the things that I participated in at war. The breathing brought out memories in me that I didn't know existed. Through that I have been able to come to peace with some of the things that I did and the way I felt about them. I wish I could have learned this breathing 40 years ago." (see interview on video here)
- Noel Olsen, Vietnam Combat Veteran
"For me the greatest benefit was getting sleep. Without sleep you slowly destroy your body and that was what was happening. I found it as a way to relax and get essential sleep. The rhythm of the breath literally helps you relax alleviating a lot of your everyday stresses." (see interview on video here)
- Troy Jackson, Desert Storm and Iraq Combat Veteran
"After getting out of the Army I did not adjust well to civilian life. I was short-tempered toward everyone. After learning the breathing techniques most of my anger dropped away. Now I approach life with a calmness I never had before. On the rare occasions when I do get angry, I have easy-to-use techniques to relax and get rid of the stress. I have a new-found confidence to meet any challenge that arises".
- Ron Bayes, Gulf Veteran
"The course was very beneficial for me uncovering things about myself that I never realized had been bothering me. It helped me be at peace with myself from issues, feelings and the things that I participated in at war. The breathing brought out memories in me that I didn't know existed. Through that I have been able to come to peace with some of the things that I did and the way I felt about them. I wish I could have learned this breathing 40 years ago." (see interview on video here)
- Noel Olsen, Vietnam Combat Veteran
The International Association
for Human Values
"..the work of [the breathing practices] has allowed emotional and psychological tension to be released from the soldiers, especially from those soldiers and sergeants who were drafted." (see interview on video here)
- Cpt. I. Lavrentiev, Unit Psychologist, Russian Army
"As for me personally, it seems
I have become more peaceful [from the breathing]".
(see interview on video here)
I have become more peaceful [from the breathing]".
(see interview on video here)
- Sergeant, Dmitrij K.,
Russian Army
Russian Army
"The Warrior Breath course really puts you in touch with your breathing and how it affects your stress levels. You become calm and relaxed with less stress... It is an extremely useful tool for individuals who suffer emotional trauma..."
- Shad Meshad, Vietnam Veteran and Founder, National Veteran's Foundation
Read "Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans in Crisis" from the National Veterans foundation.
- Shad Meshad, Vietnam Veteran and Founder, National Veteran's Foundation
Read "Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans in Crisis" from the National Veterans foundation.
"I was seriously wounded while I served as KLA soldier during the war. My leg was amputated and I was left with many psychological problems like insomnia, flashbacks, irritability, anger and depression.
…I took the [breathing] course. Since then, I feel more centered, peaceful and more satisfied. I have experienced that I am not just this body, but something much more."
…I took the [breathing] course. Since then, I feel more centered, peaceful and more satisfied. I have experienced that I am not just this body, but something much more."
...Enver Krasniqi
Kosovo Combat Veteran
"[in Kosovo war] I witnessed the murder of my father and best friend in the Reqak massacre where 42 civilians were killed... I am suffering from nightmares, flashbacks, panic attacks and depression. During and after the AOL course I can sleep better and I
can help myself to feel better without taking medication. It is the best holidays I have ever had!"
...Ferid Bilalli
Kosovo Combat Veteran
...Ferid Bilalli
Kosovo Combat Veteran
"As a war veteran, I was lucky not to be wounded, but since then I suffer from nightmares, panic attacks and depression. The political and economic situation after the war adds to our depression, especially among disable war veterans.
In the beginning I did not take the breathing practices seriously, until I experienced deep inner peace, relaxation and contentment. I will never forget our breathing sessions."
...Sejdi Dulla
Kosovo Combat Veteran
...Sejdi Dulla
Kosovo Combat Veteran
INTERNATIONAL BREATH WORKSHOPS FOR COMBAT VETERANS
"I was a KLA soldier and I was wounded in the head. My brother was killed together with 11 members of my family... I feel strong pain and sadness and I cannot get rid of it 5 years after the war ended.
I have learnt from the AOL how to breath out pain and all negative emotions that are preventing me from being happy. I could not believe that the AOL would bring me so much healing and satisfaction. Everyone should experience it."
...Njazi Shabani
Kosovo Combat Veteran
...Njazi Shabani
Kosovo Combat Veteran
"My father was killed in the Reqak massacre and people with whom I lived and grew up. I miss my father and all the people I knew and who are now gone. When I take tranquilizers, I feel dull and sleepy. When I do the breathing exercises, my mind is clear and my body
relaxed. I will never forget the course this summer. We felt so much belongingness, caring for each other and sharing our pain and happiness. Thanks to all those who made it possible for us."
...Shkelzen Hysenaj
Kosovo Combat Veteran
...Shkelzen Hysenaj
Kosovo Combat Veteran
