Acknowledging Our Veterans

Veterans I will never forget

sharing by mary

PAUSE was invited to share our Pause Practices with a local organization
serving veterans. In the middle of my sharing, one of the veterans
became unsettled and it grew into an angry, almost violent outburst. He
was clearly suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). No one
present reacted, rather we remained calm. He eventually sat down.

~ ~ ~

Years ago, as an occupational therapist, I was privileged to spend time
with a group of veterans living long-term in the Psychiatric Unit at
Jefferson Barracks Hospital. These men had been so traumatized they
could barely move, their facial expressions were numb. Yet, we stood
together in a circle, I led them through simple movements in a peaceful
way, being present with them, and they literally came alive. We moved
for 90 minutes!!! Joy Within was nudged and we let it ride. The social
worker who had worked there for many years was astounded saying,
“I’ve never seen anything like this. We usually can’t keep their attention
for more than a few minutes.”

Being with all of these veterans helped me to see the POWER OF
PAUSING as a way of BEING PRESENT WITH ANOTHER HUMAN BEING.

My father was in the Battle of the Bulge in WWII with the “Timberwolves”
104th Infantry. He was always pausing and
saying to me, “Mary, slow down.”

I’m still practicing Dad! Thanks for showing me the value of pausing
I love you.

Let us pause a moment and GIVE THANKS to
all the men and women who have served and
are now serving our country & their families.

~ ~ ~

Thank you for pausing for gratitude.