Experiential Exercises Are Highlight of Soldier's Heart Intensive

The Soldier's Heart Intensive Training Retreat challenged me in many ways. Experiential exercises gave me just a taste of the split-second decisions made in a combat zone and the emotional roller coaster of a warrior on the battlefield. These exercises helped build bridges between veterans and the civilian participants (psychologists, family members, artists) so that we could connect to each other as equals and comrades in arms, except here we did not take up hostile positions. Instead we held each other, supported each other, were present for each other and each other's needs. This and more was a model that I'll incorporate in the Vet Art Project.

Events: 2008-2009 Exciting Schedule

Please click here for our full Vet Art Project Event Schedule for 2008 and 2009

Too Soon to Say & Off to Another Training Today

Viet Nam was amazing--her people, a magnificently beautiful country. They move through the world so differently than Westerners. I believe there is much for us to learn from their example.
Sorry not to post while in Viet Nam. Right now it all seems too personal to share.
Off to the Soldiers Heart Intensive Education & Training. I'm glad that I experienced Viet Nam first-hand before this workshop. This is a big step forward in my journey to help veterans tell their stories of war and share their warrior wisdom with us all. (Details under the Events tab at soldiersheart.net.)
In peace,
Lisa

Embarking on the Journey of a Lifetime

I'm traveling to Viet Nam. I'll fill my senses with the sites and sounds of another culture intimately tied to my own country's history and her people. My goal is to learn and grow and build a stronger foundation of compassion to help veterans from all wars upon my return. My next post will be from the other side of the world!

Honoring Our Veterans with Our Support

On this Memorial Day I'd like to honor my teachers, the warriors who are helping me understand the war experience, sharing their stories of commitment, personal sacrifice, and forgiveness.

And to all the good people who help veterans on their journey of recovery, I owe you a debt of gratitude, too. I hope that readers will join with me to show this gratitude in kind and support. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Soldier's Heart (soldiersheart.net) to help veterans heal and support the good work of those who are shepharding this journey.

Incubating a Good Idea

The Vet Art Project will be a part of the Incubator Series at the Chicago Cultural Center in February 2009. That means we'll have the whole month to build a supportive community, help veterans and their loved ones share their stories both orally and in writing in a small-group setting, and then area artists will work with the veterans to transform these stories into stagecraft, film, dance, music, and more. The project will culminate in a free public performance.

A load of thanks to Claire and Nate in the Department of Cultural Affairs!

More updates soon--the pilot project has begun!

This Summer I'm Attending the Soldier's Heart Education & Training Intensive & You Can, Too

In June I'll attend another training on transforming traumatized soldiers and veterans into redefined and healthy spiritual warriors. Led by Ed Tick and Kate Dahlstedt, the curriculum and experience will cover philosophies and methodologies found in Ed's book, War and the Soul. I'll learn how to integrate these healing strategies into my relationships and practices. This training is open to veterans, family members and all who are committed to helping transform and reorder the deep wounds of war into becoming catalysts of peace, strength, honor and service. More information from Soldier's Heart at info@soldiersheart.net.

This is an experiential retreat that, I know, will challenge me in many ways. There is so much need; more is coming. I am ready to serve my country by serving her veterans.