I wanted to share a recent experience because I think it offers hope for our future, which is something our world can benefit from at the moment!
I just finished a two-day book signing here at West Point in New York. I have done several book signings since the publication of my first book Beyond the Battlefield: Stories of Tenacity and Mindful Guidance Along the Warrior’s Path. This was by far the most fulfilling and successful of all of signings.
If you’re unfamiliar with my book, it unveils the untold stories of 15 military servicemembers, shedding light on their struggles, victories, and the transformative power of mindfulness and meditation. Through riveting accounts and expert insights, readers discover how these tools offer a path to healing and resilience amidst the chaos of military life.
The book signing was hosted by The Academy Store on West Point, which is in the middle of the classrooms where many cadets spend hours of their rigorous daily schedules. I was amazed and inspired by the number of cadets interested in learning from those who have gone before them.
Many of these cadets already have their sites set on what they want to do in the Army once they graduate. Several plan on going infantry which is a combat arms branch that almost guarantees some combat experience, if you stay in long enough. A few had aspirations to pursue medicine, either physician assistant school or medical school. Still others had their sites set on aviation and taking on the rigorous training of flight school and beyond.
Why was I so inspired? I think I’ve had a fear that the future generations are lacking focus, the desire to learn, and a sense of responsibility. Much of social media and modern tech constantly distracts these young minds from what’s truly important. Our youth often see that extremism and façades breed fame and fortune and fail to understand that it doesn’t bring lasting happiness or deep fulfillment.
So, I was happy to see so many of these young cadets and future military leaders anxious to learn. Many truly enjoyed reading and wanted to hold an actual paperback book as opposed to a phone or device to read on. Several knew the lingo “mental health”, “meditation”, and “mindfulness”, which made me smile. They were all so courteous, respectful, inquisitive, and thirsty for knowledge.
There were also several professors who purchased my book and expressed immense interest in the mindfulness and meditation side of Beyond the Battlefield. Two philosophy professors bought copies and shared how they are currently teaching the concept of mindfulness to their classes, while another philosophy professor sent me a follow up and very heartfelt email looking to further collaborate and learn more about these important tools for the future leaders of the military, as well as, the current force who might be suffering from PTSD and moral injury.
Moral injury was a word I had never heard of before, and yet as soon as I learned of its meaning, several interviewees from my book came to mind along with a few former patients and Vietnam Vets from my time working in Behavioral Health at the Veterans Administration. Moral injury arises when a person is forced to act in a way that is unaligned with their morals and then suffers immensely with repercussion such as guilt, depression, shame, and/or insomnia, to name a few. This happens often in combat situations but is, unfortunately, not often addressed. It’s an issue that, just like mental health in the military, will hopefully become more known with methods and approaches for healing.
This particular philosophy professor asked specifically about mindfulness for moral injury. Although I don’t have any solid science supporting its effectiveness, there's hope in articles like this, entitled "Mindfulness to Manage Moral Injury".I know the practice of mindfulness, along with professional support and guidance, can bring about healing in very deep and lasting ways.
Check out my other blog post on the benefits of mindfulness meditation here.
I left this enriching experience really feeling hopeful for the future of our military and of our world. One of my primary goals with Beyond the Battlefield was to share military stories to create connection between military service members and between service members and those unaffiliated with the military. Connection can cultivate understanding and understanding nurtures peace. I also wanted to teach powerful introspective tools which would allow for healing from the stress and detrimental impact of some military exposures. Self-awareness that is rooted in kindness (i.e. mindfulness) for oneself and for others also nurtures healing and peace.
Let's recall former Secretary of War, Elihu Root's words, "Not to promote war, but to preserve peace by intelligent and adequate preparation to repel aggression, this institution is founded."
Beyond the Battlefield is hopefully one step closer to that preservation of peace, and my recent interactions with the future leaders of America instilled in me the hope that this just might be a possibility.
Do you have hope for our future? What gives you that hope?
Let's continue the conversation and continue to build on these important and inspiring experiences. Email me at theresa@fit-intuit.com!