Bookmarked and downloaded. This was almost perfect for me. I have been a chronic pain warrior for decades, stemming initially from a service-connected injury which put me out of the Army and into the ranks of disabled veterans. I chose to enlist after graduating from college to prove to myself (and others) that there was more to me than the brains I had primarily been known for my entire life. Serving in my military field, being a squad leader almost my entire service - these helped teach me the resilience I fall back on regularly now. This practice brought me back into that space, a space I have not truly re-visited much in recent years. I remembered why I chose to become a warrior (there were more reasons than simply the one stated above). I remembered the determination, the bodily sensations I experienced while on patrol and watching out for my squad. I remembered the pride upon returning and the simple pleasures of a shower (hot or cold) and a meal I could sit down and eat that didn't come out of a tear-open pouch. Things I previously took for granted that suddenly took on new importance and commanded new levels of gratitude in my life. Having my life upended by chronic pain and injuries/illnesses thus became an exercise in continuing to practice those skills I had already learned. When one favorite activity became impractical and medically challenging, I was able to look at it not as a loss, but an opportunity to fill that life slot with a new activity I may not have tried otherwise. Overcome and adapt to fulfill the mission. I learned this as a warrior in uniform. I continue to live it as a warrior in my own life, creating the best life for myself and others that I can, no matter what obstacles may be in my way. I am ever so grateful to have had that practice before requiring it in my every day life, and I know many others who have learned similar lessons in environments that are not military-related. I work now (for almost 20 years) in vocational rehabilitation and disability services, and the resilience many of my clients show simply from their childhood environments is humbling. They are warriors from birth, whereas I had to choose to become one. I am honored to be part of their journey and to help use my experience to guide them in their own journeys to manifest their own best lives.
This meditation tied a lot of things together for me in this respect. Drumming has always been one of my preferred practice modalities, and is what drew this one to my attention straightaway.
Despite my military service, I never engaged in many of the behaviors commonly associated (though not exclusively) with the military, like drinking, smoking, swearing, etc. I was therefore slightly taken aback by the single f-bomb in the final sentence, but for my own inner journey and experience during the practice, it seemed appropriate and not off-putting. I would have preferred it not be there, but it was not a problem for me in this specific context in any way, and the use of it within an empowering statement has, I admit, been similar to thoughts I have had (though not spoken aloud) during some of my most difficult moments.
I will be revisiting this practice often. It has joined the handful of practices over the years I feel comfortable enough with and that seem to "hit the sweet spot" on a regular basis to utilize regularly.
Thank you for sharing this outstanding practice with us here in the Insight Timer community. I see you and the light within you. Be well. 🤲🏻❤️🤲🏻
