Carlsbad CA— Vetitation, a project dedicated to helping veterans cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through learning and practicing meditation and The Chopra Center, a premier health and wellness center, are working together to provide the opportunity for veterans with PTSD heal at the Weekend Within guided meditation retreat. In October, six veterans who attended the healing retreat were transformed by the experience and there are already ten more veterans who want to attend the next session in January.
“Because I couldn’t process the pain of the past, my body and my health suffered. I tried everything from various doctors to alternative medicine, but wasn’t able to find relief until I started daily meditation,” said Erik Younger, founder and president of Vetitation and a combat veteran who endured his own journey with PTSD. “I felt inspired to do something and give other veterans the same chance to experience this transformative healing.”
Vetitation raises money to send veterans with PTSD to healing seminars at The Chopra Center, including Meditation Weekend and Weekend Within. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, an average of 20 veterans commits suicide every day, and these programs help veterans work through their trauma. After the program, the attendees expressed that their experience has become an integral part of understanding their trauma and gave them the tools to heal themselves.
“Vetitation is the absolute best program that could have ever happened for the posttraumatic stress disorder and my life overall,” said a veteran who attended Weekend Within. “Although most of us had never met before, it was very powerful to experience this transformation with other veterans, and it felt as though we served side by side.”
Led by Deepak Chopra, Weekend Within is a three-day retreat that includes a gentle, guided introduction to Primordial Sound Meditation, Ayurveda and Yoga. The retreat helps attendees create clarity on purpose through practical tips and techniques for an effortless meditation practice. Medical professionals work with the veterans to help explain the mind and body effects of PTSD, provide methods of coping, and refer veterans to local therapists in their area to continue the healing process.
“It is an honor for us to be a part of the healing journey of these men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country,” said Sara Harvey, chief operating officer at The Chopra Center. “We are thrilled they have found peace at Weekend Within, and encourage anyone else dealing with trauma in their life to explore meditation and other mind-body practices.”
The Chopra Center continues their support of veterans with an ongoing 10% military discount off all treatments and their retail shop.
Guests interested in the next Weekend Within January 19 through 21 can register here: http://www.chopra.com/live-events/weekend-within/january-2018. The Chopra Center has ongoing retreats and treatments all year long. All sessions will be held at the Chopra Center, located on the property of the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa at 2013 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, CA 92009.
More information about The Chopra Center can be found at www.chopra.com. Connect on Facebook/ChopraCenter, Instagram @chopracenter and Twitter @chopracenter.