Mindfulness can make all the difference
Veterans, families of veterans and carers are encouraged to take part in a new 8-week Open Arms Mindfulness- Based Stress Reduction program (MBSR).
The free online program will be delivered over the next 3 years by Openground – Australian Centre for Mindfulness. Participants can join from anywhere in Australia and you do not need to be an Open Arms client.
Air Force veteran EJ, now a lawyer in Melbourne, is living proof of the benefits of mindfulness. While she had done her best to keep going after a medical discharge from Defence and a marriage breakdown around the same time, it had taken a real physical and mental toll.
During the toughest of times, she sought help from Open Arms, which invited her to join an 8-week MBSR Program. Soon after completing the course, EJ began to notice a real change in her mental health.
‘It started me on the road to re-programming my brain, showing myself compassion, changing my mindset towards stress, taking off that protective layer you develop in the military and being vulnerable,’ she explained. ‘It changed my life.’
EJ says her newfound mindset, which now includes daily mindfulness practice, has given her the peace and quiet she has craved for many years: ‘It continues to help me move on from stressful periods in life and to be the best version of myself for me and my children.’
To learn more or register visit www.openarms.gov.au/get-support/online-programs.