SARAH'S STORY
As a US Army Combat Veteran with over 21 years of service, I enlisted after 9/11 and became an Army Aviation Officer. I flew UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopters, led platoons and companies, and held senior positions at the National Guard Bureau and Defense Contract Management Agency.
I also have over seven years of law enforcement experience, training officers in firearms, tactics, fitness, and first responder medical skills. As a Peer Support Specialist, I helped fellow officers cope with the aftermath of critical incidents.
IT WASN'T ALWAYS EASY
The toll of my military and law enforcement journey weighed heavily upon me. I found myself grappling with excruciating back pain that threatened to end my career, while simultaneously battling the lingering effects of post-traumatic stress caused by my service. Regrettably, my relentless dedication to work resulted in the loss of the cherished personal aspects of my life. I was given two options, live with my pain, mask it with pain pills and lose my flying career - or make the decision to commit to my own healing journey.
I TOOK CONTROL
Refusing to surrender more of my life to injuries and mental health struggles, I embarked on a transformative journey of self-healing. Delving into the realm of science, I immersed myself in understanding the intricacies of my spinal injuries and the profound impact of stress on the mind and body. Armed with knowledge, I took deliberate action each day, reshaping my mindset and cultivating healthier habits.
The results were astounding. I felt an indescribable sense of empowerment as I achieved my goals and regained control over my physical and mental well-being. No longer did pain and anguish dictate the course of my life.
It was during a remarkable expedition to Everest Base Camp in the Nepal Himalayas in 2018 that the dream of Blue Side Yoga was born. If the methods that had transformed my own life were effective, I realized I had a duty to share them with others.
Thus, a new life mission was born - to assist fellow heroes in attaining the lives they desire and empowering them to muster the strength necessary to achieve their aspirations. Blue Side Yoga became the vessel through which I could extend a helping hand, offering guidance and support to those in need.
BLUE SIDE YOGA AND MY METHOD
Drawing from my own experiences and understanding the unique challenges faced by the Military and First Responder Community, I developed a simple yet effective method tailored specifically to our needs. My method focuses on a phased approach to finding practical solutions that address the distinct issues encountered by our community.
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1
DISCOVER
In this phase, you will delve into the intricacies of stress, understanding your unique response patterns, and uncovering effective strategies to minimize its impact on your mental and physical well-being.
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2
ACTION
During this phase, you will acquire the necessary tools and techniques to intervene in your stress response cycle effectively. This is where the hard work happens!
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3
MOMENTUM
By the this phase, you will have gained a profound understanding of yourself and others, enabling you to navigate relationships and situations with greater clarity and empathy. You have the momentum to keep your positive habits and make them part of daily life.
