WHAT IS VETERANS YOGA PROJECT? 

Veterans Yoga Project is an educational and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the health and well being of military veterans through yoga and meditation practice. Working in partnership with veterans, active-duty military personnel, student veteran organizations, and other non-profit organizations, Veterans Yoga Project supports recovery and promotes resilience among veterans who are living with post-traumatic stress or other trauma issues.

WHAT IS VETERANS GRATITUDE WEEK? 

Each year, VYP hosts two annual fundraisers, Veterans Gratitude Week and Light-A-Candle Memorial Day, supported by donations from yoga classes, individuals and organizations. Held the three weeks surrounding Veterans Day, Veterans Gratitude Week encourages yoga studios to host donation-based classes to support veterans in a tangible way. In many cases, these classes have brought together veterans and civilians in an environment where veterans can share their military experience with their community.

HOW DOES YOGA HELP VETERANS?

While magnified by media reporting, only 30% of veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or trauma-related issues. Practicing yoga can undo the nervous system dysfunction that underlies PTSD symptoms.

WHY SHOULD I GET INVOLVED WITH VETERANS GRATITUDE WEEK?

Less than 1% of Americans have ever served their country, however, veterans experience a disproportionately high suicide rate. Veterans Gratitude Week is a way for those who have not served to both give back to veterans in a tangible way and to better understand the challenges of military service.

From November 8 - 18, 2019, Veterans Yoga Project will be hosting our sixth annual national yoga event. Veterans Yoga Project Gratitude Week enables communities to support recovery and resilience among our veterans, families, and communities. We raise awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress (Disorder) and the work we are doing through yoga classes and events across the USA. Veterans Gratitude Week enables communities to support recovery and resilience among our veterans, families, and communities.

Estimates of PTSD Among Veterans

• 500,000 Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom & New Dawn Veterans with PTS(D)
• 80,000 Gulf War Veterans with PTS(D)
• 420,000 Vietnam Veterans with PTS(D)

In 2018, Veterans Yoga Project documented over 20,775 visits by veterans and their family members to classes taught by VYP-trained teachers. VYP has also documented that Mindful Resilience leads to clinically significant reductions in Pain and Distress among veterans in treatment at VAs and Vet Centers. Most importantly, we hear back from the clinicians, clinical directors, and the veterans and their family members themselves, that we are creating space for real healing, empowerment, and resilience.