The Veterans Yoga Project (VYP), a nonprofit educational and advocacy organization, is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of military veterans. VYP-trained instructors teach free yoga classes for veterans and their families. In response to Covid-19, VYP has been live streaming 3.5 hours of daily yoga and mindful resilience classes.

I have been honored to teach the VYP Mindful Resilience Yoga program in Southeastern Michigan. Every class reminds me of my uncle, Isaac (Ike) Blender, who volunteered to join the Marines in World War II. He was not physically wounded in the war but did return with the psychological effects of PTSD. Undiagnosed, he self-medicated with alcohol. His life was filled with torment and inner demons, which manifested in ugly ways. Whenever teaching to veterans, I think of the sacrifices he made, during and long after the war. 

I invite you to participate in Light-A-Candle, by making a dedication to honor those who have served. Your gift will go directly to support recovery and resilience among our veterans, families, and communities.

Thank you and namaste.

As Memorial Day approaches, it is time to pause, take a breath and consider the true meaning of this holiday. Memorial Day is to remember those Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We recognize their service which led to the freedoms that we all enjoy today.

The ritual of lighting a candle in remembrance of a life passed has long been a part of our culture.  Keeping a light burning acknowledges that the memory still lives on and burns bright in our hearts. It is a ritual that promotes reflection and signifies a perpetual remembrance.

We would like to invite you to participate in Light A Candle, by making a dedication to honor those who have served. This year we are partnering with gratefulness.org to bring our community a unique experience of being able to light a virtual candle for their personal intention.

Your gift will go directly to support recovery and resilience among our veterans, families, and communities. These programs include more than 350 free Mindful Resilience yoga classes each month, 3.5 hours of live online practices each day during the COVID crisis, 200-hour yoga teacher training for veterans and active-duty, and our new online Mindful Resilience for Compassion Fatigue e-course.  

Thank you for honoring and/or praying for those you love, remember, or grieve through “Light-A-Candle."