Veterans

I will be leaving for the Coming Home Project retreat that I am co-facilitating on June 22nd.  Yesterday we had a phone conference with all the facilitators.  I am so strongly drawn to this work, for some reason.  We will be leading a 5 day retreat with veterans, some still in the military, and spouses and children.  It is designed to help them reintegrate into society - and develop some relaxation and coping skills.  Leaders are therapists, other vets, spouses.  Some are Vietnam vets that have done some healing and want to help others. 

I am confident in my group skills. I have done almost as much group as I have individuals.  I am eagert to get there, meet the others, and get rolling.  One of the perks is that we are encouraged to use our coping skills frequently.  They offer meditation, QI Gong, and often Yoga.  I don't get to do any of this as often as I would like, so it provides somewhat of a retreat for me too.  Plus being around others who believe in the way I do - that we are multifaceted human beings and we need to be healed body, mind and soul. 

I have mentioned the hawks that come every spring to nest, and then head up to the mountains for the summer.  Now we have either falcons or Kestrals or some other bird of prey that frequently sit in the pine tree in our front yard.  They are noisy little things!  My attention is drawn to them because it has been in the 90's and I've been in the pool for the last few days, and I can see the tip of the tree from there. 

The dogs are delighted.  We have gotten their pool out so that they can wade and drink.  Spenser spent yesterday playing in it.  Conner, our Lab, might wade in it once in a while but he is the only water dog in history who does not like water!  He disappears when the hose comes out.  Good thing his is such a sweetie. 

I haven't spoken of the death of Coach John Wooden here.  I became familiar with Coach when I married Virgil, and have admired him since.  I've read his books and especially like the book "Wooden On Leadership"  his pyramid is a map for life.  If I could follow it completely, I would be a better person.  I have done management trainings based on it, and it was always well received.  His incredible love for the men he was coaching was transcendent.  Thank you coach, for all you gave the world.  Relax, and enjoy being back with Nell.