Throughout the services that we have been blessed to provide to Veterans and their families, a theme started to emerge. At first it appeared as though they were the same "lines" that each Veteran spoke of i.e., something changed them during their service. At first, we couldn't quite grasp an understanding of what was being communicated, but over the course of time...a pattern emerged that we summarized as the "A Warriors Approach."
A warriors approach
Spiritual
philosophic
scientific
Mystic
Spiritual
Throughout history, faith-based spiritual leaders have guided men and women to follow a code of conduct espousing their beliefs according to the religion that they follow. We at Veterans Courage recognize that there may exist many paths to understand the morals, values, ethics and virtues that are innate to each individual, regardless of race, creed, color, or sex.
It is from the perspective of inter-faith or multi-denominational observances that we have arrived at our current understanding of life. Although we can recognize our differences and uniqueness, it is those qualities that we have in common that unites as human beings. It is the Spiritual Warrior who is able to recognize the union of the Temporal and Spiritual planes of existence and conduct themselves in a manner befitting their discipline and self-mastery.
philosophic
The course of human development which utilizes symbols, signs, words, and languages has led to an expansive vocabulary in describing thought. Throughout the centuries, individuals, cultures and societies have woven a tapestry of knowledge into a framework of patterns identified as "Philosophy."
Eastern and Western philosophies may differ in certain aspects and how they approach the nature of life, however, they both cross paths as they crisscross in their understanding, use of definitions and arrive at possible conclusions. A purely Philosophic Warrior starts with the mind and thought control, however, the next step is to discipline the body in order to become a Spiritual Warrior.
scientific
The disciplines of science are numerous and their applicability to everyday life is self-evident. From a Veterans or Warriors approach, the inclusion of the scientific method is related to how it is used as tools for defense or weapons for offense. Shield & sword or guns & armor are examples of how science has led to the invention of capabilities as forces for bad or good.
Whether it stems from the evolution of mathematics, observances of the "heavens" or astronomy or dedication to the "trial and error" approach, the Warriors approach encompasses them all. The ability of the Warrior to harness the energies of science with self-discipline, according to their philosophy and spiritual calling is the differentiator of those who harm versus those who help.
mystic
Mysticism is a belief or experience that goes beyond normal human understanding, often relating to a reality that surpasses the physical world. It’s commonly associated with the experience of a mystical union or direct communion with ultimate reality, which can be attained through subjective experiences like intuition, insight, ecstasy, or meditation.
For Warriors or Military Veterans, it is another aspect of that "calling" to stand up when others cannot. Embodying the virtues of courage, honor and righteousness. It's not written, it's not spoken...it's understood.
People who have provided Me guidance
There have been numerous individuals throughout history that have contributed towards a better understanding of our human existence. The list I've compiled here is from my initial interpretation based upon my own personal experience. Your understanding may differ from mine and I just wanted to share what has worked for me. Please feel free to suggest additional people who may help our fellow Veterans and their families.
Wayne Dyer
Mr. Dyer has had a tremendous influence on my understanding of life through his many PBS video presentations. His personal life journey provides the perfect backdrop on how to make sense of the Spiritual and Temporal worlds. He's easy to understand, has a sense of humor and I was blessed to see him live at Dreamforce, a Salesforce event in San Francisco.
Eckhart Tolle
Mr. Tolle has authored a couple of books that changed my perspective. The first book "The Power of Now" and "A New Earth" provide insights that I previously lacked. His videos and short narratives will help calm the "noises" in your mind. His approach, demeanor and sense of his present self lend themselves to insights that are not only felt but understood.
Gary Zukav
Mr. Zukav's book "The Seat of the Soul" really impacted my life during the personal struggles I was dealing with. His descriptions of the personality of the soul and authentic power resonated with me. It balanced my understanding of a scientific approach with a philosophers perspective.
Alan Watts
Mr. Watts caught me by surprise. His approach and ability to blend East with West absolutely floored me. I represent both the East and West in religion, philosophy and mysticism and Mr. Watts combines them with such ease. He was the first person that broke my "Ego's" outer shell and laid his knowledge, insights and wisdom at my doorstep. Eternally grateful!
Deepak Chopra
Mr. Chopra was the first person that I came across that blended a medical doctors knowledge with the spiritual realm. His discussions around the "Observer" and how it relates to what Quantum scientists reference was quite an eye opener. I had the opportunity to meet him at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco and he came across as a sincere Gentleman.
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev
Mr. Vasudev "Sadhguru" was the first person that introduced me into the Yogic traditions of India. Specifically, Shiva and the understanding of a mystical realm beyond the accepted beliefs of organized religion. His ability to translate the mystical understandings, parallel their teachings with religion and arrive at a spiritual way of life provide me a path into the mystic.
Jiddu Krishnamurti
Mr. Krishnamurti was the first person who took me to depths of the inner soul with such a veracity of thought and calmness of spirit that I sat humbled beyond belief. He challenged me to go deeper, more seriously and intensely than I could ever have imagined. No one shook me up and continues to do so to this day by their eloquence, command and sincerity.
Pir Zia Inayat Khan
Mr. Khan was brought to my attention as I delved into mysticism. I was studying the Sikh religion of Northern India when the term "Sufi Islam" came across my endeavors. A whole new perspective that resonated with my being was undeniable. It "felt" like a piece that I was missing was being revealed and Mr. Khan's explanations enlightened my mind.
Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi
Mr. Rumi captured my imagination with his Sufi mystic poetry. His ability to convey a message of the divine as the "beloved" absolutely filled my heart with a love and a longing that I could feel but did not have the vocabulary to explain my understanding. If ever a poet inspires within you that love for the eternal, everlasting, the infinite and divine...look no further than Rumi.
Lao Tzu
Mr. Lao Tzu, author of Tao Te Ching, was my first introduction to the teachings of an ancient Chinese philosophy called Taoism. This book tapped into my Eastern mindset and unlocked a vocabulary of insights that I didn't know existed. The 81 poetic verses opened up my mind to a wisdom that had long eluded me. The flow is gentle, easy to understand and timeless.
Satpal Singh
Mr. Singh turned my understanding of the Sikh faith upside down. He was the first person to reach into my frustration of not understanding the Sikh teachings. He is a fellow human born in England and translated the Guru Granth Sahib into words in English that I understand. Thus began my journey into a realm of consciousness that I did not know existed within me.
Shi Heng Yi
Shifu Shi Heng Yi was the first person to introduce me to a better understanding of the phrase, Spiritual Warrior. He introduced me to a more in-depth understanding of the Shaolin way of life. Interwoven with Buddhist principles and the physical training required for a Warriors mentality resonated so strongly within me that I put them into practice. A new person awoke.
Abraham Hicks
The name is actually Esther Hicks and she channels a non-physical entity she refers to as "Abraham." It took me a while to understand what she was talking about and it finally started to resonate once I started to gain a better appreciation of the "Observer" effect. She refers to a "Vortex of Creation" that aligns positive thoughts and emotions to shape our experiences.
Don Miguel Ruiz
Mr. Ruiz and his books especially "The Four Agreements" and "The Mastery of Love" provided me insights to the Toltec philosophy and a self-aware approach to life. It assisted me with having a straight forward perspective in each moment of thought, word and action. Simple language, easy to read and guided me towards a personal freedom for transforming my life.
Carl Sagan
Mr. Sagan appealed to my logical, scientific and mathematical mind. His calm demeanor, ability to explain things in simple terms and sense of presence appealed to me. The phrase he used "pale blue dot" was and still is inline with my understanding of the material universe and our planet earth.
Christopher Hitchens
Mr. Hitchens perpetuated a train of thought that captivated my philosophical mentality. His logical, reasoned approach appealed to my sense of sensibility. His views balanced my perspective with insights into secularism, humanism and reason. Well spoken and easily understood with a penchant towards scientific discovery and free expression.