Such experiences often inflict a soul wound, affecting many aspects of a ... some
degree of healing to the mind, heart, body, and spirit. Within the circle we are ...
Trauma for American Indian Veterans: The Warrior and the Soul Wound Trauma occurs when a person is exposed to an overwhelming experience of fear, death, or horror. Such experiences often inflict a soul wound, affecting many aspects of a person’s life: physical, mental, social, and spiritual.
Military Trauma Many veterans became warriors for honorable reasons: to defend their people, homes, families, and country. But for many, their expectations were shattered by what they faced in war or when they returned home. As a result, veterans may feel: Angry Guilty Anxious or over-reactive Sad, depressed, hurt, or in pain Emotionally numb or empty Lonely, avoidant, or isolated from their families and communities Have nightmares, intrusive thoughts and memories about the war, or flashbacks Loss of faith or spiritual values
Trauma in Indian Country In Indian country, native peoples live with additional wounds that include: separation from native lands, language, culture, and way of life lack of opportunities such as education, housing, and employment health epidemics such as diabetes and alcohol & drug abuse
The Talking Circle Group The traditional Talking Circle is a very old way of bringing native people together in a quiet, respectful manner for the purpose of teaching, listening, learning, and sharing. The circle can be a very powerful means of touching or bringing some degree of healing to the mind, heart, body, and spirit. Within the circle we are encouraged to speak not only from the mind but also from the heart; we are free to share our innermost feelings, if we choose. Regardless of whether one brings a traditional teaching or a personal problem to the circle, all persons are valued, respected, and listened to. There is an Indian belief of: right time/ right place/ right people/ hearing right things. We rely on that belief within the circle. When all who wish have spoken, the circle is closed with a non-denominational prayer. When we leave the circle, all that has been said is kept confidential. The group meets on the first and third Friday of each month at 1PM, according the attached schedule.
Sweat Ceremony At the conclusion of each Talking Circle Group Meeting, veterans are welcome to participate in a Sweat Ceremony, if they wish. The ceremony is conducted by American Indian Talking Circle Group members who have been imparted the spiritual right, skills, and knowledge to conduct a sweat ceremony. Participation is purely voluntary. Veterans are encouraged to arrive and park at the Sweat Lodge area behind Building 10 at noon before the Talking Circle group begins and assist in building the fire for the ceremony. Veterans who choose not to sweat are welcome to remain on the sweat lodge grounds and support those sweating by their presence, words, and prayers.
Talking Circle Group Meetings Group Members are encouraged to park in the Sweat Lodge Parking Area in the morning and assist the Fire Tender in building a fire at around noon for the Sweat Ceremony. Meetings begin at 1PM and are followed by a Sweat Ceremony.
New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque
2007 October 5 October 19 November 2 November 16 December 7 December 21
2008 January 4
November 7
January 18
November 21
February 1
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February 15 March 7
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TALKING CIRCLE GROUP
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April 18 May 2 May 16 June 6 June 20 July 11 July 25 August 8 August 22 September 5 September 19 October 3
New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque PTSD BASE Program “Building Awareness, Support, & Empowerment” Behavioral Care Line (116) Building 1, Office 292 1501 San Pedro Dr., SE Albuquerque, NM 87108-5154 (505) 265-1711 x2447
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