In this, my third book, all I can share is those experiences of struggle I’ve had, in four domains. The conflicts have centered around: (1) Loss and Trauma; (2) challenges to find the best Direction, that ‘now, what’ dilemma ; (3) battles to find and empower inner and outer Voice; and (4) conflicts arising from Love, or the appearance of its absence. You will find the four are not distinct entities, but are interwoven with one another. This is so for clients, over the last 50 years, as well. Think of these categories as bumper cars, where when one car hits an obstacle, it sets off a chain reaction. While struggles to survive each experience is painful, it has proven true that the toughest conflicts have been the most prolific seedbed for growth. The urge to grow is embedded in all creation. Blocked growth thwarts development.
Meet Cara Barker
Visionary artist Dr. Cara Lee Barker has spent over 40 years to support the process of Post Traumatic Growth, helping literally thousands of individuals transform their secret suffering into greater strength. Learn about Cara’s journey and be reminded that the process of disappointment and loss doesn’t end with acceptance; the stage of acceptance simply prepares us for deeper connection and collaboration with what helps us thrive. Her work, for close to half a century, focuses on what she calls “the Way of Soul;” aligning life with what nourishes body and soul. Join in to explore and act upon unexpected opportunity to love and be loved to create fuller enjoyment of life.
As first responders and military we are the heroes for everyone else. We are first on the scene to emergencies at home and abroad.
So what then do we do when we are drowning and searching for breath? What do we do when we can’t escape the shadow that follows us in the sun and the darkness? What do we do when our world is spinning out of control and our world is falling apart?
I know this world. I lived under the rough seas and the shadow of PTS(D) for 10 years. As a Navy Rescue Swimmer with service in the special operations community and as a firefighter, I embraced the suck! It took me 10 years to discover what is embraced, embraces you back. I wrote this book to share my journey and show you it is possible to reclaim fun, fitness and fortitude. It is possible to come out from under the shadow and the depths.
It is possible to Reclaim Your Hero and transform your pain into power and thrive. Numquam Deficio! Never quit! Hooyah!
Meet Mathew Grace
Mathew Grace is a devoted father, a Retired Navy Rescue Swimmer, Professional Firefighter, speaker and mentor. He discovered how to Reclaim his Hero and free himself from a 10 year battle with PTS(D). His mission is to show veterans and first responders how to break through the powerlessness, overwhelm and darkness of PTS(D) so they can reclaim confidence, movement and freedom once again. Hooyah!
Ever wonder what you loved one really thinks and feels about his combat related experiences ? Especially those events in a war zone that he will not open up and talk about … to you or anybody else? From the Preface of Season of Sorrows: Post Traumatic Disorder In The Combat Veteran reads in part “Season of Sorrows makes me smile, laugh, hurt and cry. You are painting a picture of war that few people have or will ever experience. It is important that you do this. I hope that these writings find their way to a larger audience than those of us privileged few who are experiencing them. War, to this generation, is a fictional activity, confined to movies and video games. Many of my students, when I was teaching high school, were intrigued by Vietnam and could only see what they thought was the glory and “coolness” of combat. The most asked question was “Did you ever kill anyone?” What bothered me was the way the question was asked, like wow, you were really cool if you had actually killed another human being. I thank God I was never put in the position where I had to. Their impressions were reinforced by the media coverage of Desert Storm, in which war was portrayed as a sterile video game like experience. I hope however, that you can find some way to publish Season of Sorrows in print also. This generation, and future generations need to hear not only your experiences but they need to hear your feelings and get even just a small glimpse of your hurt, fear and emotion. I know they will probably not be able to fully understand all they will read or hear, but even if they get just one small percentage point of understanding, they and society as a whole, will be the better for it.” If your loved one’s mental pain is more than you can stand or is now past your family’s understanding and patience, Season of Sorrows lets you in his/her world.
