iRest Meditation
iRest is a deep meditation practice used worldwide for its positive impact on the mind and body. This practice relieves stress and pain, improves sleep, and helps reset your nervous system.
Developed by clinical psychologist Dr. Richard Miller as a meditation technique to help soldiers, veterans, and survivors of natural disasters, Integrative Restoration (later shortened to iRest) was designed to “help us to integrate emotions, thoughts, and psychology, as well as restore us to our true wellness as human beings.” (Learn more about iRest on our blog.)
Used in military and first responder settings as a top-tier approach to mental health & wellness, iRest is rapidly growing in popularity in our guardian communities. In the words of one of our GR Peer Leaders who is a trauma therapist & social worker and has worked in Law Enforcement & Fire:
"iRest is extremely helpful to relax & very beneficial as a healthy new habit. It's worth setting aside the time — stop procrastinating & show up. This is one thing you shouldn't wait to try."
We hope you'll join our next iRest Meditation with Annie:
WHO: Guardians and friends / family welcome (adults)
WHEN: Monday, July 15 @ 8 PM ET
WHERE: Zoom
Note:
Participate with your camera on or off
Be comfortable — seated in a chair, laying in bed, or on the floor
Have a pillow & blanket available
No prior experience with mindfulness or meditation necessary!
About Your Instructor
Annie Okerlin is a C-IAYT, yoga teacher since 1999, and Certified iRest® Instructor.
The daughter of World War II and Korean War veterans, Annie has a deep appreciation for the veterans of our country. She worked with veterans at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington DC starting in 2006, where she worked with the traumatically injured, including amputees, burn victims, those with orthopedic poly-trauma, traumatic brain injuries, spinal-cord injuries, as well as unseen injuries such as PTSD and moral injury.
Annie is one of the nation’s leading experts on adaptive yoga and continues to share yoga & meditation with the military community by teaching classes at the VA hospital, local studios, and in retreat settings. She founded The Exalted Warrior Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports wounded warriors with the seen & unseen issues of traumatic injury.
She is also a Human Performance expert for 02x presenting yoga for resiliency & iRest Yoga Nidra to tactical athletes & first responders nationwide. She is on faculty at Warriors At Ease teaching other yoga teachers how to teach in a military setting.
Experiences
Opportunities for recreation, learning, discussion, and connection
Shared experiences promote community and facilitate the development of meaningful relationships. Each Experience is led by an expert in their field — facilitators may be guardians, civilians, or peer leaders.
Topics include art, writing, fitness, nutrition, health & wellness, professional skills, entrepreneurship, music, outdoor recreation, and more.