Veteran Retreats
The Forward Assist Veteran Retreats
Every year Forward Assist take veterans on a life changing veteran retreats in rural France and/or England. In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of slow living has emerged as a powerful antidote to the stress and chaos that often characterise modern life. Rooted in mindfulness and intentionality, slow living encourages individuals to decelerate, prioritise what truly matters, and savour the present moment. For veterans, who often face unique psychological challenges stemming from their service, slow living retreats offer a transformative space to heal, reflect, and rebuild their sense of self.
The essence of slow living lies in creating a harmonious relationship with time. It encourages individuals to break free from the relentless pursuit of productivity and instead embrace a lifestyle that fosters presence and balance. Psychological research highlights the benefits of slowing down, including reduced stress, improved mental health, and enhanced overall well-being.
At its core, slow living aligns with mindfulness, a practice proven to alleviate anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By focusing on the present moment and engaging in purposeful activities, individuals cultivate a sense of calm and clarity. This approach counters the hypervigilance and heightened arousal often experienced by veterans with PTSD, offering them a pathway to reclaim their mental and emotional equilibrium.
The principles of slow living—mindfulness, simplicity, and connection—are particularly relevant for veterans who may struggle with reintegration into civilian life. Many veterans grapple with feelings of isolation, alienation, and difficulty finding purpose post-service. Slow living encourages them to reconnect with themselves, their communities, and the natural world, fostering a renewed sense of belonging and meaning.
Veterans often endure physical, emotional, and psychological scars from their time in service. The transition from the structured and high-stress environment of the military to the unpredictability of civilian life can be overwhelming. Additionally, the cumulative effects of combat exposure, loss, and moral injury can lead to chronic stress, substance use disorders, and difficulties in maintaining relationships.
For many veterans, traditional therapeutic approaches may feel impersonal or insufficient. Slow living retreats offer a complementary avenue for healing by addressing these challenges holistically. By integrating elements of nature, mindfulness, and community support, these retreats create an environment conducive to profound psychological and emotional recovery.
Slow living veterans’ retreats are designed to provide a sanctuary where former service members can escape the demands of everyday life and focus on healing. Nature plays a central role in these retreats. Time spent in natural settings has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, improve mood, and enhance overall mental health. For veterans, who may have experienced trauma in harsh and hostile environments, reconnecting with nature can be deeply restorative.
Community is another vital aspect of these retreats. Shared experiences foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding among participants, helping them feel less isolated. Group activities and discussions encourage veterans to share their stories, offer support, and learn from one another’s journeys.
Furthermore, the intentional slowing down of pace during these retreats allows veterans to process their experiences and emotions without the pressure of deadlines or expectations.
Similarly, we have a partnership arrangement with the Boulder Crest Foundation in the USA and later this year we will be taking six military veterans to stay in their fantastic retreat in Virginia. Past participants have found the experience life changing. You can read more about this fantastic initiative here: https://bouldercrest.org/
