Purple Mountain Institute, Inc.

The Purple Mountain Institute (PMI) mission is integrating mind and body to cultivate inner resources for experiential learning, growing, and healing. The Mindful Veterans Project (MVP) mission is helping Veterans find peace at last, at home in their minds and bodies, one breath at a time. As a thank you, we are offering Purple Yoga Joes to select donation levels.

The Mindful Veterans Project strives to help Veterans, Active Duty, Reservists, and military family members gain peace of mind, greater physical health, and emotional resiliency through Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and drop-in mindfulness classes. MBSR is an evidence based 8 week program created in 1979 by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn at UMASS Medical School, incorporating meditation, yoga, group discussion, and homework. Mindfulness is the awareness gained from paying attention on purpose.
With 15+ years of war, our military members are battle fatigued. MVP is a one of a kind program providing free MBSR and drop in mindfulness classes in Southern Arizona. MBSR classes are typically $725.00 per attendee. MVP works in concert and receives referrals from the VET Center, Veterans Administration, military clinics and a local court. These agencies rely on MVP to provide an alternative to mainstream medicine and an answer to those who could not find relief through other methods.

Testimonials

I attended this workshop first about 3 years ago. I have repeated it one time. I am married to an AF retiree, we took this workshop together, free, as all Vets and family members do. Learning these skills has been life changing for both my husband and me. I have experienced insomnia for decades, these skills have allowed me to sleep better. Even when I don't sleep, using mindfulness meditation allows me to be calm and much less stressed than being awake all night worried about not sleeping! I would strongly recommend this workshop to everyone- you won't know all the ways it might help until you make practice part of your life!

As the spouse of a disabled, retired Air Force veteran awarded the Bronze Star for his bravery, I have attended Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) classes with my husband. These classes are extremely helpful for veterans, active duty, reservists, and military family members dealing with PTSD, TBI, depression, physical pain, sexual assault, or other stressors related to combat and military life. Dr. Teri Davis, the Executive Director, works tirelessly providing free classes to her clients. I have witnessed firsthand veterans suffering from PTSD begin to breathe easier, transition back into social situations, learn to deal with recurring nightmares and painful reactions to loud noises or other sudden events similar to rocket attacks, and find peace where other medical or therapeutic treatments have failed. I urge anyone considering donating to this 501(c)3 nonprofit not to hesitate.

I was diagnosed with PTSD and attended Teri's MBSR classes which were provided through Purple Mountain Institute. I can attest that her mindfulness classes helped reduce my stress and provided me with tools for future use. MBSR is not a cure for PTSD, but it definitely helps control and manage it. I highly recommend Teri and the Purple Mountain Institute.