1. INTRO & OVERVIEW

Disclaimer: This program is intended solely to encourage and support individuals who are seeking overall well-being, mental and emotional resilience, and a healthy mindset. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is in crisis or experiencing thoughts of suicide, please reach out to a mental health professional, a counselor, or a trusted individual who can provide immediate assistance. In case of an emergency, call your local emergency services or a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or Text 988 for The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Remember that there are people who care about you and want to help. You are not alone in this. Please seek help immediately.

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‍Introduction/Forward

 

In the heart of every veteran and first responder lies a unique story, etched with the memorable  marks of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. These individuals, who have dedicated their lives to protecting and serving our communities and nation, often bear the weight of extraordinary traumas. Their paths are lined with challenges that can profoundly affect their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

 

The mission of the Grunt Style Foundation is rooted in unwavering support for these heroes, offering a lifeline to those who have selflessly given so much of themselves. As we walk this path alongside our fellow veterans and first responders, we recognize that true healing extends far beyond the confines of the physical body. It encompasses the intricate interplay of body, soul, and spirit, weaving a tapestry of holistic well-being that deserves our utmost attention.

 

The Triangular Compass: Holistic Healing of Body, Soul, and Spirit, the culmination of our collective efforts, seeks to address the intricate dimensions of well-being that are often overlooked. This book stands as a testament to our commitment to helping veterans and first responders not merely survive, but thrive. It is a beacon of hope, offering a roadmap towards rediscovering balance and harmony in their lives, even after enduring the most harrowing of experiences.

 

Within these pages, you will find a tapestry of wisdom, insight, and practical guidance from experts in the field of holistic healing. From physical rehabilitation, productive activities and  nutrition to mindfulness, emotional resilience, and spiritual nourishment. Our  goal is to provide a comprehensive toolkit that empowers those who have served to regain control of their lives.

 

But this book is not merely a collection of knowledge; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of our heroes. It is a tribute to their resilience and an acknowledgment of the unique challenges they face. Through the power of holistic healing, we hope to illuminate the path towards inner peace, restoration, and a balanced life—a life that not only honors their service, but allows them to thrive in its wake. The ultimate secret of the Triangular Compass is that the true azimuth you must follow leads within.

 

As you embark on this transformative journey within these pages, may you find solace, inspiration, and the tools to embark on your own path of holistic healing. May the wisdom contained herein serve as a beacon of light, guiding our veterans and first responders towards a future brimming with vitality, purpose, and the well-deserved harmony they seek.

 

This We’ll Defend.

 

William Wisner

Executive Director

Grunt Style Foundation

September 2023

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Compass Overview

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The pursuit of optimal health and wellness requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses the entirety of one's being - body, soul, and spirit. The Triangular Compass serves as a valuable framework for achieving this, enabling you to take charge of your own well-being and elevate the quality of your life. By recognizing the interconnectedness of these essential elements, you can empower yourself to become the master of your own health and happiness.

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In your time of service, you’ve seen things that you probably wish you didn’t see. You have felt things you wish you had not. For a long time, you may have even avoided getting any kind of help. But if you’re open to it, the Triangular Compass can help make you a better spouse, parent or all around person. So that the next time you find yourself struggling, you’ll have someone to have your back.

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At times not only do you find yourself facing physical, mental, emotional stressful situations all the while facing a battle within yourself. One that requires you to tap into your inner resources and strengths even when they’re scarce. Why? Because you have people that are counting on you and expect you to continue be the examplary leader that you know you can be.

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It is time to start taking accountability and ownership for yourself and continue to train in order to be stronger and more dialed in. 

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The Triangular Compass will help you zero in on your true path - your guiding principle or moral compass - to help you make ethical decisions, stay on course in challenging situations, and maintain integrity, values, and honor. 

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Take a look at what a compass represents:

• Triangular = of or involving three parts - body, soul, spirit.
• The four points of the Compass represent the interconnectedness of all our main aspects - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
• The compass signifies guidance, direction, and navigation towards your true north; in this case, towards holistic well-being.  
• Compasses are reminders that you are free to choose the course of your life as you wish.

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The opportunity here is to create a resource that can be used by those who need it as a way to check their mental health in real-time. It's not enough to rely on occasional appointments with a health professional, as one's mental state can change from day to day. In any service roles,, there are pre and post assessments for everything, we should be applying this to our every day if necessary. This allows us to reflect, make adjustments, and re-engage. The Triangular Compass aims to support those who have served and provide them with resources so they can assess themselves and combat any negative feelings they may be experiencing.

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As you know very well, those who have served their country and their community often encounter a range of challenges when accessing health services despite being entitled to said benefits. The Triangular Compass is doing their part by joining in the efforts to address these challenges.

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As you begin this transformative journey with our workbook, we strongly encourage you to be patient. This workbook is not designed to be a sprint, but rather a fulfilling and enduring marathon of self-discovery and personal growth. Take your time, relish in the process, and proceed at a speed that suits you best. There is absolutely no need to rush; in fact, we implore you to thoroughly enjoy and appreciate each and every step along the way. It is completely acceptable to pause, reflect, and even take breaks whenever necessary. 

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The valuable insights you’ll gain and the positive changes you’ll make require time and nurturing, much like a garden that thrives with careful attention and cultivation. Therefore, as you delve into the pages of this workbook, understand that you are embarking on an ongoing journey of self-improvement and leadership development. 

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Embrace this opportunity with an open heart and a sense of tranquility, as the most significant growth often occurs when we grant ourselves the grace to evolve at our own pace. 

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS

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Our illnesses and all of our aches and pains are part of the struggles we face in life. In our culture, the most common belief is that we get “sick" with a dis-ease or illness as if it happened to us randomly and out of nowhere. We also tend to identify with the disease by saying, "I have arthritis" or "I have tinnitus." This idea fuels the belief that we have no control or that we’re the victim of the disease.

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There’s an opposite perspective that argues that we have created our own health problems and, if well-adjusted, should be able to "not create" them. It would be inaccurate to say that either of these viewpoints is entirely correct. Why? Because we’re not entirely to blame for the physical symptoms we develop, nor are we completely powerless to them. All symptoms are just part of our natural process and a message from our body and spirit. There is a deep connection between our past hurts and traumas and our current sense of self. When we heal those old wounds, we can feel a sense of wholeness and completion. 

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When you split the word dis-ease, it means there’s a disharmony within you. At the root of all diseases, illnesses, or ailments, there’s an emotional/spiritual component - or a metaphysical aspect to it - that if looked at and considered, can help the healing process.

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Most of us, often think about wellness in terms of physical health — nutrition, exercise, movement, weight management, etc., but it is so much more. It is the active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as...

"...a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." 

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The National Wellness Institute defines it as...

“…a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential.” 

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Wellness is more than freedom from disease, it is a dynamic process of change and growth. It is essential to living a higher quality of life. The things you do and the emotions you feel all contribute to your well-being. Your actions and emotions are directly affected by your well-being and vice versa - it's a continuous cycle. Our state of being directly impacts our well-being. It refers to how balanced we feel on all levels of our being. Whether we're happy, sad, sick, healthy, out of touch with the spirit or not, and how aligned we are or at odds with who we really are. 

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Your ability to lead a fulfilling life and find guidance when you are lost greatly depends on your connection and relationship with your body, soul, and spirit, as these are the three motives that drive us.

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The body is your physical structure, including your bones, flesh, and organs. You use your five senses – sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch – to perceive the physical world through your body. 

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The soul is your immaterial part, often regarded as immortal. Your soul perceives the psychological world through your mind, emotions, and will. Your soul is your personality, who you are. With your soul, you think, reason, consider, remember, and wonder. You experience emotions like happiness, love, sorrow, anger, relief, and compassion. And you are able to resolve, choose, and make decisions.

 

The spirit is the immaterial part of you that connects you to and communicates with God - the divine - the breath of life itself. The spirit perceives the spiritual world or matters of God and it is the deepest part of you. 

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All three aspects are alike, equally important, and interconnected. They affect your overall well-being and quality of life.  No one can live fully if either of those three is cut short of full life and expression.  Your well-being is influenced by your state of being, which includes your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual balance. It determines how happy, healthy, and aligned you are with your true self.

This is what wellness is all about. It is the key to living life to the fullest, in balance, in harmony, and in flow.  

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The Triangular Compass emphasizes the interconnectedness of the various aspects of your life, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. It allows you to work on improving yourself at your core, which is the central or most important part of your being. The idea is to create a synthesis out of your life by integrating and harmonizing the many aspects, experiences, and elements of your life into a cohesive and meaningful whole in a balanced and purposeful manner.

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You are a whole person, not just isolated parts, and it is important to recognize the interconnectedness of the many aspects of you and that they are interdependent and influence each other. It is important to note that, to achieve balance and harmony, you must nurture and foster ALL aspects. Neglecting any one aspect can negatively impact the others, emphasizing the need to maintain equilibrium.

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The triangular compass encourages you to take an active role in your well-being by empowering you with knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about your health and lifestyle and equipping you with coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges, contributing to better mental and emotional health.

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When all aspects of health are in harmony, you will experience improved energy levels, better mood, stronger relationships, and an enhanced quality of life. The triangular compass recognizes that you are more than the sum of your parts and acknowledges the complex interplay of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. 

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Welcome to the Triangular Compass - The Path to a Balanced and Truly Fulfilling Life.

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WELLNESS SELF ASSESSMENT [Current Reality]

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It is important to be in a constant state of growth, if you are not, you are in decay. Each area below is an aspect of your life you’d want to, ideally, grow in, improve, and experience better results in and thus more freedom. In order to do so, we want to be intentional about the actions and steps we need to take to get there.

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Inside each area of this plate, take some time to reflect and write down what is your belief about each area? How do you define it? TIP: We all have our own beliefs that shape our lives. These beliefs affect what we think about ourselves, others, and the world in general. It also has a major impact on our emotions and actions. Consequently, it also influences how successful and happy we are; therefore, beliefs are so important and worth exploring and understanding.

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Next, briefly Describe your current reality in each of this areas. What are you currently experiencing in this area? What are your current results?

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Follow this example:

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Here is a Filled Example

Fill your section in here

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