Volunteer & Teacher Spotlight: Sam Eddy
HOW AND WHY DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH VETERANS YOGA PROJECT?
I first got involved with VYP after contacting an ambassador to learn more about yoga for veterans to help out a veteran family member who was struggling with their own PTSD. I knew very little about how and why yoga could be effective for mental illness and was surprised to learn how much yoga can help veterans who are struggling. The ambassador (CJ Keller) ended up asking me to put together a “Yoga for Vets” day during Veterans Gratitude Week to raise money for VYP as well as awareness for yoga for veterans. We got almost 100 people to come to a day of yoga. Since then I have put forth all my efforts to support this incredible organization.
WHAT DO YOU WISH OTHER PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT VETERANS YOGA PROJECT?
The absolute dedication of ALL of the people involved in VYP. Everyone at VYP not only works to make the lives of veterans better, but everyone involved is also on their own journey of yoga as well. The selflessness and enthusiasm to serve our service members are beautifully apparent in every interaction I have through VYP.
WHAT MIGHT SOMEONE BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
I think most people who meet me are surprised I am interested in serving veterans. I not only work with VYP but also am doing my Doctorate with an emphasis on mindfulness and military trauma. Serving veterans has become my career path, in large part due to VYP. It’s a pretty simple answer for me when I am asked why I am interested in working with the military population, and it simply comes down to serving those who have served. Aside from all the political topics, aside from our differing thoughts on war and violence, serving those who have served is of utmost importance, and I am quite honored to be doing so.
Learn more about how to become a yoga teacher with VYP and join our VYP Teachers Alliance.
