An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 19 improve flexibility, strength, and mobility, they represent just one aspect of a much deeper practice. The Sanskrit word "yoga" means "to yoke" or "to unite" – specifically, to develop awareness of our thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and reactions. For military personnel, this heightened self-awareness translates into better decision-making, improved emotional regulation, and enhanced leadership capabilities. I've had the privilege of teaching yoga to an incredibly diverse range of Defence Forces personnel – from operational deployments, Recruits, Cadets, POTs Courses, Standard Courses, Women's Network groupings, PTI Courses etc. The initial reaction is often scepticism, particularly among personnel who associate yoga with images that don't align with traditional military culture. Social media doesn't help this perception – it's flooded with unrealistic body types performing contortion-style poses that bear little resemblance to authentic yoga practice. These images create unrealistic expectations and can be intimidating for anyone, especially those new to the practice. The reality is far different. True yoga isn't about achieving Instagram-worthy poses or having a perfect physique. It's about working with your body as it is, building awareness, and developing practical tools for physical and mental wellbeing. Time and again, the feedback from military personnel is remarkably consistent: "I thought it was all about the physical aspect, but I felt so calm and grounded afterwards" – or words to that effect. This response comes from seasoned NCOs, young recruits, and everyone in between. This transformation speaks to yoga's ability to provide something our traditional training methods might sometimes miss: tools for internal regulation and mental resilience. Practical Applications Military training teaches us to control our external environment, but yoga's breathing techniques teach us to influence our internal state through conscious breathing. Specific techniques can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reduce stress hormones and promote recovery, whilst others enhance focus and alertness when needed. These are immediately applicable in military contexts – from managing competing demands during a live fire tactical exercise to maintaining composure during a call out with the QRT. The physical postures address common issues in military populations: tight hips from carrying equipment, shoulder tension from body armour, and lower back strain from prolonged sitting or standing. More importantly, they teach us to find stability and ease simultaneously – a quality essential for effective leadership. Each pose becomes an opportunity to practice maintaining calm awareness whilst experiencing physical challenge, directly transferring to our ability to remain centred during operational stress. Perhaps most valuable is yoga's development of present-moment awareness. In tactical situations, this translates to better situational awareness and threat assessment. In leadership roles, it means being fully present with our team members and making decisions from a place of clarity rather than reactivity. Yogic philosophy offers practical wisdom for military life. The concept of "dharma" – righteous duty – aligns closely with our military oath and sense of service. The practice of "ahimsa" – non- violence – doesn't mean avoiding necessary action, but rather ensuring our actions come from a place of protection rather than aggression. "Tapas" – disciplined practice – resonates with military training methodologies, emphasising consistent effort over sporadic intensity. Building Military Resilience The benefits of integrating yoga into military life extend far beyond what most initially expect. Beyond improved flexibility and stress management, personnel often report better sleep quality, enhanced recovery from physical training, improved emotional regulation, and stronger community when practiced in groups. What makes yoga particularly valuable for military personnel is its emphasis on mindfulness and present-moment awareness. In our profession, we're constantly switching between high-stress operational environments and family life, with the potential to carry the intensity of one into the other. Yoga teaches us to be fully present wherever we are – completely focused during operations, yet able to genuinely disconnect and be available to our families when we're home. The breathing techniques and awareness practices provide practical tools for managing the inevitable pressures of military life whilst helping us maintain perspective. Most importantly, yoga reminds us that whilst we serve with dedication and courage, we are more than our rank or role. For fellow Defence Forces personnel considering yoga, approach it with the same openness you'd bring to any new training opportunity. The benefits extend far beyond the mat – into professional performance, personal relationships, and overall quality of life. In a profession that demands we give our best to others, yoga teaches us how to nurture ourselves, ensuring we can continue serving with strength, clarity, and compassion. As the ancient Sanskrit saying reminds us: "Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu" – "May all beings everywhere be happy and free." In military service, we embody this principle daily, working to protect the freedom and wellbeing of others. Yoga simply ensures we include ourselves in that circle of care, maintaining our own strength and balance so we can continue serving effectively for years to come. Comdt Stephen Bunney is currently serving in the Cadet School as Class Officer of the 102nd Cadet Class. He has completed over 500 hours of yoga training with over 4,000 hours of teaching experience, and a background in psychology, leadership and coaching.

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