LAST UPDATE: 03MAY2026
BREATHE IN COURAGE,
BREATHE OUT FEAR
An alternative Virtual Mental Health Campaign Providing A.I.R. (Advocacy, Info, Resources) to Breathe For the Embetterment of U.S. Veterans. 🌬🇺🇸
ABOUT
"Maybe we all have darkness inside of us and some of us are better at dealing with it than others."
~ Jasmine Warga,
My Heart and Other Black Holes
Your Center in the StormAt Zen Force, we believe that mental wellness isn't just a personal goal—it is a fundamental necessity for a fulfilling life. We serve as a holistic "internal command" for the entire veteran community, offering a supportive space to build the psychological and spiritual resilience needed to navigate life after service.A Sanctuary for All Who ServedThe veteran journey is as diverse as the people who take it. We recognize that "service" means many things:* For those navigating deep trauma, whether from combat, MST, or personal life challenges, we offer a path toward healing.
* For those facing systemic hurdles, including housing instability or the justice system, we provide a bridge to stability.
* For those who are thriving, we offer the tools to maintain that balance and stay grounded in a fast-paced world.No matter your background, rank, or history, Zen Force provides a virtual sanctuary built on our A.I.R. framework:* Advocacy: Ensuring your voice is heard and your needs are prioritized.
* Information: Providing clear, accessible knowledge to help you make informed life choices.
* Resources: Connecting you to the tangible support systems that facilitate growth.Our CommitmentOur mission is to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and replace it with a culture of proactive well-being. By providing a direct line to life-saving information and community support, Zen Force acts as a steady, persistent ally against isolation.We are dedicated to ensuring that every individual who has worn the uniform has the space to breathe, the tools to fortify their mind, and the clarity to move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
HEALTH
PROGRAMS & TOOLS
#INVISIBLE"Mental illness
People assume you aren’t sick
unless they see the sickness on your skin like scars forming a map of all the ways you’re hurting.
My heart is a prison of Have you tried?
Have you tried exercising?
Have you tried eating better?
Have you tried not being sad, not being sick?
Have you tried being more like me?
Have you tried shutting up?
Yes, I have tried. Yes, I am still trying, and yes, I am still sick.
Sometimes monsters are invisible, and sometimes demons attack you from the inside.
Just because you cannot see the claws and the teeth does not mean they aren’t ripping through me.
Pain does not need to be seen to be felt.
Telling me there is no problem
won’t solve the problem.
This is not how miracles are born.
This is not how sickness works."~ Emm Roy,
The First Step
Cultivating Wellness: Education for a Balanced LifeThe health and wellness landscape is often defined by its complexity, but the foundation of lasting vitality lies in finding your peace through accessible, evidence-based education. To support this journey, we have curated a selection of high-quality wellness courses available through Alison, designed to empower you with the tools needed for comprehensive self-care and personal growth.These resources cover a diverse spectrum of health domains, ranging from nutritional science and physical fitness to mental health resilience and mindfulness practices. Whether you are interested in understanding the mechanics of holistic health, exploring the benefits of yoga, or learning practical stress-management techniques, these courses provide a structured path toward a more balanced life. By focusing on personal wellness and sustainable habits, you can develop a personalized toolkit that honors your unique journey.We invite you to explore these educational opportunities as a way to invest in your long-term well-being. Each module serves as a stepping stone toward clarity and strength, encouraging you to move forward with intention. Take a moment to browse the topics, engage with the material at your own pace, and remember to breathe in courage, breathe out fear.
Navigating Your Journey with ConfidenceAt Zen Force, our mission is to provide you with a comprehensive bridge to the advocacy and support you deserve. However, as you explore this resource page, we encourage you to move forward with an active and discerning mind. Finding your peace requires a foundation of trust, and that starts with your own "internal command." While we strive to curate high-quality information, please understand that the presence of an organization or service on this list does not constitute an official endorsement or a guarantee of their specific practices.Before making any personal or financial commitments, it is essential to perform your own due diligence. Take the time to verify the credentials, current standing, and community reputation of any group you consider engaging with. Just as you maintain clarity in other areas of your life, use that same focus here to ensure an organization’s values align with your own. As you evaluate these options, remember to trust your intuition, ask the necessary questions, and ensure that every step you take supports your long-term wellness and stability. Your path is unique, and your safety is the priority.
Revolutionizing Veteran Wellness: A Deep Dive into EvidationFor many veterans, the transition from active duty to civilian life involves more than just a change of scenery; it requires a fundamental shift in how one manages health and wellness. In the military, health is often mission-oriented and strictly monitored. In the civilian world, the responsibility falls squarely on the individual. Evidation is a digital health platform that bridges this gap, offering veterans a way to reclaim their health narrative through data, research, and tangible rewards.With nearly five million members, Evidation is not just another fitness tracker. It is a comprehensive ecosystem designed to measure "health in everyday life." For the veteran community, it represents a powerful tool for monitoring chronic conditions, contributing to medical breakthroughs that affect former service members, and earning a bit of extra income—all while simply living your life.What is Evidation?At its core, Evidation is a mobile app (available on iOS and Android) that rewards you for engaging in healthy behaviors. It acts as a "hub" for your health data, connecting to over 20 popular apps and wearables, including Apple Health, Google Fit, Fitbit, Samsung Health, and Oura.Once connected, Evidation quietly aggregates data on your steps, sleep, and heart rate. But it goes beyond passive tracking. The app presents "Cards"—interactive tasks that include:* Health Surveys: Sharing your lived experience with specific conditions.
* Daily Check-ins: Logging your mood, pain levels, or symptoms.
* Educational Content: Reading evidence-based articles tailored to your health profile.The Reward SystemEvidation operates on a point system. For every healthy action—from walking 10,000 steps to logging your sleep—you earn points.* 10,000 points = $10.
* Rewards can be redeemed via PayPal, direct deposit, gift cards, or donated to charities.For a veteran, this is more than just "beer money." It is a form of positive reinforcement that validates the effort you put into maintaining your physical and mental readiness.Why Evidation Matters for VeteransThe veteran experience is unique, often marked by specific health challenges such as musculoskeletal injuries, PTSD, or exposure-related conditions. Evidation has recognized this by forming direct initiatives with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Veterans Health Administration Innovation Ecosystem (VHAIE).1. The "Heart Health on Evidation" ProgramOne of the most significant veteran-centric features is the Heart Health program, co-developed with the American College of Cardiology. This initiative was specifically marketed to veterans to help them understand cardiovascular risks outside of a clinical setting.* Remote Monitoring: It allows veterans to track activity, mood, and weight data over time.
* Direct Insights: Participants receive weekly summary reports that help them spot trends before they become emergencies.
* Accessibility: Since many veterans live far from VA medical centers, this digital "check-in" provides a sense of security and continuity of care.2. Mental Health and Symptom TrackingVeterans often deal with "invisible wounds." Evidation’s daily mood and symptom tracking cards provide a structured way to monitor mental wellness. By logging how you feel each day, you create a digital diary of your health. This data is invaluable when speaking with a VA doctor, as it replaces "I think I’ve been feeling okay" with "Here is a 30-day chart showing my sleep quality vs. my anxiety levels."3. Impactful Research (The "Veteran Voice")The VA and research institutions frequently use Evidation to conduct "real-world" studies. By participating, veterans ensure that future medical treatments are designed with their specific biology and service history in mind.> Note: Evidation is built on a "consent-first" model. You choose which studies to join, and your data is never sold without your explicit permission.Navigating the App: A Veteran’s GuideTo get the most out of Evidation, it helps to approach it with the same discipline you used in service. Here is how to optimize your experience:Step 1: Secure ConnectionDownload the app and sync it with your primary health tracker. If you use a Fitbit or Garmin for your workouts, ensure they are linked so you don't leave points (and data) on the table. For those who rely on the VA's "Annie" app or other digital tools, Evidation acts as a complementary layer that rewards the work you are already doing.Step 2: Engaging with "Cards"Make it a morning "muster" to check your Evidation Cards. Many of these take less than 60 seconds to complete. For veterans, look for cards specifically tagged for Veteran Community Insights. These surveys often ask about your use of VA services, barriers to care, and military history, helping the platform advocate for better veteran health resources.Step 3: Monitoring the "My Health" DashboardThe dashboard provides a "big picture" view. Use the Points History screen to see where you are succeeding. Are you earning most of your points from sleep? Perhaps it’s time to focus on movement. Are your heart rate trends shifting? This dashboard provides the situational awareness needed to make proactive health decisions.Privacy and Trust: A Critical FactorVeterans are rightfully protective of their personal information. Evidation addresses this through a high standard of transparency:* Ownership: You own your data. You can disconnect apps or request data deletion at any time.
* Transparency: Before joining a research study, the app clearly explains what data will be collected, who will see it, and how it will be used.
* No Selling: Unlike many "free" apps, Evidation explicitly states they do not sell your personal information to third-party advertisers.The Bottom Line for VeteransEvidation is more than a "get paid to walk" app; it is a platform for health empowerment. For the veteran who feels like a number in a large healthcare system, Evidation offers a way to feel seen and heard. It rewards the daily grind of staying healthy and provides a bridge to the latest medical research.Whether you are managing a service-connected disability, training for a civilian career, or simply trying to stay active, Evidation provides the data and the incentive to keep moving forward.
PREVENTION
Is It Time to Reframe our Approach to Veteran Suicide Prevention?
A Science-Based Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide: There's Room at the Table for Everyone
Simple ways Veterans can protect against suicide risk right now
How to Access Mental Health Care for Military Members and Veterans
From Busy to Balanced: How to Practice Niksen for a More Balanced Life - The Simplicity Habit ☯️
Meditation And Mindfulness Have a Dark Side We Rarely Talk About : ScienceAlert ☯️
Venting Doesn't Reduce Anger, But Something Else Does, Review Finds : ScienceAlert ☯️
Safeguarding Your Path: A Guide to Proactive SupportAt Zen Force, we are committed to providing a reliable bridge to the advocacy and resources you’ve earned. As you explore these prevention and support services, we encourage you to maintain the same "internal command" that has guided you through your toughest missions. Finding your peace begins with a foundation of trust—one built on your own discernment and clarity.While we strive to curate high-quality resources, the presence of an organization on this list does not constitute an official endorsement. Your safety and stability are the priority; therefore, we ask that you approach each option with an active and discerning mind.The Mission: Due DiligenceBefore making any personal or financial commitments, it is essential to conduct your own "reconnaissance." To ensure an organization’s values align with your own, consider the following steps:* Verify Credentials: Research the current standing and professional certifications of any group you consider engaging with.
* Assess Reputation: Look for community feedback and veteran-specific reviews to gauge their effectiveness.
* Trust Your Intuition: If a service doesn't feel like the right fit for your unique journey, continue your search.
* Ask Direct Questions: Never hesitate to ask for clarity on specific practices or long-term goals.Just as you maintain focus in the field, use that same precision here. Take the time to ensure every resource you choose reinforces your long-term wellness. Your path is yours to define, and your vigilance ensures it remains a secure one.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
"Poor mental health is no excuse for bad behavior. So, as we heal, we must also be mindful of how we treat others, release ourselves from always “playing the victim,” take personal responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves accountable. Like it or not, we must live in this world with others, to whatever degree. Therefore, activate and enhance your CPT/DBT skills, not only for yourself but to also aid in improving human dynamics."~ THE ZEN FORCE TEAM ~
Owning Your Growth: The Path of Personal Accountability"Personal development" is the engine of your transition. Through Zen Force, this process is viewed as more than just a series of milestones; it is the intentional act of building your "internal command." However, a vital part of finding your peace is recognizing that our internal struggles do not exist in a vacuum. While the scars of service or the weight of mental health challenges are real, they do not grant us a pass on how we engage with the world around us.True resilience is built on the understanding that poor mental health is no excuse for bad behavior. As we do the hard work of healing, we must remain hyper-vigilant about how we treat our families, our peers, and our communities. Growth requires us to release the heavy, stagnant identity of "playing the victim" and instead step into the power of personal responsibility. When we take ownership of our actions and hold ourselves accountable, we stop being defined by what happened to us and start being defined by how we respond.Like it or not, we must live in this world with others. Our healing is personal, but its impact is social. To bridge the gap between struggle and stability, it is essential to activate and enhance practical toolkits like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These aren't just clinical acronyms; they are mission-critical skills. CPT helps us challenge the stuck points in our thinking, while DBT provides the emotional regulation needed to navigate high-stakes human dynamics without breaking.By sharpening these skills, you aren't just aiding your own recovery—you are improving the dynamics of every room you walk into. You become a "Zen Force" for others, modeling the clarity and discipline that defines our community. Your journey toward wellness is a marathon of accountability. Embrace the challenge, trust the process, and remember: every step you take to master your mind is a step toward a more stable, purposeful life.
Find Your Peace: A Curated Listening GuideThe journey toward healing and finding your peace is rarely a straight line. To support our Veteran community’s pursuit of Post Traumatic Growth and Post Traumatic Purpose, we have curated a premier selection of podcasts designed to inform, inspire, and empower. This collection bridges the gap between deep psychological insight and the raw beauty of human storytelling, offering a roadmap for both personal growth and veteran advocacy.Our selection features world-renowned experts like Dr. Ramani Durvasula and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, who provide essential frameworks for navigating toxic dynamics and understanding how the body processes trauma. For those seeking mental resilience, The Daily Stoic and What’s This Tao All About? offer timeless philosophical tools to maintain balance in a chaotic world.We also prioritize narrative connection through shows like Proxy and Heavyweight, which explore the profound power of empathy and resolution. Whether you are building leadership skills with Brené Brown or seeking practical wellness habits with Ten Percent Happier, these resources are chosen to help you navigate life’s "messy middle" with courage. Dive into these voices to strengthen your advocacy work and reclaim your narrative.
Join Travis Howze—veteran, first responder, and comedian—for an unfiltered exploration of resilience and purpose. Drawing from hysterical highs and traumatic lows, Travis engages directly with listener questions to create a unique, community-driven experience. Whether you need a laugh, a cry, or inspiration, this is your space to stop existing and start living.
Inspired by the TED series, host Chris Duffy talks with thinkers and creators to find insights on how we can improve ourselves and show up better for the people around us.
Devi Brown explores higher consciousness and the complexity of being human. It’s a gentle, supportive space for those working on personal healing and finding their peace.
Host Shankar Vedantam explores the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior. It’s a fascinating look at the "why" behind the things we do and feel.
Jay Shetty shares conversations with experts and celebrities designed to help you build better habits and live a more intentional, healed life.
In this episode of Healthy Brain Happy Body, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk discusses his landmark research on trauma recovery. He explores how scientific advancements translate into effective treatments, focusing on how the body stores traumatic experiences and the importance of somatic awareness in finding a path toward lasting peace.
AUDIOBOOKThe Body Keeps the Score is Dr. Bessel van der Kolk’s landmark exploration of how trauma physically reshapes the brain and body. This audiobook details how survivors can move beyond traditional talk therapy by utilizing somatic treatments—like yoga, neurofeedback, and EMDR—to rewire their nervous systems and reclaim their lives.
Retired Navy SEAL Commander Mark Divine explores his "5 Mountain" training path to develop your mental, physical, emotional, intuitive, and Kokoro (heart) self. From philosophy and fitness to elite performance, this podcast provides a holistic framework for building an unbeatable mind and finding your inner strength through integrated leadership and resilience.
From the former co-host of Invisibilia, this show is "emotional investigative journalism." Yowei finds someone who has lived through a problem nearly identical to yours to see what a conversation between the two of you can reveal.
Jonathan Goldstein helps people return to a specific, pivotal moment in their past to seek closure or answers. It shares the narrative "investigative" feel of Proxy.
Dr. Joy Harden Bradford makes mental health and personal development accessible, focusing on the small decisions that help you become the best version of yourself.
Often called the "world's best human guinea pig," Tim Ferriss interviews top performers to find the specific tools, tactics, and routines they use. If you like the investigative, problem-solving nature of Proxy, you’ll appreciate how Tim deconstructs complex lives into actionable advice.
Dr. Ramani’s approach is a perfect real-world example of Post Traumatic Purpose. She teaches survivors that they aren't "broken," but rather that their healthy traits (honesty, empathy, integrity) were weaponized against them. This aligns seamlessly with the veteran advocacy and wellness recovery work you are doing.
Everyone deserves to be seen, soothed, and truly understood. This podcast illuminates your unique healing journey, offering empathy and hope as you focus on finding your peace. Through conversations with leading trauma experts, we share insights and practical support to empower you to heal, grow, and move forward with strength.
Sarah May provides an "emotional toolkit" for creating positive change. It’s perfect if you like the actionable takeaways of How to Be a Better Human delivered with a personal, empathetic touch.
Dr. Santos looks at the scientific research on happiness, often finding that what we think will make us happy is actually the opposite of what the data shows.
Meredith Goldstein explores stories of the human heart. It often features narrative-heavy episodes that look at the intricacies of relationships and personal growth.
Brené Brown explores the ideas, stories, and research that help us understand ourselves and each other better. It’s deeply conversational and focuses on the courage it takes to be vulnerable, making it a natural companion to How to Be a Better Human.
In this podcast, Ashdin Doctor provides practical, bite-sized strategies for building sustainable daily routines. It focuses on how small, consistent habits can transform your lifestyle, mental clarity, and long-term productivity.Why this show is most relevant:• Veteran Voices: It frequently features guests like Angie Peacock, a U.S. Army veteran and trauma-informed coach, who discusses "rebuilding a human from scratch" and navigating the mental health system.• Actionable Wisdom: Much like your interest in The Body Keeps the Score, the show focuses on the "human spirit" and features thought leaders in mindfulness, addiction, and somatic healing.• Peer Support Alignment: It highlights the importance of validation and community in recovery.
Explore a captivating blend of psychology, consciousness, and morality with Mark. From narcissistic abuse and cults to filmmaking and philosophy, this podcast dives deep into the complex layers of human experience. Join the conversation as Mark unpacks whatever is on his mind, offering diverse perspectives to help you in finding your peace.
Empowering Your Choice with ClarityOur mission is to provide a comprehensive bridge to the advocacy and support you deserve. However, as you explore these resources, we encourage you to move forward with a discerning mind. Finding your peace requires a foundation of trust, starting with your own "internal command."While we strive to curate high-quality information, the presence of an organization on this list does not constitute an official endorsement or a guarantee of their specific practices. Before making any personal or financial commitments, it is essential to perform your own due diligence.Take the time to verify the credentials and reputation of any group you consider. Just as you maintain clarity in other areas of your life, use that same focus here to ensure an organization’s values align with your own. As you evaluate these options, remember to:* Trust your intuition and ask necessary questions.
* Verify current standing and community feedback.
* Prioritize your safety and long-term stability above all else.Your journey is unique, and every step you take should support your ultimate well-being.
CONNECT
"With the right set of mind, with the right people, with the right support, things happen." ~Grigor Dimitrov
#BETHERE #BETHE1TO
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