Mindfulness is not just a wellness practice; it’s a way of being, a framework for navigating life’s challenges with focus, intention, and clarity. The concept of mindfulness was forged as a Navy Corpsman, where caring for Marines on and off the battlefield required tactical precision and emotional resilience. Whether I was stabilizing an injured Marine under fire, preparing a weapon for accurate engagement, or simply offering a listening ear, mindfulness became a tool that allowed me to stay present and effective.
Mindfulness in the Military: Precision and Care
In the military, mindfulness is often found in the small, deliberate actions that require our full attention. One of the most vivid examples for me comes from shooting. Timing the pull of the trigger with the natural rhythm of your breath—firing on the exhale—is a practice of mindfulness in its purest form. It requires you to tune into your body, focus on the task, and block out distractions, ensuring that every shot is intentional and precise. Similarly, zeroing a weapon (BZO) is a metaphor for mindfulness. When you BZO a rifle, you align the sights with the intended point of impact, recalibrating until you know with confidence that the weapon is accurate. It’s not a one-and-done process; conditions change, and adjustments are often necessary. Mindfulness is about doing the same with myself—regularly checking in, assessing where I stand, and making the adjustments required to stay aligned with my goals and values.
The Corpsman Perspective: Caring Under Fire
As a Corpsman, mindfulness took on another layer of importance. In the chaos of battle, treating a Marine wasn’t just about following protocols—it was about staying calm and present, even when the stakes were life and death. Whether stopping a bleed, setting a splint, or delivering life-saving interventions, I had to focus on the moment, tune out the noise, and trust my training. Shooting and medical care shared a common thread: the need for precision under pressure. Just as I learned to steady my breathing before pulling the trigger, I found myself using mindful breathing to stay calm and focused while treating injuries. Each task required a balance of focus, clarity, and emotional regulation—all hallmarks of mindfulness.
Mindfulness Off the Battlefield: Supporting My Marines
Off the battlefield, mindfulness remained a cornerstone of my role as a Corpsman. Many Marines carried invisible wounds—stress, trauma, or the weight of shared losses. In those moments, mindfulness meant being fully present for them, offering support without judgment, and creating a space where they could process their experiences. It was about listening deeply, responding empathetically, and reminding them they weren’t alone. These moments taught me that mindfulness isn’t just about managing my emotions—it’s also about being a steady presence for others. Whether treating physical wounds or helping someone through an emotional struggle, mindfulness allowed me to focus on what mattered most: the well-being of the person in front of me.
Mindfulness in Transition: A New Mission
When my time in service ended, mindfulness lessons continued to guide me. Transitioning to civilian life felt like stepping into a world where the rules and expectations were unfamiliar. Military life's structured, mission-driven nature gave way to a more open-ended reality. However, the skills I had honed as a Corpsman and in tactical operations helped me navigate this shift. Mindfulness reminded me to breathe through moments of uncertainty, recalibrate my expectations, and approach this new mission with the same focus and intention I had applied to BZOing a weapon. It also taught me to be patient with myself, recognizing that transitions take time and that every adjustment is part of the process.
Mindfulness as a Lifelong Practice
For me, mindfulness is more than staying present—it’s about precision, alignment, and purpose. Mindfulness connects everything, whether I’m on the range, treating an injured Marine, or navigating life’s transitions.
Here’s what mindfulness means to me:
1. Precision in Action: From pulling the trigger on the exhale to managing a life-threatening injury, mindfulness allows me to act with clarity and intention, even under pressure.
2. Recalibration and Alignment: Just as I would BZO a weapon to ensure it was on target, mindfulness helps me regularly assess and adjust my thoughts, emotions, and actions to stay aligned with my values.
3. Connection with Others: Mindfulness fosters empathy and presence, allowing me to support others struggling with physical wounds or emotional challenges.
4. Resilience in Transition: Mindfulness has been my anchor during change, helping me adapt, grow, and find purpose in each new chapter of my life.
The Mission Continues
Mindfulness is the bridge that connects my military service lessons with civilian life's opportunities. It’s what allowed me to stay calm and focused while caring for Marines on the battlefield and helps me navigate the complexities of life today. Whether I’m zeroing a rifle, reflecting on my journey, or simply sitting with my thoughts, mindfulness reminds me to stay grounded, intentional, and in alignment with my purpose. For me, mindfulness isn’t just a practice—it’s a way of being. It’s about showing up fully, for myself and others, every moment, no matter the circumstances.
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