“This training, in general, has kinda slowed me down a bit, to stop and show up more prepared in general for work. Even stuff we're doing at home. My wife has noticed some changes in a positive way. I've also not been getting as frustrated with my kids.”
“When I walked through the doors (at work), I was a bit anxious so I took 5 minutes and did some straw breathing before logging in at work.”
“The sessions are fantastic! I love checking in and learning about another topic. My favourite part is hearing how everyone is doing. I thoroughly enjoy the body scan, mindful movement and the breathing exercises. It seems, that I really like ALL of it!”
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"I have calmed down in a major way. I am able to tell the difference between my stuff and other people's stuff and not get caught up in what is not mine. And it works at home too, we get along a lot better and I have more hope."
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“I am so grateful and humbled for the opportunity to help my coworkers learn these tools, for the opportunity to continue to focus on using them myself and to promote a positive cultural shift in the DOC family. I care very much about the wellbeing of my coworkers and I am so grateful to help them as they learn these new skills.”
“I’m noticing the difference now with inmates - if I stop and calm myself, it helps them calm down, helping them come back to the present, instead of continuously yelling about their past.”
“It's my belief that this course provides some valuable tools to help combat work induced stress.”
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“I'm using the breathing practice about every other day.It helps to quiet my kind and helps me relax to go to sleep.”
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“From this course, I can apply the stuff that I've learned here at work and also at home with my family. I get less upset with my kids and they seem to want to spend more time with me, as the new less reactive me.”
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"I am getting more sleep and am less anxious at work. I used to be exhausted all the time but now I am taking better care of myself."
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“The practices help with the inmates. I am more able to forgive them and see them as humans. I'm being more open to them.”
Corrections Officers
Probation/Parole Officers
“It was great to re-connect. People were engaged and I believe happy to continue the program, which I found to be very encouraging.”
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“I’m able to let go of what is not productive so I have fewer battles to deal with than before.”
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“The curriculum drew attention back to caring for myself. I needed an "intervention" and this course helped me find a conscious way back to self-care.”
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“I have realized that if I paid attention to what was going on within, I was able to adjust and respond to it. It has made me a better person and probation officer.”
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“I immediately went to an incident from last week - we had a job fair here, and we had an individual at the beginning that was very loud, obnoxious, disruptive. I took a few minutes to approach this man and listen to him. He just wanted someone to hear him. This man didn't go to jail last week because I took 5 minutes out of my time to listen to him. It all came full circle.”
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“Over the course of weeks of doing this practice, I'm not as easily flustered. I'm using techniques. I'm not as triggered - it was easy for clients to get me riled and ramped up before. I have so much is happening in my life, the transitioning of me, my son is graduating in June and this practice is helping me without feeling overwhelmed.”
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“I feel like I am maturing emotionally and able to handle and communicate my emotions more effectively in the moment."
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“I don't take things as personally as I used to. Now I'm able to let things go. I no longer take home the stress from what takes place during my shift. I know I can deal with things tomorrow. I am sleeping better.”
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“I have more self-awareness and resilience. I am more empowered and have control over myself. I have become more accepting of the fact that I can't control everything but I can take charge of my emotions through mindfulness. I am aware of my ability to decide how to be present in any given moment. I can disconnect from the emotions of my client but still, show them empathy and stay empowered. I have enjoyed this opportunity to look deeper into myself and spend time with like-minded individuals.”
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LEOs
“This is a much-needed course for our department and all of law enforcement nationwide.”
“I am happy to see the agency is providing training progressive towards our health and wellness.”
“Through this training, it kinda brought me out a little bit. I went and got some help with some of the mental stuff I've been going through, my anxiety, and I credit this training. I had a bad reaction to my medicine & the straw breathing & techniques you guys have taught me really kept me calm. I thought I was having a heart attack. I was with my wife and kids, had to slam on the brakes, pull into a parking lot, and the straw breathing saved me I think. Thank you. If I didn't go through some of this training I might have kept freaking out. So thank you very much.”
“Just wanted to send this email to let you know that the class has helped me more than you will ever know. I am becoming so comfortable with myself and who I am. I am starting to enjoy what life throws at me and use it as a tool to continue to grow. Thank you so much.”
“The breathing techniques were the most helpful. Great instructors with respect for our career.”
“I am glad I am able to be a part of this class because with the amount of stress we encounter, there is a chance to recharge and get healthy.”
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“I was pleasantly surprised. I did not know what to expect, but I finished the course with a positive opinion.”
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“I was hesitant about this class at first because of how it might differ from the way we are trained, but I have related a lot and am grateful for taking this course.”