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Warriors' Ascent is a non-profit organization based in Kansas City. It was started by combat veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress.


Warriors' Ascent "...seeks to support our nation's Warriors by using evidence-based methods to teach Warriors how to access their own internal healing mechanisms." 


It's a network of Warriors helping and leading each other through the healing process.


I was lucky enough to take part in one of their cohorts and document the journey the participants started that week.

Awaiting the Warriors. Each participant gets a water bottle, journal, and lacrosse ball used to massage trigger areas on the body.
Awaiting the Warriors. Each participant gets a water bottle, journal, and lacrosse ball used to massage trigger areas on the body.
Day 1: Warriors arrive. Many bring their dogs. Animals are therapeutic and welcome at Warriors' Ascent.
Day 1: Warriors arrive. Many bring their dogs. Animals are therapeutic and welcome at Warriors' Ascent.
Adam Magers makes introductions and lays out the week.
Adam Magers makes introductions and lays out the week.
Bill W., an Iraq War Veteran who was wounded in action, takes notes on how trauma affects the brain.
Bill W., an Iraq War Veteran who was wounded in action, takes notes on how trauma affects the brain.
A break to stretch the legs and have a smoke. Bill describes the long drive from Kentucky to Warriros' Ascent in Parkville, MO.
A break to stretch the legs and have a smoke. Bill describes the long drive from Kentucky to Warriros' Ascent in Parkville, MO.
Bill is a Iraq veteran wounded in service. He lost his thumb as well as sustained injuries to his knees, hand, and face.
Bill is a Iraq veteran wounded in service. He lost his thumb as well as sustained injuries to his knees, hand, and face.
Former Navy SEAL and therapist, Walt Disney, discusses how the brain can heal itself and sets up a safe environment for discussion for the rest of the week.
Former Navy SEAL and therapist, Walt Disney, discusses how the brain can heal itself and sets up a safe environment for discussion for the rest of the week.
Daniel B., former Army Ranger, Iraq Veteran, and Purple Heart recipient, puts the rules for safety on display.
Daniel B., former Army Ranger, Iraq Veteran, and Purple Heart recipient, puts the rules for safety on display.
A PTSD therapy dog, Hasta, makes his way from warrior to warrior throughout the week.
A PTSD therapy dog, Hasta, makes his way from warrior to warrior throughout the week.
Participants silently walk the Chartres Labyrinth. Originated around 1200 A.D.  Many comparisons are drawn between ancient warrior stories and the participants themselves. Ancient warriors had a deeper connection to the spiritual and the feminine than the
Participants silently walk the Chartres Labyrinth. Originated around 1200 A.D. Many comparisons are drawn between ancient warrior stories and the participants themselves. Ancient warriors had a deeper connection to the spiritual and the feminine than the
Walking the labyrinth. Alone but sharing the same journey.
Walking the labyrinth. Alone but sharing the same journey.
David J., a combat medic walks the labyrinth.
David J., a combat medic walks the labyrinth.
Everyone joins in the middle in silence acknowledging each person who completed the journey.
Everyone joins in the middle in silence acknowledging each person who completed the journey.
Walt checks in on how the group is feeling.
Walt checks in on how the group is feeling.
Participants line up across from each other, holding each other's gaze.
Participants line up across from each other, holding each other's gaze.
Stepping closer and closer to one another until embracing in a hug.
Stepping closer and closer to one another until embracing in a hug.
Chris S., a retired Air Force Colonel from California, embraces Bill W.
Chris S., a retired Air Force Colonel from California, embraces Bill W.
Humor abounds in this group. It helps create a deep bond among the participants.
Humor abounds in this group. It helps create a deep bond among the participants.
Rob K., former Marine Corps Staff Sgt. and Iraq Veteran with his dog Bella.
Rob K., former Marine Corps Staff Sgt. and Iraq Veteran with his dog Bella.
Adam and the participants join in a discussion about how the dualities in life work together. Teaching the group to embrace the mind and body, feminine and masculine, in order to move towards healing.
Adam and the participants join in a discussion about how the dualities in life work together. Teaching the group to embrace the mind and body, feminine and masculine, in order to move towards healing.
Kerry Steuart, leads the group in yoga.
Kerry Steuart, leads the group in yoga.
Trauma is stored in the body resulting in aches, pains and sickness. Warriors' Ascent teaches that healing mind and body go hand in hand.
Trauma is stored in the body resulting in aches, pains and sickness. Warriors' Ascent teaches that healing mind and body go hand in hand.
Participants are constantly reminded to honor their bodies.
Participants are constantly reminded to honor their bodies.
Anthony Madonia, former Marine Corps Sgt. and Iraq Veteran. Anthony teaches participants about nutrition and exercise.
Anthony Madonia, former Marine Corps Sgt. and Iraq Veteran. Anthony teaches participants about nutrition and exercise.
Assessing their bodies and learning the importance of stretching.
Assessing their bodies and learning the importance of stretching.
Using lacrosse balls to massage trigger points in the body to relieve stress and create balance.
Using lacrosse balls to massage trigger points in the body to relieve stress and create balance.
Nick S., an Iraq Veteran, uses the lacrosse ball to massage trigger points in the shoulder and back to relieve stress and create balance.
Nick S., an Iraq Veteran, uses the lacrosse ball to massage trigger points in the shoulder and back to relieve stress and create balance.
Final day: Climbing harnesses for the Leap of Faith
Final day: Climbing harnesses for the Leap of Faith
Warriors will climb the pole and jump toward the ball hanging at the top. This is a metaphor of jumping in faith away from a hindrance in their lives toward hope and healing.
Warriors will climb the pole and jump toward the ball hanging at the top. This is a metaphor of jumping in faith away from a hindrance in their lives toward hope and healing.
David suits up to go first.
David suits up to go first.
Rob closes his eyes and prepares.
Rob closes his eyes and prepares.
Walt and Dave discuss what he wants to leave behind.
Walt and Dave discuss what he wants to leave behind.
The group is there the whole time listening to and supporting the climber.
The group is there the whole time listening to and supporting the climber.
Dave begins his ascent.
Dave begins his ascent.
At the top he shouts to the others what he is giving up and moving toward.
At the top he shouts to the others what he is giving up and moving toward.
The leap.
The leap.
Joined by his brothers.
Joined by his brothers.
Affirmation abounds in this group.
Affirmation abounds in this group.
Nick discusses what he wants to give up.
Nick discusses what he wants to give up.
Nick's ascent.
Nick's ascent.
The pole sways wildly as Nick gains his balance.
The pole sways wildly as Nick gains his balance.
The leap.
The leap.
Received at the bottom by his brothers.
Received at the bottom by his brothers.
Bill W. contemplates his ascent.
Bill W. contemplates his ascent.
The leap.
The leap.
Bill and Dave embrace the moment Bill's feet touch the ground.
Bill and Dave embrace the moment Bill's feet touch the ground.
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