Family Programs Mission: provide education, support and resources through community, state, and federal programs, to ensure service members, families, and veterans have the knowledge and resiliency to support mission readiness and retention.
By Mr. David Leonard Director, Family Programs | June 26, 2020
Summer is here! Not a moment too soon-the last few months have been beyond difficult for all of us. But, for now, we can go outside and visit with our families, friends and neighbors. We can catch up with each other and learn what has been happening for those in your life. It is a good time to stay in the moment. More than ever, we need to practice mindfulness; being aware of every moment, every step and letting that be enough. The Buddhist Monk, Thich Nhat Hanh (phonetically pronounced Tic Nat Han) has published many, many books on the practice of mindfulness. The key word here is “practice” because that is what is involved-it isn’t a task that you master or finish-there is no beginning, middle or end to the practice of mindfulness. The best place to start in my opinion is with the master’s The Miracle of Mindfulness which has wonderful examples of mindfulness such as washing the dishes, eating your breakfast, mindfully walking. Sound “new-agey”? Actually, this book was published in 1975 and the tenets Thich Nhat Hanh teaches still hold true. If this is not your cup of tea, that is ok-I hope you are able to enjoy this very brief time we call summer with family and friends in gratitude for each day. DAVID C. LEONARD Director, Family Programs Vermont National Guard (Office) (802)-338-3391 email: david.c.leonard3.civ@mail.mil