Before this program, I felt trapped in a cycle of fear and anxiety. I was isolated and unable to connect with others. Now, I see a world of possibilities. I have learned to navigate my energy with mindfulness and compassion, replacing anxiety with a sense of centeredness and connectedness.

The understanding and skills I’ve acquired have become my anchors, allowing me to stay present and regulate my nervous system. I now understand that healing is not a linear path, and setbacks are a natural part of the journey.

My understanding of trauma has deepened, and I’ve learned how it impacts not only the mind but also the body and spirit. I now recognize the intricate connection between my thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, allowing me to address my trauma on a holistic level.

My energy has transformed from a state of depletion and adrenaline to one of vibrancy and resilience. I feel more connected to myself and others, fostering deeper and more authentic relationships. I am no longer defined by my trauma, but empowered by my strength and resilience.

This program has given me the tools to create a future filled with hope, healing, and endless possibilities.

As a transitioning Pararescueman juggling multiple roles – executive protection medic, MBA candidate, and supporting my wife through her doctorate – I joined the Dawn Collective believing I had already conquered my past traumas from childhood and Afghanistan. Despite occasional symptoms of post-traumatic stress, I viewed these as minor issues, having transformed them into fuel for my future vision.

Through the Dawn Collective, I discovered that what I thought was conquest was actually avoidance. I had masked my emotions with humor, work, and distractions in the name of optimization. The practice revealed that I had been operating on adrenaline and cortisol for years as a special operator, affecting how I handled ordinary situations and often leaving me unable to “turn off” for weeks.

Now, I’ve learned to operate at a high level without relying on adrenaline, with techniques to control this response at will. Where I once saw limitations and felt like an imposter, I now see possibilities. Through practices like Yi Chuan and anti-fragility training, I’ve found a deeper connection with my body, my heritage as a first-generation American, and my community. Most importantly, my wife and I now tackle obstacles with less friction, approaching challenges together through a lens of collective growth.

The amazing part is that no external factors have changed – I simply see the world through a new lens.

Working with “The Dawn Collective” has been extremely helpful on my continuous journey to healing. I have been through several programs in the past but was still struggling with staying in a place of confident progress. As a combat veteran left severely wounded after my last deployment I had a lot to process and take on from a healing perspective.

There are many healing resources out there that are trying to help the combat veteran community and are doing a good job to some degree. However, many fall short due to the lack of understanding of what it takes to truly heal from our past traumas. We as a community are not looking for temporary relief; we are looking for healthy sustainable practices.

I have been with The Dawn Collective for several months now and it has been a great experience that has given me hope living a fulfilled life without using medication or any other substances. I have always been mindful of a holistic approach to health; this is the main reason why I trust and enjoy their process.

They believe in traditional practices that are sustainable; these practices take discipline which all of us from the special operations community are no stranger to.

I am very grateful to have this opportunity with the Dawn Collective. I no longer struggle with my sleep, my state of mind has improved, and I’m looking forward to starting a family with my new wife.

Thank you to the Dawn Collective,