Trauma 2 Growth: A Resiliency podcast

Not for the weak!!! If you are triggered easily I don't recommend this episode. This is basically rant about our current state; I talk about shady shit I did in Iraq that was sanctioned, I talk about how I use to be a Felon, and I point out that its those experiences that influence my OPINION not my gender or race. In Fact it it that thought that is tearing our country apart. Respect; that is what we need right now more than anything, RESPECT for other humans regardless of their opinions. I will help anyone that needs it even if they hate "cis gendered White Men" because I respect when a person is in NEED. CHOICE remember you have the choice to do whatever you want; the outcome off your choice isn't always going to be easy. Sometimes the hard choices are the ones that pay of the most in the long run.  

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of sitting down with My friend; Alpinist and intellect  Justin Guarino. Justin has climbed some of the most aesthetic, less frequented climbing routes as well as pushing not only his physical limits but his mental limits in the mountains.  Justin’s greatest accomplishment is not a climbing pursuit; it is having read “Thus Spoke Zarathusa” By Friedrich Nietzsche. A short list of his climbing accomplishments are: Second ascent of a link up of Season of the Sun and The East Buttress of Mount Bradly in Alaska; you can read the write up by the first ascensionist HERE, Establishing a new route on Baihali Jot (20,653ft) In India; you can read the write up and see pictures from Justin and Nick’s account HERE, and the third winter ascent of The Mordor Wall at Cathedral Ledge right here in North Conway, NH; you can read about that climb in Nick’s words HERE.   Our conversation covers the topics of overcoming the mental aspects involved in climbing; from failing to reach the summit on Baihali Jot, Justin’s near death experience on Mt. Bradly, and why we pursue these games.  We address the benefits of putting yourself into physically and mentally stressful situations, the effects social media has on the local ethics of certain aspects of climbing on public land, philosophy, and more. 

Communication, Language, and Defining “The Path” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary’s definition for Communication is as follows : (1 a) a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.  Their definition for Language is : (1 a) the words, their pronunciation, and the methods of combining them used and understood by a community. Communication and language have been crucial to our survival as a species; the ability to share knowledge on what plants are good to eat, how to get across a raging river, and when there is danger around have solidified our success in the natural world.  There are 4 commonly agreed upon forms of communication; Verbal, Nonverbal, written, and visual.  - Verbal communication uses language and the spoken word (phone calls, zoom, in person) - Nonverbal communication uses body language, eye contact and proximity (zoom, FaceTime, in person) - Written communication uses a physical medium to capture the words to then be read (books, texts, email) Visual Communication uses pictures, graphs or other medium that is seen (instagram, snapchat, memes?) Ok now we are all on the same page in the use of the words here. Now more than ever in our recorded history do we have so many forms of communicating with each other; yet there appears to be a disconnect in the messages and the communication. We choose to communicate with those that reinforce our own values more often than those with opposing views or values. We trend to lesser forms forms of communication more often because it seems more convenient. I have become more aware of how easily the message we are trying to communicate can be misinterpreted when we use things like, Instagram messages, text messages, and emails.  With more people relying on digital communication due to the Pandemic the chances for the the message you are trying to convey to be misinterpreted has increased.  Communication is a 2 way street and I have noticed a shift as to the importance placed on the receivers interpretation more so than the senders intent. Ideally we address this on a societal level; before we do that we have to address it within ourself.  How do we address this? Step 1; As the Receiver it is your job to assume positive intent. We project tone into written communication based on where we are in that moment. If we assume the sender is not out to spite us we will read the message differently. Step 2; As the Sender it is your job to take the time and review before sending the message. Ask yourself If you wold read negativity in your message. If you are stressed, upset, or distracted take 2 to 3 deep breaths before composing the message. Step 3; Bypass the written and make a call. I communicate better verbally than I do in the written, I think most humans do. Break what has become the social norm and pick up the phone, allow tone to play into the conversation.   You might be wondering how does this relate to defining “The Path” ? Let’s go back to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary;  Path - 1 : a trodden way   - 2 : a track specially constructed for a particular use   - 3 a : Course, Route       b : a way of life, conduct, or thought   -4 a : the continuous series of positions or configurations that can be assumed in any motion or process of change by a moving or varying system     A way of life , conduct, or thought. Those are what is within our control to define for ourselves and then to follow. You control how you think about an issue, how you act outwardly, and the way you want to live.  Choose carefully the words and language you use to define your path; It is not for anyone else except yourself.Do you want to be considered a victim because of your skin color, gender, or the way you identify? You get to decide that; not society.   Do you want to half-ass your work just skating by or do you want to put your head down and grind it out to make something better of yourself? Again You get to decide.    I choose not to be victim, despite what the societal narrative is about Purple Heart Recipient “disabled” veterans. I choose to let my struggles and short comings propel me to become better; to learn from them, face them head on and as this Infantry is famous for “close with and destroy the enemy.”.   This takes time. Remember what I mentioned last week; We can understand the concept and it takes time and practice to master the technique.

This episode I share a few of my tools for developing a routine, how I started doing them and the individual benefits they have.  Daily Routine Tools Breath Work - Wim Hof Breathing technique 3 round breath hold - Box Breathing short how to with exercise - Breath of fire Aka Bastrika Pranayama Take 2 - Take 2 minutes to check-in with yourself before you engage with the outside world.  Make Yer' Damn Bed! - Admiral McRaven says it better than I; Listen here Cold Shower/ Cold Water Immersion  - Use your favorite SE and use key words "Benefits of cold showers" choose whichever article you prefer...there are dozens. Remember we may understand the concepts however it takes time and practice to master the techniques. Lasting change does not happen over night; you might slide back, we all do, moving forward after a back step is the important thing. If you like hardcore or positive messages check out Bane Superhero      

Full Length Episode for part 2 of the Self-mastery series will be out at the latest tomorrow; life happened and recording did not. Enjoy listening to what I've discovered about who I am until then. Be well, keep growing! 

Part one of this new series focuses on what it means to be accepted and to accept. Today I share my thoughts and experiences in realizing that I had not started accepting me for me until recently, and how it's not beneficial to seek that acceptance from external sources.    

This week I share reflections and learnings on taking a step outside of my comfort zone and joining a Brazilian Ju Jitsu gym. Below are time stamps for the different reflections.2:50 - Anxiety about going to the gym, Self conscious barrier, How I plan to use BJJ to help with that, How the community helps foster that.4:50 - Physical benefit, Learning how to relax, BJJ as an acute stressor5:50 - Benefits of controlled acute stressors on growth and management of chronic stress.7:50 - Mental Benefits, Helping me move from a comparative mindset to more of a self challenge type of mindset. 11:00 - Community benefits, Builds healthy bonds, Fosters healthy relationships.13:36 - Using the activity, the community, and the benefits influence its place as an "Anchor" in my life. Building a healthy structure to life. Please Rate, Review, and Subscribe!   

Back from a few weeks break!I discuss the importance of and the interaction between Individual Freedom and Discipline, what those have looked like for me, and some techniques I've been implementing to be more disciplined so I can have more freedom. Four key points:-Individual Freedom-Discipline-Routine Building/ Structure-Managing Distractions Whether you work for "The Man" or yourself the tools and the outcome are the same, discipline = individual freedom. Please take the time to talk about or share the podcast and rate and review on your podcast platform it helps spread the message...  algorithms or something. 

This week I read through Letters from a Stoic from Seneca; specifically letter VII. I use this letter to process the current turmoil in the USA. Following the violent protest at the capital I have been trying to make since of what is happening in a country that I love so dearly. This letter resonated with me on many levels, I hope it and my commentary on it prove to be helpful to you.Please help me stay off of social media by sharing this with your friends. Rate and Review and please please subscribe.  Be well! 

Happy New Year Folks!We are starting it off right with a special guest. Stevi Gelinas deployed to Iraq as a 88M Transport Operator (Truck Driver) with the Army National Guard. While deployed she was assaulted which ultimately led to being isolated away from other service members and veterans. Her resilience and strategy to overcome such a trauma are inspirational. From hiking mountains across the world to now expanding her education by studying Marriage and Family Therapy, Stevi is a a prime example of what this next generation (our generation) of  veterans is capable of. War, Nature, Helping others; Those three components are common amongst this generation.I am so thankful for Stevi to have shared this conversation. Continue to listen for more great guests and new changes coming this year. Please: Subscribe, Rate and Review on Apple podcast             Follow on Spotify            Follow on Podbean

This week I have been contemplating the word and concept of “Control”; I had tried, for so long, to “control” my life, work, relationships  all while meeting so much resistance. The more I tried to control a situation the more it would not work out. I have learned that It is not control over a situation rather; influence over our own emotions about the situation that I/We need to focus on. Instead of allowing the anger, fear, or anxiety over a  situation drive you to want to control over it, take a second, reassess, and approach the situation with the intent you’ve deemed necessary. List of resources that have been helpful for me on this journey.Podcasts - Order of Man, The Warrior Soul PodcastBooks- The Second Mountain, David Brooks ; No More Mr. Nice Guy, Dr. Robert A. Glover ; Fearvana, Akshay NanavatiYouTube- Minority Mindset  Please Subscribe, Rate and Review on Apple Podcasts; Follow on Spotify; Follow me on Social’s IG: AJhunterMLI  FB: Trauma2Growth: A Resiliency Podcast

Addiction/ addictive personality is a reality for a lot of people. Drugs, alcohol, porn, sex, food, exercise, reckless activities. These are the common means for that addiction, some “healthier” than others; the root if the problem is still being avoided though. The above coping mechanisms are my typical ones. Some like exercise help “rewire” the brain, flood your body with dopamine, adrenalin and all the good chemicals while forcing out the bad. The key though, is making that HARD CHOICE in the moment. Whatever that hard choice is for you, don’t take the easy route; trust me on that one. Circular thinking vs “Wave thinking” I’ve been guilty of circular thinking and patterns, feeling like I’m never getting anywhere, repeat the same mistake a few dozen times. That’s circular thinking. In reality I have been making the same mistake over and over again, the difference is each time I have learned from the mistake and adjusted course just slightly. That shows improvement and growth; that thinking changed a circular thought pattern into a wave pattern. Removing barriers is not a new technique, packing your gym bag the night before, prepping the coffee maker, etc. I need to remove the barriers to be uncomfortable. I am what I refer to as Uncomfortably comfortable, I think the DSM-5 refers to it as hyper-vigilant. Knowing this, I have made plans, and actions to make the hard thing easier to start.  Another hunting story. The last day of rifle season in NH was epic! Snow, tracking, jumping deer. No buck shot but lots of excitement, needless to say I AM HOOKED!  PATIENCE AJ, PATIENCE! 

As a young, 22 year old, Specialist in a combat zone I took over as a fire team leader. Frankly I wasn’t ready and my leadership knew that, they tried to groom me in to the leader they needed; I was rejective towards that. Looking at how I’ve lead after leaving the military It is clear to me how maturity, experience, and failure have made me a better leader today.  Now as I find this “next step” in life it is clear to me that my purpose is to be a leader, the next question is HOW, in what capacity?Follow on instagram: @AJhunterMLI  Facebook: Trauma2GrowthSubscribe, Rate and review on Apple podcast; Subscribe on Spotify; Download on Podbean. 

This time of year we are usually thankful for the good, positive things in our life. This episode I share why I am thankful for the hard times, the unpleasant experiences. Quote from Meditations: "It is my bad luck that this has happened to me. 'No, you should rather say: 'Its is my good luck that, although this has happened to me, I can bear it without pain, neither crushed by the present nor fearful of the future.' Because such a thing could have happened to any man, but not every man could have borne in without pain. So why see misfortune in the event than good fortune in your ability to bear it? - Marcus AureliusHappy Thanksgiving!

Jumbled thoughts this week as I’ve been doing a lot of time thinking; not enough time doing. This episode I talk about life changes and how I manage them, how group discipline is easier than self discipline, and my challenge in motivation and goal setting. 

The theme this week seems to be kids…Is my paternal instinct starting to show?  War is hell, that doesn’t mean good can’t come from it. This episode I talk about coming under attack from motars while we were passing out heaters and blankets.  Dealing with the wounded sucks no matter what; Bandaging a wounded child hits on a deeper level. I really hope that brother and sister are still alive, I hope that experience made them stronger enough to survive everything else life has thrown at them.  Rate and Review on Apple Podcast, Subscribe on Podbean, Share on everything!

This special Veterans Day episode I open up. 20 June 2007 1 AQI (Al-Qaeda Iraq) killed 1 escaped. I recount my actions that day, my actions that still haunt me. WAR IS HELL and good men do EVIL in War. I am no exception, this story is only one of many EVIL that I will forever be haunted by.Withhold your judgment and listen; that is how you can "Thank me for my service". 

Push your limits or reach your limits how do you know when to decide what to do? That has been on my mind recently. What does it mean to admit that you've reached your limit?Listen to how I begin to process those questions myself as well as give you a few stories about the importance of nature.  

This episode I have fellow veteran and friend Thomas Kuncheria on to discuss topics ranging from the communal aspect of the military to routines/habits that lend to healthy lifestyles. I apologize for the audio quality I am still learning all of this; the content is worth the listen.  

This episode I share the story of my first Bear harvest. I talk about how the season was leading up to Mondays kill, the kill itself, and reflect on how the whole process makes me feel more connected to the world. I didn't mention it in the episode so I'll say it here. Eating the meat gives me B.D.B.E. (Big Dick Bear Energy); It makes me feel strong, alert, energized. *Note- Bear meat is the leading cause of Trichinosis in the USA, Make sure you cook any Bear meat well. "Well" is a cause for debate some say 145 others say 160. I can say I go for caution and cook to internal temp of 160 and it's still delicious, savory, and (everyones favorite word) MOIST. I am so appreciative of that Bear, I cannot say that enough.  

This episode I touch on the importance of socialization; from overcoming depression to just not being alone, spending time with people is an important roll in our lives.  I explore what “community” is for me and how to engage in that community.  I talk about different hurdles people might encounter and give examples of my hurdles and how I am addressing them.  I know my thoughts aren’t liner; with practice, constructive criticism, and honestly less weed I’ll get better at keeping a thought. To you diehards out there Thank you for listening and the support.   Like, rate, subscribe, or if you don’t want to do those at least SHARE!!! @ajhuntermli Trauma2Growth on zeee Facebook 

This sort episode I touch on the similarities of a combat deployment and an expedition and how they are different from "normal" life.I talk quickly about living at a baseline depressed state and share my struggles with finding and maintaining those healthy habits.I kept is short this week as I am heading out for a quick trip to see some friends.If you are sad, down, or depressed; I can attest self isolation is not the way to handle it. Go out be with friends! Be Well!P.S.A.  If you are struggling from Depression and need to talk, listen to that feeling, that need to talk. Reach out! Call a friend or if you are embarrassed to talk to a friend here are some resources.National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255veterans crisis hotline 800-273-825 

This episode I reflect on my 2015 summit of Denali. The challenges of the climb, conditions, and interpersonal relationships; and how I am applying the lessons learned in my life now. I talk about how those three words Patience, Persistance, Perseverance are synonymous with mountaineering and overcoming trauma. P.S.A.  If you are struggling from Depression and need to talk, listen to that feeling, that need to talk. Reach out! Call a friend or if you are embarrassed to talk to a friend here are some resources.National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255veterans crisis hotline 800-273-825   

Todays show is a lesson in patients...in a roundabout AJ sort of way.I talk about the first dead body I ever saw, sectarian violence, the media and protests, and how deer hunting is teaching me the lessons on how to handle the social stresses without so much damn emotion and with more logic.Social Media- Instagram: @trauma2growth @ajhuntermli @splitboardnh                         Facebook: Trauma 2 Growth: A Resiliency Podcast Empirical studies of ConflictPrinceton eosc.primceton.edu“The war featured at least three distinct conflicts: a sectarian civil war between Sunni and Shi’ite militias; an insurgency by mostly Sunni militias, some Iraqi and some international, against the government of Iraq and the Coalition forces supporting it; and a communal conflict pitting Kurds against Arabs in Kurdistan. During the period of peak violence in 2006 and 2007, there were over a thousand insurgent attacks per week in Iraq and hundreds of sectarian killings.”

In this first episode I introduce myself to you all, Talk about what my intentions are with this podcast and how I'm planning on structuring episodes, kinda. I let you all know that I have a potty mouth and talk about taboo subjects. Word from sponsor Mountain Life InternationalI jump right in and tell you how 2020 has been challenging and how I've been able to find the growth in the challenge.Social Media: Instagram- @ajhuntermli @trauma2growth @splitboardnh                        Facebook- (page is in the works)                        Twitter- I don't tweet