From Army Helicopters to Canine Drug Testing: An Adventure in Wellness with Sarah Moore

On Air by Yoga For First Responders

A Journey of Resilience and Adventure with Sarah

In today's episode, Eric had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah, a remarkable individual with an inspiring story of service, adventure, and personal growth. Sarah's journey from the military to law enforcement to becoming an advocate for yoga and mindfulness in the first responder community is nothing short of fascinating.

Military Beginnings and Iditarod Adventures

Sarah's military career began at the age of 19, right after the events of 9/11. Her path led her from being an enlisted fuel truck driver to a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot, to working with UAVs and eventually law enforcement. But it was her recent adventure volunteering for the Iditarod Trail's canine drug testing team that may be the most fascinating. Sarah shared her experiences in Alaska, ensuring the health and safety of the sled dogs and the integrity of the race, all while braving the extreme cold and witnessing the raw challenges of the wilderness.

Mental Health and Yoga

Sarah opened up about her struggles with post-deployment stress and how a terrifying water survival training exercise led her to seek help and eventually discover yoga. This practice, she says, saved her life. Her subsequent dive into the world of neuroscience and mindfulness has not only helped her cope with the stresses of her career but also fueled her passion for bringing these tools to others in high-stress professions.

Advocacy for Mindfulness in Public Safety

Sarah discussed her efforts to integrate yoga and mindfulness into the training of a federal law enforcement agency, emphasizing the importance of understanding the neuroscience behind stress and trauma. Despite encountering resistance and the slow pace of change within institutions, she remains committed to educating her peers on the benefits of these practices for de-escalation and mental health.

Personal Reflections and Future Goals

Throughout the conversation, Sarah reflected on the identity shifts that often come with career progression in the military and public safety sectors. She highlighted the need for individuals in these roles to take time to heal from the nervous system injuries caused by stress and trauma. Looking ahead, Sarah is excited about her business, Blue Side Yoga, and her plans to bring veterans and first responders on transformative adventures that incorporate yoga and mindfulness.

Join us as we explore Sarah's powerful story, her mission to support the well-being of those who serve, and her vision for a future where proactive mental health training is a standard part of the public safety profession.

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