It is a widely known fact that life after service can be difficult. This was especially true for Marine Captain C.J. Keller. The New Jersey native returned from Iraq in 2008, but his homecoming was a difficult one. Keller struggled with reentry into civilian life and experienced post-traumatic stress disorder. After realizing that his coping mechanisms were more detrimental than they were helpful, Keller, who is a self-proclaimed gym rat, tried yoga for the first time. The new activity gave the former Marine time to process everything he had been through and reconnect with himself.
"Yoga gives you the tools [to cope]. It empowers you to be present with what is," he told CBS.
After yoga saved his life, Keller decided to share the healing with others. He got his yoga instructor certification and now offers free yoga classes to veterans and their families twice a week. Some of the veterans who have already participated said that Keller's classes were monumental in their healing and reintegration. Instead of charging for his sessions, Keller asks for a donation to Active Heroes, which is a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide PTSD help to veterans and end military suicides.