In the 117 years of its existence, TOS members have found innumerable ways of putting theosophy into action, sometimes even finding themselves on the cutting edge.  Here’s a “Then and Now” look at how TOS-USA has helped veterans heal PTSD through the creative arts.

Then: During the 1940’s, the TOS Dept. of Handicrafts initiated The Olcott Weavers, a program for returning soldiers suffering from a condition then called “shell shock” or “jungle fatigue,” today recognized as PTSD.  Craft work was recognized as vital within military and veteran’s hospitals to help people recover from war-induced trauma.  The TOS even proposed that a national weaving guild be formed to help veterans learn crafts and re-enter the work force.  Although it seems this forward-thinking program never got fully off the ground, the seed was nevertheless planted . . .

Now: In the decades since World War II, much has been learned about PTSD.  Creative arts are recognized more than ever as an effective means of allowing veterans to express their internal pain and heal non-visible wounds.  That’s why TOS-USA has extended a financial grant to help support CreatiVets, a Nashville-based organization helping veterans heal through musical and visual arts.  Current in-person workshops being held around the country include: Songwriting, Intro to Art, Community Art, Astrophotography.  CreatiVets also offers virtual programs so veterans can attend from the comfort of home.

The bottom line: it’s working.  A veteran who participated in a songwriting workshop commented, “That 3 hour writing session did more for me than the past 6 years at the VA.”  Hear the music for yourself at the CreatiVets YouTube channel, listen to “If I Change It,” or watch the music video, “Rise Above.”