From Army Lieutenant to Holistic Advocate: Raquel Durden’s Journey
Raquel Durden’s military career was marked by high expectations and leadership roles, which often left her with little time to slow down. Her dedication to her Army duties was unwavering, yet upon retiring as a lieutenant colonel after 25 years, she sought peace through yoga and holistic practices. These experiences led her to discover a shared need for relaxation among veterans and first responders.
Durden’s newfound passion for wellness culminated in her book, Dial Down: Holistic Strategies to Move from Chaos to Calm, published by Fresh Water Press. The book, enriched by interviews with a diverse group of military-related individuals, offers strategies to navigate chaos rather than fear it.
Durden shared her insights with Military.com, discussing her military history, the challenges post-service life presented, and her advice for women aspiring to join the armed forces.
Feedback from Fellow Veterans
Durden reported positive feedback from veterans who resonate with her book’s message. At the Military Influencer Conference in Atlanta, an Air Force veteran praised the book, stating, “I read your book, and I loved it, and I did some of the breathing practices. I bought eight copies for my book club.”
Durden’s interviews for the book included trauma-sensitive writing to ensure the stories would benefit others. The representation within the book reflects the diverse makeup of the military community, including Special Ops personnel, COVID-19 nurses, and more. Her military background lent authenticity to the book, aimed at high-performance individuals who struggle to “dial down.”
“VA has incorporated this in its Whole Health program, but it needs to be more widespread. It shouldn’t have to be something that is sought out. What if we just normalized it?”
Holistic Health: A Personal Approach
Durden believes holistic health practices offer a more active role in personal wellness compared to traditional medicine. She notes that high-performance individuals, such as veterans and athletes, often prefer taking charge of their recovery, rather than relying solely on prescriptions.
Military Beginnings and Challenges
Durden’s military journey began in 1986 when she enlisted in the Army Reserve to fund her college education. She served in various capacities, including deployments for Hurricane Andrew recovery and Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. Her career also included stints in Korea, Egypt, and Black Ops under the Defense Intelligence Agency.
Her service was not without health challenges, including cancer presumed to be linked to her military deployments. Post-9/11, she worked as a casualty assistance officer, frequently visiting the Pentagon during challenging times.
“And then I got my 20 years in, and I didn’t know what I was going to do next. There wasn’t a clear path, and there weren’t many women (in my unit). In California, I saw women generals and women full-bird colonels daily. When I came to Georgia, there was one.”
Advice for Aspiring Female Soldiers
Durden emphasizes the importance of exceeding standards for young women considering a military career. She advises knowing the standards and exceeding them, being a lifelong learner, and seeking high-performance units. She also touches on the value of mentorship, sharing her experience of being mentored by a Black male officer.
“The most rewarding aspect (of the military) is definitely the people and the relationships. That’s been one comment about my book. I got an email the other day that read, ‘Thank you, Raquel. I feel like you just introduced me to some amazing people.'”
Looking Forward
Durden’s story is one of resilience and transformation, offering insights into navigating chaos with calmness. Her dedication to helping others find peace echoes throughout her book and interactions with fellow veterans, highlighting the need for holistic approaches in a high-pressure world.
