Tai Chi brings a Veteran closer to his family

Army Veteran Bill Seelaus strengthens his mindfulness and awareness, attributes of Whole Health, by incorporating Tai Chi for Arthritis classes into his personal health care plan.

Whole Health is VA’s approach to care that supports health and well-being for Veterans and centers care around what matters to the Veteran by putting each person at the center of their own health care.

Regularly taking part in activities like Tai Chi is credited with contributing to each participant’s Whole Health because it helps with energy, flexibility in motion, relaxes and heals the mind, and encourages their personal development.

Small steps

Completing this beginner’s Tai Chi for Arthritis class offered by recreation therapy at the Coatesville VA is just one of many small steps in Seelaus’ Whole Health journey that started in 2006, long before he knew anything about Whole Health.

Walking away from a civil service job as a heavy equipment operator in Tacoma, Washington, Seelaus ended up in the desert. “I walked out into the desert of Utah and lived on water for 27½ days. One day I got up and said, ‘This is the day I’m either gonna get help or I’m gonna die,’” he said.

That day, he took a small step toward living and has continued to take small steps that, over the course of the last 18 years, have carried him through overcoming homelessness, addiction and mental health issues.

“Whole Health care planning allows each person to discover their own mission, aspiration and purpose,” said Angela Shaffner, Whole Health program manager for Coatesville VA. “The idea is to inspire commitment from the Veteran to their own health and well-being.”

Finding inspiration

After trying, failing and restarting many times, Seelaus’ efforts to build a productive life began to take hold in 2016. Following an assignment from his mental health provider, he realized one of his inspirations to improve his health: He found value in helping fellow Veterans.

“What I learned from being in the service is there is always that soldier who is looking at you to help him figure things out. That’s why I live. That’s where I am,” he said.

Coatesville VA’s Whole Health approach connects a network of health care resources, allowing Seelaus to access homeless Veteran programs, primary care, specialty care, mental health, nutrition and fitness programs. 

A really good feeling

Seelaus identified two reasons to “Be better.” The first was other Veterans out there counting on him to help them figure things out. His second reason was he didn’t want to be a burden to his family any longer. 

“The relationship with my family is much better because they don’t have to be concerned for my well-being all the time and that feels really good,” he added.