The SKY Resilience Program
Strengthening those who serve and protect
We build the capacity and resilience of those who serve and protect our communities with transformative tools that increase the ability to skillfully manage job-related stressful situations, uncertainties and change.
What is SKY Resilience
SKY Resilience Program is a customized innovative program aimed at helping serving members of the Canadian Forces, Veterans and First Responders who have been exposed to traumatic events. The participants acquire the necessary tools and techniques for overcoming occupational stress, improve focus and mental health, heal trauma and enhance overall resilience.
SKY Resilience has worked with more than 3,000 Police Officers globally to create resilient organizations. Through our work we,
How does SKY work?
The SKY Breath Meditation technique works in a unique way. It utilizes the innate ability of the breath to generate an automatic quieting of the mind, leading to a deep experience of meditation —whether you’ve never practiced meditation or have done it for years. It is easy to practice, and is effective even when the mind is restless or caught up in emotions. During the practice of SKY, you do not try to clear your mind or even watch the breath.
In addition to the SKY Breath Meditation technique, there are specific light physical stretches, interactive processes, and other elements that will help you experience and integrate the benefits of meditation into every aspect of your life.
You will receive instructions for a helpful daily practice. Weekly support sessions are also available, which help you sustain and expand the benefits of the course
SKY Resilience Mental Health Impact & Research
Over 100 independent studies published in peer-reviewed journals have demonstrated a comprehensive range of benefits, including:
x5
Increse in Immune Cell Count
x3
Increse in time spent in Deeper Stages of Sleeps (Stages 3 & 4)
x2
Increase in Antioxidant Enzymes (protect against disease & aging)
50%
Increse in Well-being Hormone, Prolactin
67%
Reduction in Clinical Depression
x3
Reduction in Stress Hormone
41%
Remission from Clinical Anxiety
Greater Mental Focus indicated by EEG Beta wave activity
Reduced impulsivity, cravings and addictions
Significant reductions in PTSD symptoms
(After just 1 week, results persisted for 1 year with no follow up)
Reduced cholesterol within 3 weeks
Police Mental Health
Police, like all public safety personael (PSP), are exposed to stressful and potentially psychologically job. As a result, research evidence indicates a high prevalence of mental health issues and suicidal behaviourd in RSP.
Canadian SKY Resilience Program
SKY Resilience has been taught at the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and the London Police Association. A selection of the VPD program metrics are shared below:
International Results Brazilian Military Police
Preliminary research results from the SKY Resilience Program with over 3000 officers from the Bahia Military Police in Brazil:
Impact
Participants in SKY Resilience Program have reported improvements in:
Decision Making (73%)
Relationships (75%)
Mental Clarity (81%)
Positive Emotions (82%)
Sleep Quality (83%)
Disposition (92%)
A recent study out of Yale shows that SKY Breath Meditation provided many more benefits than mindfulness or emotional intelligence training. A Harvard/University of Arizona study showed that SKY was more effective than a traditional cognitive training program. SKY Breath Meditation has also been found to be particularly effective for post-traumatic stress.
A recent study out of Yale shows that SKY Breath Meditation provided many more benefits than mindfulness or emotional intelligence training. A Harvard/University of Arizona study showed that SKY was more effective than a traditional cognitive training program. SKY Breath Meditation has also been found to be particularly effective for post-traumatic stress.
Success Stories
London Police Service, Canada
SKY Resilience Testimonial: Constable Steve Stoan with the London Police Service
Salvador, Brazil
More than 3,000 police officers have participated in the SKY Resilience Program that has empowered them to cope with occupational stress, manage emotions, and maintain a better quality of life
Upcoming Workshops
SKY Resilience Program
The workshop is taught over 4 consecutive days, in 2.5-3 hour sessions, with an optional 5th day 1 hour follow up.
The SKY Resilience Program is designed for first responders, departmental staff, support workers, and their families.
If you are a police officer, fire, ems or other first responder please email programs@iahv.ca for more information and upcoming programs for your speciality.
Feb 23 – 26 (EST)
Feb 23 & 26 : 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Feb 24 & 25: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Teachers: Mark Fry / Belén Montefalcone / Spencer
In The Press
Stanford scholar helps veterans recover from war trauma
“Newly published research by Stanford scholar Emma Seppala shows how meditation and breathing exercises can help military veterans recover from post-traumatic stress disorder.”
When Breath Saves Life
“For these veterans, healing trauma was as simple as learning how to breathe.”
settings.
3 Science-Backed Ways to Relieve Pain and Stress
Stress has a rotten reputation—but not all of it is bad. The “good” kind gets you across the street quickly when you see an oncoming vehicle, or it motivates you to work towards a deadline.Your body enters self-protection mode and puts you in tip-top shape: your immune system, heart rate, attention and memory all gear up for survival.
Connect with Us
International Association for Human Values Canada
100 Woodycrest Avenue
Toronto, ON M4J 3B
416-732-3959
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The Team
Darcy Sheffield
Darcy Sheffield is Chief Operations Officer for a unique soil recycling facility which he helped design and operationalize within a twelve month period. He has an Engineering degree and an MBA and is adept at developing long term strategies with the ability to implement and see them realized.
Experiencing the results from several of IAHV’s programs, he knew this was something he wanted others to have the opportunity to experience too, and has volunteered in supporting the non profit.
For relaxation, he enjoys spending time with his sons and in the outdoors , plus though often not so relaxing, he loves watching his favourite sports team – the All Blacks.
Marcel Queiroz
Marcel serves as the Executive Director for SKY Resilience Program. He has been working with Trauma Relief Projects, Prison Programs and teaching Law Enforcement since 2015. In last 5 years, has overseen global initiatives that impacted more than 3000 officers and has trained teachers in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, South Africa, Philippines and the United States. Works as project manager in the strategic planning committee for Brazil Government, improving the entire productive sector in the country’s third largest state, Bahia. His passion and experience is to accelerate institutional change in public and private institutions, focusing on individual’s resilience, stress relief, human-centered leadership, productivity and personal management.
