Veterans in Utah are discovering a unique form of therapy through Native American flutes, which offer comfort and healing to those facing challenges related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This innovative approach is led by artist Arlo Johnson and fellow veteran John Baker, who create and share flutes as a means to promote peace and well-being among veterans.
The journey began when Johnson received a flute from his friend, the late John ‘Lakota’ Hawks, a veteran of the 73rd Airborne Brigade. While undergoing treatment at the Veterans Affairs hospital, Hawks carved the flute for Johnson as a gesture of gratitude for the support he received. Through playing the flute, Johnson experienced a profound sense of tranquility, prompting him to envision its therapeutic potential for others grappling with trauma.
Johnson notes that playing the flute resonates with the principles of meditation, requiring deep breathing and a controlled release that can facilitate a meditative state. This realization spurred his mission to distribute flutes and provide lessons to veterans seeking therapeutic relief.
During a flute-making class at Salt Lake Community College‘s Taylorsville campus, Johnson met Baker, a dedicated participant who had taken the course multiple times. Baker, an experienced flute maker, began supplying Johnson with flutes to distribute to veterans. For Baker, crafting flutes has become a source of solace, particularly following the loss of his wife of 57 years to lung cancer.
The act of transforming raw materials into musical instruments brought Baker a sense of calm and purpose. He describes the process of crafting a flute as a transformative experience, where a beautiful piece of wood is shaped into an instrument that amplifies its beauty through sound. This creative outlet allows him to escape the daily stressors of life, contributing to his overall sense of well-being.
Johnson’s program illustrates the therapeutic power of music and artistic expression. It transcends the mere creation of instruments, providing a space for veterans to confront their emotional wounds and embark on a journey toward healing. The incorporation of Native American cultural traditions into therapeutic practices highlights the growing recognition of holistic approaches to mental health, particularly within veteran communities.
By offering flutes and lessons, Johnson is fostering a supportive environment where veterans can connect, share experiences, and participate in collective healing. This initiative aligns with a broader movement toward alternative therapeutic interventions, such as art and music therapy, as complementary strategies to traditional medical treatments for PTSD.
Through the efforts of Johnson and Baker, the use of Native American flutes is becoming a beacon of hope for many veterans in Utah, illustrating the profound impact that music and craftsmanship can have on mental health and emotional recovery.
