Christy Coffey

Review of Anasazi Foundation

This wonderful program I credit with saving my lif...

This wonderful program I credit with saving my life as a teen. I was in a crisis: I had attempted suicide 3 times and was slowly killing myself through an eating disorder, and my parents were going to send me to a level 14 lock down therapeutic boarding school until 18. I started doing my own research trying to find a program that would not isolate me for the rest of my adolescence, and luckily I found the Anasazi Foundation through a google search. I left a print out of the program for my parents and agreed that I would go willingly to this minimum six week program.

The philosophy of Anasazi is one based on the agency of each individual. It is not a punishment for bad behavior, or locking someone away from the world. The program instead helps a young person realize they are an integral part of the world, their community and the universe. By being in nature, away from society, I was able to hear my own inner voice. I learned that I did want to live, and was willing to do a great deal to help myself survive. I also learned how much I am capable of. I can survive in the wilderness with just a cup, a blanket, and a knife. I know how to make fire, find food, and shelter myself from the elements. If there were a zombie Apocalypse, I would definitely survive. Anasazi gave me the self-esteem and drive to live in this difficult world, and I still use the lessons taught to me in my daily life.