Honoring the Path of the Warrior

The cofounders of HPW had a strong desire to alleviate the suffering of veterans and to contribute in a real way to healing the moral injury of war and opening a new path of service.

They began offering programs in 2008 that provide veterans with connection, community and mindfulness-based tools that support them in using their strengths and experiences to find a meaningful and productive path in civilian life.  

Within a very short period of time, it became clear these programs were helping veterans substantially, and our cofounders connected with the Zen Foundation and other organizations to help make these programs more widely available.

HPW's programs have always been and always will completely free of charge to veterans. We now offer one-day events throughout the year and retreats of different lengths that combine nature and engaging physical activities; meditation, Sensory Awareness and mindfulness practices. Programs are secular in nature and we welcome all belief systems.

In addition to our regular programs, we also offer an annual retreat for women veterans.  Because they have unique experiences in the military and so many have experienced Military Sexual Trauma, it's very important to provide them with a safe and healing women-only environment.

Our newest program is a Veteran Leadership program, where we are mentoring veterans' mindfulness practices and facilitation skills so they can co-lead programs for veterans in the future.

This quote speaks to the heart of our programs. We hope it inspires you as well.

To the degree that each of us is dedicated to wanting there to be peace in the world, then we have to take responsibility when our own hearts and minds harden and close. We have to be brave enough to soften what is rigid, to find the soft spot and stay with it. We have to have that kind of courage and take that kind of responsibility. That’s true spiritual warriorship. That’s the true practice of peace.

~ Pema Chödrön, Practicing Peace in Times of War

 

Mindfulness-based interventions have been scientifically proven to be successful at transforming stress, anxiety and trauma in a number of diverse populations and are being used within the VA system for returning veterans as well as active duty for deployed soldiers.

HPW is a Bay Area-based non-profit organization under the fiscal sponsorship of the Zen Foundation.  Our one-day events and retreats are held around the Bay Area.  Your donations will support our one-day events and retreats that are held in the South Bay.