Testimonials

During veterans retreats participants learn and practice seven forms of meditation: sitting, walking, writing, eating, working, speaking, and listening. The time together includes extended periods of silence, which supports the process of healing and transformation.

This retreat is a chance to step away from our usual everyday life, focus on ourselves and begin to discover how to make peace with our un-peacefulness. This retreat for veterans and their family members is an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and connect with other veterans who understand and share our journey.

These veterans’ retreats are led by Claude AnShin Thomas, Vietnam veteran, author, peace advocate, and Zen Buddhist monk. Claude AnShin has been navigating the realities of post-traumatic stress and learning to live in the right relation with the consequences of military and combat service for more than 50 years.

This will be my second veterans outreach organization group I attended. Although vastly different from my first retreat, this one being mindful and learning how to meditate allowed me to sit in silence and focus on my breathing and wellbeing.

I enjoyed this retreat and look forward to going on another one with fellow veterans. Being out of my comfort zone is the first step to healing. Being here is a step closer to that direction.

This retreat has been a revelation for me. I have always had an inability to sit still but these new techniques and practices are extremely helpful.

Checking in was a breeze! It was so streamlined, and the staff was wonderful. I look forward to connecting with Donna and Bill at future events and volunteering.

Thank you for letting me share this wonderful experience. As the last remaining member of my family, the support of such kind nonjudgemental people was wonderful. The energy (positive) was exceptional, truly special.

I was not certain what to expect from the retreat but quickly realized it will be beneficial and adding new tools for me to continue my new life journey of peace, Joy, and happiness.

I really like the chance to learn a process/method that I can use to stay in the present moment and feel whatever I feel and make choices that will continue to guide me to a place of peace.

Anshin and the crew were fantastic.

I enjoyed this because I learned to be with my own thoughts. I was able to meet new people and the whole experience was impressive.

Primarily, thank you for everything you are both doing (Donna & Bill) to provide this opportunity to Veterans.

Extremely interested and much appreciated!

It meant a lot to me to have someone say to me “Thank you for your sacrifice.”

This weekend was an amazing experience! Thank you so much! Everyone was extremely helpful and caring. I feel more relaxed.

A Brand-New Poem:
Here at Project New Hope, I learned a unique way to cope.
I was instructed by the best in finding purpose while I rest.
I used my breath to guide my step.
Every time I had to walk, and I tried not to forget when we were not supposed to talk.
A peaceful mindset was revealed simply cause my lips were sealed and when the time came to go home, I had learned a brand-new poem.

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