LEE KLINGER LESSER
Honoring the Path of the Warrior: Tools for Returning Veterans in the Transition Home
a project of the San Francisco Zen Center
with Lee Klinger Lesser and Chris Fortin
One day events: October 10, 2010; January 9, 2011; March 6, 2011; May 7, 2011; August 6; October 15, 2011
White Water River Rafting and Camping June 2011 (Dates to be announced)
Meditation and mindfulness practices have been used to for thousands of years to build concentration and focus, and to integrate body/mind experiences.
My friend and colleague, Chris Fortin, who is a Buddhist priest and psychotherapist, and I wanted to contribute something towards healing and welcome for people who have been in military service. We both teach and practice meditation and mindfulness. So, two years ago, we began talking and meeting with representatives from programs working with veterans to find out if there would be interest in what we could offer. Little by little we began to grow this project, “Honoring the Path of the Warrior - Tools for Returning Veterans in the Transition Home.” It has been an educational and moving journey for us, as veterans help to develop and shape the program.
We have learned that physically challenging and engaging activities mixed with quiet, contemplative practices are a great combination! So this combination has become the focus of our activities.
These retreats are designed to build a welcoming community and to provide tools that offer support in the transiton home. Activities include:
- Rock climbing, hiking, camping, white water river rafting
- Writing and journaling
- Gardening and farming
- Body/mind practices focusing on breath, sensory experience, and mindful awareness
The retreats are non-denominational and open to all veterans who have served since September 2001. There is no fee. Meals will be provided.
Lee Klinger Lesser has led workshops in Sensory Awareness for over 35 years in English and in Spanish. She has been a Zen Student for 30 years. She has studied with Jim Gordon and the Center for Body-Mind Medicine based on their work of healing with people who have suffered from trauma in war zones around the world.
Chris Fortin is a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in private practice and a Buddhist priest. She has 30 years of experience in helping to heal the wounds and trauma of body, mind, and spirit. Her commitment is to meet each person and experience with honest and alive attention and respect.
Please contact Lee Klinger Lesser at 415-307-6043 leelesser@gmail.com or Chris Fortin at 707-527-8106, chrisfortin@comcast.net for more information or to register for events.
A young veteran who participated in the first event we offered in the Fall of 2008 and has continued to come back and help to facilitate other retreats said:
"I came to these workshops a year and a half ago isolated, dealing with addiction, and spiritually empty. Through participating in these retreats I rediscovered my integrity, recognized a growing awareness, guided compassion and a sense of place, and found serenity by using the tools cultivated through participation in these retreats. Each breath is another opportunity for Warriors to meet their journey."
Jeremy B. Lopez, United States Marine Corps, Rank: E5/Sgt.