Veterans Meditation Retreat 2024

 

The 2024 Veterans Meditation Retreat was held at the Clyde Hotel in Albuquerque, NM from September 20th to September 23rd, 2024.

For statistics and evaluations, please see a little further down.

VMR 2024 Evaluations

VMR 2024 Evaluation Report
VMR 2024 Survey Results
A group of 36 Veterans, some standing and some sitting, after having completed a three-day somatic meditation retreat. Three participants are Black, at least five are Hispanic or Latino, and two seated on the left and right have assistance dogs. The United States flag is resting on the left and the New Mexico flag on the right.
Group photo of VMR 2024 participants
Group of people sitting at a table.
Smiling man in denim shirt seated indoors.
Man sitting at a table near window.
Two men speaking at a conference event.
People sitting at a table with dog.
Man playing trumpet, wearing medals and poppy.
Two women reading and holding a microphone.
Man meditating with dog in conference room.
Person's hands open in a gesture.
Man sitting with hands clasped, deep thought.
Man sitting and praying with dog nearby.
Two men seated at a conference table.
People sitting attentively in a conference room.
Two men sitting in a conference room.
Man sitting alone at round table.
Man sitting with eyes closed, wearing glasses.
Man in red shirt sitting at event.
Two men sitting and meditating indoors.
Two men sitting and meditating indoors.
Panel discussion with three seated speakers.
Brown dog sitting on carpeted floor.
Sign for Veterans Transition Meditation Retreat.
People sitting at tables in a meeting.
People meditating in a conference room setting.
Three people seated on a stage panel.
Man sitting in a conference room setting.
People seated in a conference room setting.
Service dog sitting beside a person.
People sitting attentively in a conference room.
People attending a seminar in a conference room.
People sitting on stage during an event.
Two men walking on a city sidewalk.
Two men standing outside a building.
People meditating together in a conference room.
People standing with hands clasped together.
People practicing yoga in conference room.
People seated in chairs raising arms upward.
People raising hands in a meeting room.
Person speaking on stage with audience seated.
People seated at a conference table.
Participants in the 2024 2nd VMR
Everyone poses for a group photo at VMR 2024. Including the attendees and volunteers. Taken at the Clyde Hotel in Albuquerque, NM.
The VMR 2024 attendees and volunteers.

Testimonials

“The VA does not deep dive into meditation. They tell you it helps but most have no clue how beneficial it truly can be for not only your mental growth but all-around growth. It needs to be taught more.”

One participant said their understanding of meditation was “not a whole lot” before the retreat. Afterwards, they explained that meditation is “an inner search and reflection of yourself within your environment.”

“I served my country and I deserve help and disability support for my service. I am not alone.”

“Our veterans could very much use learning/teaching about how to quiet the mind, learn to breathe, and experience nature around them."