A Healing Path for Veterans

The Wisdom dojo offers programs for veterans integrating psychedelic-assisted therapy through contemplative practice. True to its name, the organization creates a structure similar to a traditional dojo—disciplined, sequential, and grounded in shared practice—where veterans can build emotional resilience and deepen their healing. Its programs include one-on-one meditation guidance, peer-led retreats, and a strong emphasis on community, with many veteran instructors leading the work themselves.

Hemera began supporting The Wisdom dojo at a formative time. The organization had a compelling vision: to deliver rigorous contemplative practice to a population deeply in need, in a format rooted in lived experience and peer support. As The Wisdom dojo developed its operations, board, and fundraising model, we partnered with them to strengthen that foundation. Our support balanced programmatic outcomes with space for experimentation and growth.

Early-stage grants often involve a complex set of dynamics. Founders are clarifying their vision while bringing it to life. Funders feel the urgency and promise of the work but must weigh the capacity of the emerging organization, risk, strategic fit, and opportunity cost. Within the context of a spend-up foundation there is also the need to consider sustainability after the end of the foundation’s life. With The Wisdom dojo the alignment was strong. We began with targeted support for veterans’ retreats and then helped create a financial runway, enabling the organization to establish its systems and seek additional sources of funding while remaining focused on serving veterans. 

At the heart of The Wisdom dojo’s work is the belief that psychedelic-assisted therapy can open a door, and meditation offers a path forward to lasting transformation. Their retreats help veterans stay present with what arises: pain, clarity, grief, and joy. As one veteran shared:

“These meditation retreats heal veterans on a deep level I’ve not seen before. The connectedness we feel online grows when we gather in person. It’s a real shift from hunting trips and barbecues. Veterans need love, support, and community that actually cares how they’re feeling. Meditation is that anchor. Sit, share your breath, and see what unfolds.”

The impact reaches beyond the individual. As another participant reflected: “The best part of the winter retreat was the peaceful, joyful mind I brought home to my family for Christmas. I really feel the best I’ve ever felt in my life.”

Despite being less than two years old, The Wisdom dojo has already served 479 veterans, with a 95% program completion rate. Participants gain practical tools to meet intense emotions, navigate trauma, and make sense of the often-overlooked transition to post-service life. The benefits extend to families, communities, and a culture of care that reaches well beyond the meditation cushion.

New partnerships, including their collaboration with the Navy SEAL Foundation, reflect the growing interest in their model. Wisdom Dojo continues to chart a new path for veteran well-being. For Hemera, this work reflects exactly what contemplative practice can offer: healing that is embodied, relational, and grounded in lived experience.