John Braman, executive director of Upaya Zen Center, the local Buddhist monastery and social-action organization, will leave the organization soon to embark on a “dream year.”

Braman, former head of the Bear Canyon Project at Albuquerque Academy and a college professor at Lesley University, has guided Upaya through a major growth phase over the past two years, launching a breakthrough initiative in the health-education field for contemplative approaches to end of life care.

The “dream year” idea began last month with Braman’s 60th birthday reunion that drew 75 family and friends from across the country. Over the course of several days, during a variety of conversations, Braman and his guests discussed how to actualize their highest potential in the post-60 years.

By the end of the weekend, Braman’s thoughts on the topic jelled into the elements of a plan.

It involved letting go of the intensity of administrative responsibilities for a year of learning and direct service to youth.

“At first,” he said, “I couldn’t see how I could really do it. Then I realized I had to do it.”

When the organization’s board of directors heard the news, they were both surprised by and supportive of the idea.

A transition team is now in place, headed up by Marilyn Mason, the Santa Fe-based organizational consultant.

Braman will leave the organization in October, remain in Santa Fe, and focus on youth leadership development and community development. One assignment will be with the Global Youth Leadership Institute based in New Mexico and Costa Rica.

He also plans to work with Santo Domingo/Laguna leader Larry Littlebird in the establishment of a center devoted to family restoration.

During a Sept. 20 Upaya board meeting, chairman David Cantor announced the formation of an executive search committee, and thanked Braman for major contributions to the organization’s finances, program, and professional staff.

“We are light years ahead of where we were a few years ago,” he said, “and we wish John the very best.”

Inside Santa Fe’s Faith Communities is compiled by the individual faith community and edited by the religion editor. All faith communities are welcome to submit an article — send an e-mail to service@sfnewmexican.com or send fax to 986-9147. For more information, call 986-3049.