Discover Peace and Joy Through Mindful Walking and Community Connection in Plum Village

In the serene Still Water Hall at Plum Village’s Upper Hamlet, the profound teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh continue to inspire mindfulness practitioners worldwide. On June 2, 2024, the community gathered for a Retreat, setting the tone for a transformative two-week journey deeply rooted in mindfulness practices.

The essence of this retreat is to cultivate a collective energy of mindfulness and intention. Such energy is not something external but emerges from within each individual. Participants learned that grounding in the foundation of mindfulness begins with being present and aware, integrating this awareness into breathing, walking, and interactions. It is a conscious effort to channel attention from distractions to the simplicity of the breath.

Setting personal intentions is emphasized as the cornerstone of this retreat. Participants were invited to reflect inwardly, listening to their hearts to identify and articulate their intentions. This introspective process is vital, allowing authenticity to surface. As shared by members, intentions varied from seeking freedom from delusion, clarity, healing, to being more present. Collectively, these intentions contribute to the shared energy of mindfulness.

A persistent theme in the teachings is the concept of ‘coming home’ to the body. Regardless of one’s experience level in mindfulness practice, returning to the body remains a continuous journey. This practice involves being aware of tensions within the body and understanding that energies such as anxiety, fear, or anger are not individual but collective. Thus, addressing these energies is seen as contributing to the well-being of the collective, offering a profound communal ripple effect.

Walking meditation is highlighted as a fundamental practice. Thich Nhat Hanh always reaffirmed that there should be one style of walking in Plum Village: walking meditation. Each step taken mindfully on the earth is considered an investment not only in personal well-being but also in nurturing the Earth. Intentional walking helps move attention from the mind to the bodily sensations, promoting a deeper connection to the present moment.

The retreat context emphasizes the importance of community, or “Sangha,” as one of the Three Jewels in Buddhism. The Sangha serves as a reminder and reinforcement of one’s mindfulness practice. Wearing the Order of Interbeing jacket, participating in communal activities, and supporting each other through presence are integral to this collective journey. Each member possesses the responsibility to contribute positively to the living tradition of mindfulness.

Embedded within the retreat’s teachings is the acknowledgment of suffering as an essential aspect of practice. Addressing suffering, whether personal or collective, becomes a layer of mindfulness and a call for authentic engagement. Mindfulness is not about avoiding discomfort but about facing it with presence and intention. Embracing these strong emotions with the energy of mindfulness can be a transformative experience, one that underscores the dynamic nature of peacework.

Ultimately, this retreat at Plum Village underscores that mindfulness is a daily practice involving multiple facets of life, from meditation to simple daily actions. Each activity, no matter how mundane, is imbued with the potential for mindfulness and joy. The teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, encapsulated in this retreat, continue to resonate powerfully, illustrating that the journey of mindfulness is a lifelong endeavor filled with opportunities for growth and transformation.

For those interested in delving deeper into the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, consider exploring The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh.

Engage with the embedded video to fully immerse in the teachings and bring the spirit of Plum Village into your practice.