Embrace Healing Through Nature and Friendship with Plum Village’s Teachings and Practices

Embarking on a journey towards healing and spiritual growth reflects a commitment to nurturing the mind, body, and soul. The teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, featured on the Plum Village YouTube channel, offer a lighthouse of wisdom for those navigating the often turbulent waters of life. This particular teaching underscores the importance of taking refuge in the sangha, the community, and in practices that bring peace to the soul.

This teaching embodies two main facets: the path to healing through the community and the strategies for dealing with acute moments of intense thoughts. These teachings are a gentle reminder that in times of vulnerability, seeking refuge in the interconnectedness of life offers unparalleled solace.

The first part of the message emphasizes the beauty and power of taking refuge in the sangha. At Plum Village, the practice of walking alongside others, both human and non-human companions, brings a unique sense of belonging and unconditional love. The four-legged beings, trees, birds, and the expanse of nature provide a sense of interbeing, a concept dear to Hanh’s teachings. This idea of interbeing is about realizing the interconnectedness of all life and how this interconnectedness offers a firm ground, especially during challenging times.

In moments when life feels overwhelming, the sangha – the supportive community, the land, and every living being – welcomes and holds individuals in a nurturing embrace. This opens the heart to giving and receiving love and care, reaffirming that one is part of something far greater. It is this practice of taking refuge that strengthens the path toward healing and inner peace.

Transitioning into the second part of the message, the focus shifts to coping with acute moments of distress. In these moments, thoughts can become overwhelming, causing fear and anxiety. One practical and profound technique shared is the use of mala beads. By breathing in and out with each bead, one engages in mindful breathing that brings focus and tranquility. This practice, rooted deeply in the tradition of mindfulness, offers a simple yet effective refuge from the turmoil within the mind. It serves as a reminder not to take transient thoughts too seriously, for they do not define the entirety of who we are.

Additionally, seeking companionship during these turbulent times is emphasized. Requesting the presence of a friend, whether they have two legs or four, to sit, walk, or lie on the grass together, helps anchor the self to the present moment. Feeling the sun, the breeze, and the gentle rhythm of one’s breath fosters a stronger connection to the deeper, more stable aspects of being.

Breathing, rather than thinking, becomes the wisest and most secure place of refuge. This technique aligns with the deeper spiritual teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, who teaches that mindfulness and breathing are profound tools for transforming suffering. This understanding is beautifully expanded in his book, Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh, where the reader can explore the path of mindfulness in everyday life.

Thus, combining these practices with professional and spiritual support can create a well-rounded path for addressing and healing one’s struggles. The spiritual nourishment found at Plum Village offers a deep connection to the cosmos, highlighting that one is never alone on this journey. The land, the animals, the trees, every part of nature, and the sangha walk together in unity and support.

This teaching from Plum Village is a heartfelt invitation to embrace the practices of mindfulness and community, providing a haven of peace and wisdom. Engaging with the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh offers a tether to a profound, enduring sense of interbeing – ultimately lighting the path towards healing and transformation. Watch the video embedded at the top of the page for a deeper dive into these transformative teachings.