Mindfulness is always mindfulness of something. In the Plum Village tradition, we practice mindfulness of our breathing. Mindful breathing anchors us to the present moment. We simply enjoy our breathing however we perceive it in our body, allowing thoughts to come and go as clouds in the sky, returning always to our breath. The practice can be quite pleasant, nourishing seeds of calm and peace in us. Whenever we feel carried away by our emotions, mindful breathing can reestablish us solidly in the present moment.

Includes both guided meditation and silent sitting. We sit comfortably in a stable position on a cushion, bench or chair. Eyes may be closed or resting softly on a spot in front of us. We focus on our in-breath and our out-breath, extending our awareness to our entire body. If we find restlessness or tension, our breathing can help release it. Once the body is calm, we can turn our attention to the thoughts and feelings that arise, Grounded in the calm of the in-breath and the out-breath, we begin to know our mind intimately. Called looking deeply, we begin to understand the roots of our suffering so we can transform our difficulties into happiness, peace and joy

Generally done inside, but may be outside as well. We coordinate our steps with our breath, remaining aware of the connection between them, and the position of other practitioners who may be ahead or behind us. The purpose of this meditation is just to enjoy walking, in an unhurried and calm way, without destination.

A dharma talk presents the opportunity to receive transmission of the fruit of the practice from the heart of the teacher to the heart of the listener. We put our intellect on the back burner and listen with open hearts and minds. It is said that the dharma is like rain. Allow the rain to gently water the seeds of wisdom and compassion in you, so that love and understanding may flower in you.

Dharma sharing is an opportunity to benefit from each other’s insights and experience of the practice. It is a special time for us to share our joys, our difficulties and our questions relating to the practice of mindfulness. By practicing deep listening while others are speaking, we help create a calm and receptive environment. By learning to speak out about our happiness and our difficulties in the practice, we contribute to the collective insight and understanding of the Sangha.

Represent a vision for a global way of living and ethic. They are a concrete expression of the path of right understanding and true love, leading to healing transformation. Many of our retreats and Days of Mindfulness offer the opportunity to receive transmission of the trainings, and all our sanghas offer the opportunity to recite them regularly.

A series of gentle standing postures designed by Thich Nhat Hanh to help coordinate mind and body through breath. We are encouraged to let our own breath be our guide and stay within our comfort level. Other movement practices may be introduced from time to time with the same intent.

Singing is another hallmark of the Plum Village tradition. Music has the power to penetrate the heart deeply. Based on Thây’s teachings, these songs are dharma talks in miniature. We sing not to perform, but to share the practice joyfully.

A part of our practice and our presence at any time. Thích Nhât Hanh refers to smiling as “mouth yoga”. He says to meditate well, we need to smile a lot. “To suffer is not enough. We must also be in touch with the wonders of life.”