Transformational retreat experiences

My first retreat at Plum Village was a sense of safety, on a really somatic level. Looking back, I’d expected more of a kind of journey into self, but that relational aspect has probably been the single most affecting element, really — a sense of an individual relationship, community, a shared sense of aspiration around how we meet ourselves and the world.

William

There was a real sense of this is what a more beautiful future could look like—the one my heart knows is possible.

Esteban

During that retreat, I was able to cry for the first time in a long time. A sister encouraged us to acknowledge: ‘I am struggling. And that is ok.’ That moment gave me such relief. Even surrounded by 200 people, I felt completely comfortable.

Rik

I hadn’t met anyone quite like [the monastics] before. There was a calm, joyful presence behind clear, kind eyes. I felt like they were on the right path, and it made me want to go down that path as well. Despite camping with a gap in my tent, I’d never slept better. For weeks afterwards people kept telling me how well I looked – and I felt well too.

Sophia

Last spring I went to Plum Village for the first time for a week-long retreat. I felt the powerful spiritual energy, the peace and happiness of Lower Hamlet from the moment I arrived – I was home.

Debs

I had the privilege of growing up in the tradition of Plum Village. Some of my earliest memories are of scaling hay bales in the golden fields surrounding New Hamlet, and of Teri West teaching us how to sing ‘Dear Old Buddha’. However, I didn’t understand the transformative power of the teachings of Thay, until returning to the tradition 15 years later.

Ho-ting

My first Plum Village experience felt like home. I found my community, I found my people.

Kasia

I remember struggling with walking meditation. At one point I had this revelation that I didn’t need to have a big revelation. I could just enjoy the walk; flowers to the left, birds on the right. I could just let go — being here and just enjoying this is enough. That was a peaceful moment.

Marketa

Last year, I went on the ‘Nourishing our Roots Retreat’ which was specifically designed for young Asians who grew up in the west. At an extremely challenging time in my life, the community and insight I discovered on that retreat inspired me to embark on a completely different life path.

Ho-ting

I first attended a retreat with monastics in Stourbridge in 2019 and was amazed that such an ocean of peace could be created in my hometown.
As a climate activist, I was overwhelmed by the enormity of the task required to avert the disaster that is unfolding, but the practices helped calm my mind. A monastic’s guidance allowed me to accept the anxiety, release anger and grief, and to find nourishment and joy to navigate these complex times with growing sense of inner peace and purpose.

Virginia