During the recent Christmas Holiday and New Year’s retreats (20 December, 2025 – 3 January, 2026), we gathered as a multifold community to practice mindfulness together: anchoring ourselves in our breath, sitting in stillness and peace, walking in nature, consuming in moderation, working with joy, sharing from the heart, and listening with love.
Throughout these two weeks, we were able to nourish ourselves with inspiring Dharma talks, the practices of Beginning Anew and Touching the Earth, total relaxation, mindful eating, and being truly present for one another in circle sharing. These practices, as well as the Five Mindfulness Trainings, helped us to deepen our understanding and compassion, and strengthened our commitment to live more mindfully in the year ahead.
On Christmas and New Year’s Eve, we listened to heartfelt Dharma Talks about different Plum Village Dharma doors and the importance of cultivating mindfulness together. These were followed by joyful Be-In sessions, where we shared songs, poems, and skits, reflecting our aspirations and insights. We cherished the miracle of being alive and the warmth of the community.
On New Year’s Eve, we also gathered to reflect on the past year, releasing what no longer serves us; and to start fresh with clear intentions by writing our aspirations and burning them collectively in a bonfire. We welcomed the New Year with sitting meditation at midnight. It was a beautiful opportunity to come together as a community and begin the year with mindfulness and compassion, reminding ourselves that peace within ourselves is the foundation for peace in our families and in the world.
This photo album captures some of the precious moments we shared during these two special weeks. May it inspire you to touch the wonders of life and cherish each moment as you continue your own journey of mindfulness and peace. May we all take steps toward creating a more compassionate and harmonious world together.
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