If we do not know how to take care of ourselves and to love ourselves, we cannot take care of the people we love. Loving oneself is the foundation for loving another person.
— Thich Nhat Hanh
From July 10 to August 2, 2025, Plum Village hosted our annual Summer Opening Family Retreat, welcoming nearly 2,500 participants from around 50 countries, including children, teens, and practitioners of all ages.
Our Summer Retreat is often referred to as a Dharma festival, in which we are able to receive and touch the dharma in many ways: inspiring Dharma talks by senior monastics; mindful meals together in families; joyful play and total relaxation; creative expression through art, song, and dance; and communal offerings, such as the Peace Festival and Rose Ceremony. Through mindful exercises, sitting meditation, walking meditation, dharma sharing and other mindfulness practices, we learned how to dwell in the present moment, to come back to our bodies and breath to take care of strong emotions, and to find reconciliation in our relationships and ourselves.
Here two families share about the transformative power of the Summer Opening Retreat and the collective energy of the beloved sangha.
We came to the Plum Village summer retreat for the first time with our twelve-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter. As a family with mixed experiences of camping, we had a wonderful time sleeping under the star-filled sky and eating wholesome food. The monks and nuns taught us about living in the present while reflecting on the past and learning how to embrace and heal our suffering. Hearing others speak in our Dharma Sharing sessions made us realise that we were not alone and that we are all interconnected.
Our children really enjoyed being outdoors for 8–10 hours a day, giving them the freedom to be themselves in a safe retreat environment. As parents, we learned to let go, which also provided us with time and space to breathe, listen, and enjoy each other’s company. Plum Village was truly a place of love and refuge.
Returning to our home, we have a positive outlook for our family and our work. We look forward to returning again with our children for many years to come.
— William Lau, Suki Chan, Zi Chan-Lau and Ziqiao “Q” Chan-Lau; London, England
After years of reading books, taking courses, and attending trainings on personal growth, meditation, and writing, I finally felt like I truly came home during the summer family retreat in Plum Village – New Hamlet. Even though I know I shouldn’t judge or have expectations, I still arrived with many thoughts and emotions swirling inside me. But from the very beginning, I was touched by the warm welcome of the sisters, the gentle and accessible teachings, and the uplifting songs that accompanied our days.
One of the most meaningful parts of this retreat was being there with my teenage daughter. She was able to receive the same insights and practices as I did, which allowed us to transform together. During the “Beginning Anew” practice, we expressed our gratitude to each other, and it felt as though all the old frustrations and irritations melted away like snow in the sun. Seeing young parents play with their children also reminded me of the deep love I feel for my own child. It was a tender and powerful reflection.
In Plum Village, I felt the true meaning of compassion – not just as a concept, but as a living experience. I sincerely hope to carry this attitude forward in my life, for the benefit of all living beings around me.
— Annick Hoefnagels and Nina Linnebank; Antwerp, Belgium
We invite you to enjoy some special moments in this photo album and savor the sweetness of summer and practicing as a big dharma family.
If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile and blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace.
— Thich Nhat Hanh
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