Twenty Years of Plum Village: An Ongoing Journey of Transformation

Reflecting on two decades of practice, friendship, and finding my "real-life Shangri-La"

The Beginning: A Step into the Unknown

Twenty years ago this week, July 2005, I arrived in France with a suitcase and zafu and made my way to Plum Village, on my own and with no real idea what I was getting myself into. (You don’t need to bring a zafu, mediation cushion, to Plum Village they have plenty, it’s a mindfulness practice centre after all, but someone told me to bring one, so I lugged it all the way there and back!)

To say it was life-changing feels cliche—though anyone who knows me will tell you I can hardly get through a day without some reference to PV! These days, it's usually during my morning meditation classes (where it's particularly relevant), and on Fridays, I even sing a "Plum Village song." I do love a wee Plum Village song.

The impact was immediate and profound. From the day I arrived, something deep within me recognised I was home. When I left, I made a vow to return every year—and I kept that promise for almost two decades.

A place to find my true home

Sometimes I visited more than once a year, even traveling to other Plum Village monasteries around the world. My regular pilgrimages were brought to an abrupt end in 2020 when the world stopped, and then in 2021 when I welcomed my beautiful baby and discovered ‘galivanting’ around the world wouldn’t be as easy as it once was!  But my devotion to the Plum Village practice and the connection remains strong.

The past few years I've been fortunate to see the Plum Village monastics when they tour Ireland, and this year I attended a four-day retreat with them in Drumalis, Larne. The joy of seeing my old friend Sr. Si Nghiem in my home land was very special—she's pictured with me (above) from that April 2025 retreat.

A Friendship Across Time

Sr. Si Nghiem and I met in March 2007 on the PV tour of Vietnam, when we randomly assigned as roommates. Back then, she was Gladys from Hong Kong, and she confided her intention to become a nun to me. Her conviction had me wondering if I should follow the same path!

We were both devoted followers of Thây, behaving like proper groupies as we tried to get close to him at every event—it was such fun! In February 2008, I returned to Plum Village for her ordination (her name means 'Wisdom' and experienced Tet (Vietnamese New Year). Clearly paths diverged, but we remain friends with a beautiful heart connection.

My trip to Vietnam inspired me to set up the first Plum Village Sangha in Northern Ireland (May 2007) and from there in 2008 I began teaching mindfulness in Namaste yoga centre.

What Makes Plum Village so Special?

As well as being lucky to meet amazing monastics and friends at Plum Village. Every visit to brought me immense joy, inspiration and energy. Plum Village is an international place where joy, love, peace, and practice intertwine—and for me, it represents hope for our world.

Zen teacher Paul Haller once asked why I loved Plum Village so much. My answer was simple: I am awed that such a place exists. To me, it felt like a real-life "Shangri-La."

This is not a naivety, this is a place on Earth. Having visited many times, I know that it is not a place of perfection—where there are humans, there will always be mistakes and disagreements. But what makes Plum Village extraordinary is that everyone there is genuinely trying to practice mindfulness, wanting to practice peace, and working together to create the energy of peace, joy, and love.

With a bit of luck, I hope to return with my family next year.

The Five Mindfulness Trainings: My Foundation

A Certificate That Changed Everything

If you visit my Instagram page, you'll see my Five Mindfulness Trainings Certificate, dated July 22nd, 2005. During my first summer retreat that year, I had the opportunity to take the Five Mindfulness Trainings (5MTs for short).

As Thây explained: "The 5MTs are one of the most concrete ways to practice mindfulness. They are non-sectarian, and their nature is universal. They are true practices of compassion and understanding. All spiritual traditions have their equivalent to the Five Mindfulness Trainings."

The Five Trainings

1. Protecting Life: Decreasing violence in oneself, family, and society

2. Social Justice: Practicing generosity, not stealing, and not exploiting other living beings

3. Responsible Sexual Behavior: Protecting individuals, couples, families, and children

4. Deep Listening and Loving Speech: Restoring communication and reconciliation

5. Mindful Consumption: Avoiding toxins and poisons in body and mind

   
   

Embracing the Practice

Twenty years ago, there was some debate among us "lay friends" about taking the trainings. Some hesitated over the fifth training, worried it meant giving up alcohol entirely, among other concerns.

I had no reservations. Every word resonated with me, especially how each began with "aware of the suffering caused by..." I deeply admired Thây's wisdom and felt these trainings would only help me live better and more mindfully.

I still drink alcohol—but not very much! I don't see the trainings as commandments but as supportive guides for mindful living.

In order to 'receive' the 5MTs you must fill out an application form stating your reasoning. I received the beautiful spiritual name 'Peaceful Gift of the Heart', which I love. I'm sure I probably wrote something about peace in Northern Ireland and that's why I got that name. I was given to me by Sr Gina, which makes it extra special!

Want to learn more? Read the full trainings here or explore Thây's book For a Future To Be Possible.

Looking Forward

Twenty years later, Plum Village continues to shape my life, my teaching, and my understanding of what's possible when we commit to practice together. The seeds planted in that French monastery and practice centre continue to bloom in unexpected ways.

I hope you've found this glimpse into my spiritual journey helpful. What places or practices have transformed your life? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

With mindful gratitude,

Bridgeen ✨

P.S. Have you experienced Plum Village or similar retreat centres? Share your stories in the comments below—I love connecting with fellow practitioners!