Healing Begins Here: The Four Immeasurable Loves

Imagine four days where every breath, every step, every shared meal becomes an anchor to the present moment—and through that presence, you discover a love that extends to yourself, to others, and to the world. This meditation retreat at Plum Village in Thénac, Dordogne invites you into the heart of mindfulness practice as taught by Thich Nhat Hanh, one of the most influential spiritual teachers of our time. Guided by monastic sisters from the Plum Village tradition, you'll explore what it truly means to awaken to your life, moving beyond the chaos of daily existence into a sanctuary of awareness and belonging.

Over these transformative days, you'll learn to cultivate the Four Immeasurable Loves—loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity—not as ideals to strive for, but as natural expressions of a mind returned home to itself. Whether you're new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this retreat offers a complete immersion into the Plum Village way: a gentle, grounded approach to spiritual practice rooted in simplicity, community, and care.

What to Expect

This four-day retreat weaves together sitting meditation, walking meditation, mindful eating, dharma talks, and periods of noble silence to create a container for deep transformation. Each day follows the rhythms of the sangha—the beloved community—where mealtimes, work practices, and free moments all become opportunities to deepen your presence and connection. You'll experience what Plum Village calls "the village way," a practice that doesn't separate spirituality from daily life but infuses every ordinary moment with awakened awareness. By retreat's end, you'll carry tools for living with harmony within yourself, with others, and with the natural world.

About the Artist

Thich Nhat Hanh (Mindfulness Teacher)

Thich Nhat Hanh was a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk and pioneering mindfulness teacher who spent five decades bringing the practice of present-moment awareness into mainstream spiritual consciousness. Through his writings, international retreats, and tireless peace activism, he made meditation accessible to millions of seekers worldwide, demonstrating that mindfulness is not separate from engagement with the world but essential to it. His lineage, Plum Village, continues to offer retreats rooted in his teachings of compassion, interbeing, and the transformative power of returning to the breath.

Venue & Logistics

Location: Plum Village, Thénac, Dordogne, France
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026 (four-day immersion)

Plum Village is a peaceful monastic community nestled in the Dordogne region, designed to support deep practice. Wear comfortable, modest clothing suitable for sitting meditation and walking outdoors. The retreat emphasizes simplicity; bring meditation cushions if you have personal ones, though these are provided. For accessibility questions, contact the venue directly when registering.