Strengthening Our Connection with One Another and with the Earth – Retreat with EIAB Monastics

Imagine three days of profound stillness—where the only agenda is to come home to yourself, to reconnect with those around you, and to remember your place within the living Earth. This retreat, held at the peaceful sanctuary of Plum Village in Thénac, Dordogne, offers a rare opportunity to practice mindfulness in community with four sisters from the European Institute of Applied Buddhism (EIAB). Rooted in the Plum Village tradition established by Thich Nhat Hanh, this spiritual retreat invites you to slow down, soften, and listen—to your breath, your heart, and the wisdom of nature itself.

Whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, you will find space here to release the noise of daily life and cultivate genuine presence. The sisters guide participants through a carefully woven program of sitting and walking meditation, dharma teachings, and time in nature, all designed to deepen your connection within yourself, with others, and with the Earth. This is not a retreat for achievement or perfection—it is an invitation to come as you are, to meet your experience with compassion, and to discover the steadying rhythm that belongs to all living things.

What to Expect

Over three days, you will move through a rhythm of formal and informal practice. The mornings begin with sitting meditation in silence, followed by mindful movement and walking meditation through the Dordogne landscape. Dharma talks—gentle teachings rooted in Buddhist wisdom and present-moment awareness—offer guidance for understanding how inner peace connects to global peace. You'll share meals mindfully with fellow practitioners, participate in group discussions, and have time for reflection in nature. The arc of the retreat creates a container for softening inner conflict, meeting whatever arises with kindness, and deepening your listening—both inward and outward. Participants typically leave with renewed clarity, a sense of belonging, and practical tools for bringing mindfulness into their daily lives.

About the Artist

Thich Nhat Hanh was a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk and pioneering mindfulness teacher whose teachings transformed spiritual practice for millions worldwide. Over five decades, he brought the practice of present-moment awareness into mainstream consciousness through his prolific writings, international retreats, and dedicated peace activism. His legacy lives on through the Plum Village tradition and the communities of monastics—including the EIAB sisters leading this retreat—who carry forward his vision of mindful living and compassionate action.

Venue & Logistics

This retreat takes place at Plum Village in Thénac, Dordogne, a serene monastic community nestled in southwestern France. The retreat runs from Thursday, October 8, 2026 for three days. Wear comfortable, modest clothing suitable for meditation and time outdoors. No prior experience is necessary. Please contact the venue directly for accessibility accommodations and practical details about meals and lodging.