This month facilitated by Andrea and Sophie from Derbyshire
At this time of year, when we might find ourselves grieving the loss of the vibrant autumn leaves or the warm, golden days, we are also reminded of the cycles of life.
As the bulbs begin to push their tender shoots through the frosty earth and the birdsong returns, we sense the quiet promise of renewal. Grief and gratitude are not separate; they inter-are. Thich Nhat Hanh taught:
It is not impermanence that makes us suffer. What makes us suffer is wanting things to be permanent when they are not
This perspective invites us to hold both grief and gratitude with mindfulness, as companions on the journey of life.
When we touch our grief with awareness, we awaken to the beauty of the present moment and the transient gifts it offers. In this way, we learn to savour each breath, each bird’s song, and the quiet stirring of life beneath the surface. Grief becomes not a weight to carry but a doorway to the gratitude of being fully alive.
Each month, a different pair of facilitators host an evening of meditation with a reading or online teaching, themed around Earth Care practices. There is also generous time allowed for Dharma sharing in small groups of four to six people.
We have to wake up together — Thich Nhat Hanh
Many of us are aware that we live in times of great peril for life on Earth but also of great promise for change. It is easy to be overwhelmed by feelings of helplessness, despair and sorrow for what is being done to the Earth. But by practising together we can make a positive difference, and strengthen our resilience and joy. In response to our individual and collective need to do something, Earth Care Sangha is offered.
In these groups we can explore our feelings and speak openly in the company of others who share our concerns, safe in the knowledge that we do this without judgement or conflict. We hope that by sharing freely in this way, we can help each other find concrete ways to transform and heal, cultivate joy, and strengthen our understanding of interbeing with Mother Earth.
Grounded in the Plum Village tradition, and with close links to the Earth Care Steering Group, Earth Care Sangha is truly a sangha for these times. We invite you to join us, enjoy the practices, and help shape its future. Let’s wake up together!
Please email earthcare@plumvillage.uk with any feedback, questions, suggestions or offers of help.
