Thich Nhat Hanh to Lead a Retreat for Members of Congress.

The words “mindful” and “Congress” are rarely juxtaposed, perhaps because cynicism tends to pervade our views of Capitol Hill. Is it impossible for Members of Congress to bring mindfulness to their work? Thich Nhat Hanh has confidence in the capacity of Members of Congress to practice mindfulness.

Thich Nhat Hanh will be giving a lecture and leading an overnight mindfulness retreat in late October for Members of Congress, their family members and Congressional staff.

In September of 2003 Thich Nhat Hanh gave a lecture to approximately 400 Congressional staff and Members of Congress in Washington, D.C. He also led a similar retreat to the one he is planning to lead in October. Almost 30 people attended the retreat and many reported that they saw the importance of slowing down and making time for reflection.

Tim Ryan from Ohio is a mindful Congressman. He has practiced mindfulness meditation for years and advocates for mindfulness programs in schools, the military and in health care systems. It’s a start, but we can do more to encourage Members of Congress to practice mindfulness, especially when they are on the job.

To learn more about how you can encourage Members of Congress to attend Thich Nhat Hanh’s forthcoming lecture and retreat for Member of Congress and Congressional staff, visit the Plum Village website.

Imagine Members of Congress speaking mindfully and making conscientious decisions!

Photo credit: Erica Hamilton