“Administrators may be attracted to mindfulness because they think it will improve academic performance and prevent teachers burning out. But the practice of mindfulness can do much more. The practice of right mindfulness can help both teachers and students suffer less; they will be able to improve communication and create a learning environment that is more compassionate and understanding. Students can learn very important things, such as how to handle strong emotions, how to take care of anger, how to relax and release tension, how to restore communication and reconcile with others. What’s the use of learning if that learning doesn’t bring you happiness? The practice of right mindfulness can bring about a deep change both in the classroom and the wider education system, so we can educate people in such a way that they can be truly happy. If, while doing so, the students can learn more easily and quickly, and educators can avoid burning out, that is also wonderful.”

Thich Nhat Hanh’ s talk to teachers in a retreat at Plum Village in June, 2014, appears in Happy Teachers Change the World: A Guide to Cultivating Mindfulness in Education.

If you are interested to join a retreat and need a financial support to cover a registration fee,  you can apply for a scholarship. Please write a letter (in Thai or English) to visitus@thaiplumvillage.org.