Review of Walk With Me: A Journey into Silence and Presence

Review of Walk With Me: A Journey into Silence and Presence

Directed by Marc J. Francis and Max Pugh, Walk With Me is an immersive documentary that offers an intimate glimpse into the world of Zen Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh and his monastic community at Plum Village. The film takes viewers on a meditative journey into the heart of mindfulness practice, where silence speaks volumes and every moment is an invitation to return to the present.
Silence and Sound: A Sacred Balance
Throughout the film, one of the most profound themes explored is the relationship between silence and sound. As one of the monks reflects, “Silence can also explode with great sound.” This paradox serves as a reminder that true mindfulness is not just about external quietude, but about the inner harmony that arises when we connect deeply with the present moment. The sacred sound of the bell in the monastery invites practitioners to pause, to breathe, and to return to the fullness of each breath.
In the same way, the act of lighting incense or the soft ringing of a Zen bell can serve as a reminder to embrace the stillness within and around us. The fragrance of incense, with its delicate and calming aroma, creates a sensory connection to mindfulness, just as an incense holder becomes a physical space for reflection and reverence.

Mindfulness in Everyday Life
While the monks in the monastery are reminded to stop and breathe with each bell sound, the film suggests that we can find similar moments of presence in our daily lives. Just as incense is used to anchor mindfulness in a space, everyday objects can serve as cues to bring us back to the present moment. A carefully brewed cup of Chinese tea, steeped with intention, offers a moment of pause, much like the act of sipping from a tea set that embodies calmness and grace. The simple act of drinking tea can become a mindful practice, allowing us to slow down, appreciate the present, and reconnect with ourselves.
The film also highlights the beauty of mindfulness accessories such as necklaces made from stones or crystals, which serve as reminders of our connection to the earth and our inner selves. These items, while small, carry the potential to transform everyday moments into practices of mindfulness. Whether it’s the scent of incense or the feel of a stone necklace, these subtle details in life can ground us in the present and encourage us to cultivate a deeper sense of awareness.

Returning to the Present Moment
Ultimately, Walk With Me is a call to return to the present, to stop the rush of modern life, and to embrace the simplicity of being. Whether through the act of lighting incense, savoring a cup of tea, or simply breathing, the film reminds us that mindfulness is accessible in every moment. It is not confined to a monastery or a specific ritual but can be practiced anywhere. The documentary elegantly captures the essence of Zen Buddhism—finding peace and presence in the ordinary, and helping us reconnect with the sacred in our everyday lives.
In a world that often feels chaotic, Walk With Me invites us to pause, breathe, and live mindfully—one moment at a time.

To honor Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s passing in January 2022, and to share his life story from his early days in Vietnam to his return there to spend the final years of his life, the international Plum Village community is offering a documentary film, A Cloud Never Dies.

There is no path to peace; peace is the path.
Thich Nhat Hanh

 

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