Ray Tran

I learned about the Plum Village practice through my volunteering work at the Vietnam Buddhist Center. About two years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Sister Chan Hy Nghiem (Sister Joy), who introduced me to this transformative practice. Through her guidance, I was able to learn and embrace the teachings and practices of the Plum Village tradition, which have since become an integral part of my spiritual journey.

Practicing mindfulness has profoundly transformed my life by cultivating inner peace, enhancing clarity, and fostering compassion. As a practitioner, I’ve found that mindfulness allows me to observe my thoughts and my emotions without judgment, giving me the ability to recognize and control them rather than being controlled by them. This awareness helps me think carefully before making decisions, choose kind words, and take the right actions. By being fully present, my mind becomes less scattered, enabling deeper engagement and better outcomes. Mindfulness reveals the interconnectedness of all things, nurturing empathy and gratitude for both others and life’s simple joys. It also helps me embrace impermanence, reducing attachment to fleeting experiences and fostering freedom. Instead of resisting challenges, mindfulness helps me view them as opportunities for growth, shifting our perspective to respond thoughtfully and compassionately. Through consistent practice, mindfulness has transformed my life into a journey of balance, acceptance, and open-heartedness

This practice has benefited me in countless ways, both internally and in how I interact with the world. Mindfulness has helped me develop a deeper understanding of my emotions and thoughts, allowing me to respond rather than react impulsively. It has given me the ability to pause, reflect, and choose my words and actions with kindness and care, fostering healthier relationships and more meaningful connections with others.

Internally, mindfulness has brought a sense of calm and clarity to my life, reducing stress and helping me navigate challenges with greater ease. It has taught me to appreciate the present moment, cultivating gratitude for the small, beautiful details of everyday life. By embracing impermanence, I’ve learned to let go of attachments and accept change with grace, creating a sense of freedom and inner peace. Most importantly, mindfulness has allowed me to live with greater intention, aligning my actions with my values and finding joy in the journey itself

What inspires me to be part of the Planting Seeds Mindfulness Practice Center is the profound sense of community and shared purpose it offers. The center embodies the teachings of mindfulness and compassion, creating a space where individuals come together to cultivate inner peace and nurture the seeds of understanding, kindness, and transformation within themselves and others.

Having experienced the transformative benefits firsthand, I feel deeply compelled to support the center’s purpose of sharing these practices with others. I’m inspired by the opportunity to help others discover mindfulness, heal from within, and experience the same sense of peace and growth that I have. The center’s commitment to interbeing—the recognition that we are all interconnected—aligns with my values and motivates me to contribute to this beautiful journey of planting seeds of mindfulness for a better world.

Ray’s favorite quote from Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh

“The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don’t wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy.”

Having experienced the transformative benefits firsthand, I feel deeply compelled to support the center’s purpose of sharing these practices with others. I’m inspired by the opportunity to help others discover mindfulness, heal from within, and experience the same sense of peace and growth that I have.

Ray Tran