My name is Paula Brandino. I facilitate and coordinate Wake Up Montevideo in Uruguay since a year and a half ago.
I started this group in 2014 with a strong determination to create space for the practice of mindfulness, a place to be ourselves and share with loving speech and deep listening because this is missing these days.
The first time I had contact with the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh was with Wake Up Barcelona, where I lived for seven years. There, the Sangha welcomed me with lots of love and compassion, and I could deepen the practice of mindfulness. Later, when I went to Plum Village, I felt the collective energy, Thay’s depth and sensibility, and the practice of mindfulness as a way of sustainable living with love from all the community.
Today, Wake Up Montevideo welcomes Buddhists and non-Buddhists, young and not-so young, who’d like to get to know the tradition and the practice of mindfulness. Fortunately, a group of friends has been formed who participate regularly and help to sustain the Sangha this space week after week.
In December 2015, we organised a meditation flashmob for peace in the Rodó Park in Montevideo. It was a beautiful experience to be able to sit together and breathe together in the midst of the commotion at the time… end of the year, farewells, Christmas shopping, etc.
In March 2016, we will begin the regular meetings again. And we hope that shortly, we will receive the monastics to continue watering the seeds of mindfulness in Uruguay.
To get in touch with Wake Up Montevideo, you can email here or visit their Facebook group.
