Wake Up Network (Young Adults)

Wake Up is a vibrant global community of young mindfulness practitioners (ages 18–35) inspired by the teachings of Zen Master and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh. We come together to practice mindfulness, take care of ourselves, nourish happiness, and contribute to building a compassionate, sustainable society.

Our generation sees the world burdened with intolerance, discrimination, craving, anger, and despair. We also witness the damage being done to our planet. Through mindfulness, concentration, and insight, we cultivate tolerance, non-discrimination, understanding, and compassion — for ourselves, each other, and the Earth.

“We must rebel against the forces that lead to a meaningless and illusory life. The secret is knowing how to rebel. There are ways of rebelling which only create more bondage and suffering. However, there are ways of rebelling that can offer us real freedom.”
— Thich Nhat Hanh

Practice: Essence

We follow the Five Mindfulness Trainings — ethical guidelines that offer concrete practices of true love and compassion, and a path towards a life in harmony with each other and the Earth. These practices help us live deeply, release tension, and use compassionate listening and loving speech to restore communication and heal divisions.

Roots & Inclusiveness

The Wake Up movement draws on Buddhism’s long tradition of wisdom and practice, but it is not bound by belief or ideology. Like science, it encourages open-mindedness and curiosity. Anyone is welcome — Christian, Jew, Muslim, agnostic, atheist, or any other path. The essence is inclusivity and compassion.

What We Do

Wake Up offers a refuge of support and nourishment for young people aspiring to transform suffering and build a compassionate world. Groups gather weekly or monthly to practice sitting and walking meditation, listen to teachings, share deeply, relax, and recite the Five Mindfulness Trainings. Many also organize flash mobs, music evenings, retreats, hikes, and creative events — bringing mindfulness into everyday life.

You Can Do It

If you’re a young person inspired to cultivate mindfulness and compassion, we invite you to join or start a Wake Up group. Together we pool our energy, act collectively, and create the world we want to live in. Read Thich Nhat Hanh’s “Message to the Youth” on the Wake Up website.