Monica Max West (True Aspiration of the Heart)

Monica Max West, known as Max (she/her), began her journey in the Plum Village tradition in 2011 with the Heart of London Sangha. Max was drawn to the gentle quietness of meditation and reverence for the Earth, as well as the ethics of the Mindfulness Trainings. She took the Five Mindfulness Trainings in 2013 and was given the Dharma name True Aspiration of the Heart. She has been part of two 14 Mindfulness Trainings study groups: first in 2016 (writing a song for each training) and since 2024 as part of the Aspirant Path.

Originally from Chicago, Max is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, wildlife photographer, psychotherapist, Climate and Social Justice Activist and crafter. She lives in London with her terrier cross, Zac Ananda, and her friend Moonbow the Sun Bear, the first other-than-human being to receive the 5MTs. Max loves to sing the Morning Chant each day and enjoys practicing with the Three Earth Touchings and meditating with Zac, who is a fantastic teacher of joy!

Max is actively involved in Sangha building, through facilitation, organising musical Days of Mindfulness, hosting a Sangha Singalong Choir and writing songs based on Thay’s teachings. Max truly believes that ‘music is a Dharma door’ and collaborates with others to create cover versions of songs related to Plum Village teachings.