“To think in terms of either pessimism or optimism oversimplifies the truth. The problem is to see reality as it is.” Thich Nhat Hanh The Miracle of Mindfulness
This may be the greatest truth that I’ve discovered. I PREACH mindfulness, y’all. I can get really soap-boxy about the Present Moment- loud voice, wild gesticulations…the whole thing. Thich Nhat Hanh’s voice on the subject is both more authoritative (he has the teachings, the years of dedicated practice, and the life experiences to back him up) and more gentle.
The Miracle of Mindfulness is one of the first books I read by Thich Nhat Hanh. I had been studying and practicing in the Soto Zen Buddhist tradition for a few years, so I knew how to meditate, but Thay’s (thay means, teacher, in Vietnamese and is a term of endearment for Thich Nhat Hanh used by those who consider themselves his students) words, his way of looking at meditation and reality, were gifts to me. His writing is simple, easy to understand, and evokes a sense of calm authority and childlike wonder, both at once.
This is the book that I return to over and over again. I strongly recommend it if you are interested in learning about and growing your own mindfulness practice. Thich Nhat Hanh’s wisdom is like a healing balm for the heart.
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