What do you think?
Rate this book
Happiness: Essential Mindfulness Practices
Learn how to do all the things you do in daily life with mindfulness, not just while “formally” meditating 50 short, simple, and profound meditation practices you can do anytime to cultivate happiness, from world-renowned spiritual teacher Thich Nhat Hanh Whether you’re new to Buddhist teaching or you’re a more experienced practitioner, this quintessential resource of Thich Nhat Hanh’s most essential teachings will show you how to walk, sit, work, eat, and even drive with full awareness. In one accessible and easy-to-use volume, you’ll find many kinds of meditations, Daily walking meditation, taking refuge, telephone meditation Eating kitchen meditation, mindful eating, tea meditation Physical resting and stopping, deep relaxation, mindful movements Relationship & Community deep listening and loving speech, peace treaty, hugging meditation Extended touching the earth, lazy day, traveling and returning home Practices With helping children with anger, the cake in the refrigerator, pebble meditation The only way to truly develop peace both in oneself and in the world is to learn to live in the present moment instead of the past or the future. Integrating these practices into daily life will allow you to cultivate peace and joy within yourself, leading to freedom from fear, misunderstanding, and suffering.
120 pages, Paperback
Published July 20, 2005
About the author
Thich Nhat Hanh
971 books11.4k followers
Thích Nhất Hạnh was a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, teacher, author, poet and peace activist who then lived in southwest France where he was in exile for many years. Born Nguyễn Xuân Bảo, Thích Nhất Hạnh joined a Zen (Vietnamese: Thiền) monastery at the age of 16, and studied Buddhism as a novitiate. Upon his ordination as a monk in 1949, he assumed the Dharma name Thích Nhất Hạnh. Thích is an honorary family name used by all Vietnamese monks and nuns, meaning that they are part of the Shakya (Shakyamuni Buddha) clan. He was often considered the most influential living figure in the lineage of Lâm Tế (Vietnamese Rinzai) Thiền, and perhaps also in Zen Buddhism as a whole.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews
On my fourth or fifth read this year. Decided to count a second effort and write an update.
Lately, my happy mind struggles at night with chill and rest mode. Plus, by the end of the month road tripped about 20,000 miles.
While on the road brown or green noise are my go to at night and this book.
So much exciting stuff is happening at the office/property. I’m working on publishing and other exciting stuff that’ll finally be officially launched … the brain doesn’t wanna take a nap.
I mean like in sleep it’s still busy dreaming, right?! Why not let me nap while it’s busy :)
How I find Happiness?
In about 2012 or 13 began trying sitting meditation when Deepak and Oprah did that 21 day event. Every year I continued to follow the mantras and seek “Peace, be still” through Christ.
Depending on sitting focus wasn’t enough. Discovering Thich HNat Hanh’s mindfulness was the key, for me. I could do this every second of every day. Regardless of what was happening in any particular moment.
The impact of attending the 2014 World Compassion tour at the Beacon in NYC with Thay and buying this book changed the world, for me.
Recently, while visiting my son saw the copies I gifted him of Happiness along with Zen Mind Beginner Mind. Neatly stacked on the one shelf above his analog desk where he studied scripture.
In case you’re wondering, an analog desk is a place for no digital. In a way it’s an alter for prayer for him.
Mine is a vintage wood desk where the lid can close. It’s a palace for creative writing and hand written stuff regardless of the task.
We’re both techies. It’s so cool he set up his own. The same time I did. Without each of us knowing.
Anyhow, since we’ve practiced “Peace, be still” and use mindfulness as Thay teaches our family life has excelled. Deepened. Flowered like a lotus garden.
For me, when my mind is restless and happy listening on a slower than normal speed soothes me. Reminds me of the joy of the peace within when I’m in complete surrender to the moment. The joy of a good nights sleep.
Buried within my office filled with creative books to foster publishing and the making of an author and cultivate me as an artist of a few modalities is a closet including a window. Converted to the library and mindful sitting space.
A shelf near the floor with a sit pillow are books I visually read that is my sitting meditation, at times. The space is small enough it vibes being wrapped in a hug of books and peace when I practice “Peace, be still” within.
I’m not sure what struggles life may bring your way. Know, you are not alone. We all have something that takes our attention from Peace. Finding a way to return and center on this one thing … I’ve found the way. Hope I’ve inspired you on your path or added to the discovery process.
My focus is always on my faith practice. Inclusion of mindfulness with Thay who shares Christ’s vision (you can read more about in Living Buddha Living Christ) was a life changing.
Knowing to practice isn’t becoming a player in a different ‘religion’. It is a way of being within my own faith. As I don’t practice ‘religion’. Nor did Thay before his passed away last year.
When my world shifted those around me did, too, I’m close with. It’s been wonderful.
As a child was asked what do I wanna be when I grow up. I distinctly remember saying at age ten, happy.
If you’re struggling with finding happiness within. Maybe reading this book and trying mindfulness out in everyday happenstances would be a piece of your puzzle, too.
You don’t need to be a Buddhist or join a Sangha where people join to study mindfulness in a shared experience. You don’t need do to anything special. Other than be open to the peace within.
Peace in one self, Peace in the world.
If you’ve ever responded to the question what’s one thing you hope for, “world peace”. This is how.
If all people practice mindful being the world would share peace. If all we have control over is our own peace, and we share this regardless of circumstances, then, this is our world peace.
If we share our world peace with one other person, for me it is my son. And he shares it with my beautiful daughter in law, his wife. Now, there’s three. And, so on.
The only problem I’ve encounter with a peace filled life, seeing the world as a little bit more crazy 😂 The result, being mindful not to allow those nouns: people places and things … into the peace within. Share grace and kindness then move about my day.
The result is people have found healing through this, too. Not everyone, but the people who need it and wish to be connected.
The hardest part of this journey, seeing people hurt and maintaining peace. Allowing old things to fall away. Opens room for the new cultivators of peace.
There’s a song, Maybe It’s Time, by Bradley Cooper. maybe it’s time to let the old ways die … yes. This book and mindfulness practice support could be one method to help you on your way, too.
If you want a free audible copy for a month, if you’ve never had a membership, can borrow it for a month.
I have the 24 token a year membership. You can get as little as a book every other month token deal.
Or, find a copy used on Amazon under the Amazon store in the resell small book store section.
My hope is no matter what method you decide, that peace fills your heart and happiness wraps it up like a gift daily 🥰
/\ update
My go-to at bedtime if I need a little assistance easing off into slumber.
At 0.7 speed on audible, the tone and calm of the narrator encourage mindfulness helping me relax.
Sometimes leave the book on all night. Waking to reminders to keep focusing on the mindful practice.
What I like most about this book is owning the print copy procured at the Beacon Theater in NYC when Thay (teacher) was visiting. A life-changing moment for me.
I'd been practicing mindfulness for a good while. This book took me to the next level of calm and peace within.
Not a day goes by I don't use the tools learned within.
Even my son found peace from the practices described. Combined with our faith practice as Christians we are feeling so well as a family.
He got me into another of THN books, You Are Here.
I'm very grateful for this in partnership with my faith practice. Always thinking of “Peace, Be still” Yeshua/Jesus says in the word.
For me, this book complete of all THN mindfulness practices helps me do a better job living faith-based examples I've not been taught in any church.
Even though I'm a praying woman living a righteous life nothing has helped me more in loving others and myself than this book in partnership with God’s word.
For those who are unaware, Buddhism is a practice. One can be faithful through Christianity and practice the peace of mindfulness.
Some express their beliefs differently. For me, my life wouldn't be as enriched without a mindfulness practice.
Every moment of my life is fully aware of the breath I intake from God. This presence is renewing. Constantly. Here within this is all the love imaginable :)
I’ve lost count how many times I've reread all or parts of this fantastic book and guide.
Figure I should add it to my reading list since I'm rereading it often in 2021.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯
Update -----
I spent time with Thich Nhat Hanh at the Beacon Theater in NYC this past weekend. Personally one of the most moving moments of my life the compassion meditation.
Hearing him reemphasize happiness as he did in The Art of Mindfulness by being fully present at the moment compelled me to examine some of the books available for purchase. I decided to own this one because it includes all the mindfulness exercises he mentioned and more.
Mindfulness is all that matters if we are truly ourselves. This book is part of my practice now. It reminds me of our time together at the Beacon. It reminds me to be present. It reminds me to see everyone more compassionately.
My practice is growing while also remaining simplistic. I'm so thankful for this textbook of sorts. Especially because I'm a slow reader. It encourages me to focus on what I'm doing and nothing else in each word.
I'm probably never going to change the status of currently reading. In each moment I am committed to seeking the same happiness.
Lately, my happy mind struggles at night with chill and rest mode. Plus, by the end of the month road tripped about 20,000 miles.
While on the road brown or green noise are my go to at night and this book.
So much exciting stuff is happening at the office/property. I’m working on publishing and other exciting stuff that’ll finally be officially launched … the brain doesn’t wanna take a nap.
I mean like in sleep it’s still busy dreaming, right?! Why not let me nap while it’s busy :)
How I find Happiness?
In about 2012 or 13 began trying sitting meditation when Deepak and Oprah did that 21 day event. Every year I continued to follow the mantras and seek “Peace, be still” through Christ.
Depending on sitting focus wasn’t enough. Discovering Thich HNat Hanh’s mindfulness was the key, for me. I could do this every second of every day. Regardless of what was happening in any particular moment.
The impact of attending the 2014 World Compassion tour at the Beacon in NYC with Thay and buying this book changed the world, for me.
Recently, while visiting my son saw the copies I gifted him of Happiness along with Zen Mind Beginner Mind. Neatly stacked on the one shelf above his analog desk where he studied scripture.
In case you’re wondering, an analog desk is a place for no digital. In a way it’s an alter for prayer for him.
Mine is a vintage wood desk where the lid can close. It’s a palace for creative writing and hand written stuff regardless of the task.
We’re both techies. It’s so cool he set up his own. The same time I did. Without each of us knowing.
Anyhow, since we’ve practiced “Peace, be still” and use mindfulness as Thay teaches our family life has excelled. Deepened. Flowered like a lotus garden.
For me, when my mind is restless and happy listening on a slower than normal speed soothes me. Reminds me of the joy of the peace within when I’m in complete surrender to the moment. The joy of a good nights sleep.
Buried within my office filled with creative books to foster publishing and the making of an author and cultivate me as an artist of a few modalities is a closet including a window. Converted to the library and mindful sitting space.
A shelf near the floor with a sit pillow are books I visually read that is my sitting meditation, at times. The space is small enough it vibes being wrapped in a hug of books and peace when I practice “Peace, be still” within.
I’m not sure what struggles life may bring your way. Know, you are not alone. We all have something that takes our attention from Peace. Finding a way to return and center on this one thing … I’ve found the way. Hope I’ve inspired you on your path or added to the discovery process.
My focus is always on my faith practice. Inclusion of mindfulness with Thay who shares Christ’s vision (you can read more about in Living Buddha Living Christ) was a life changing.
Knowing to practice isn’t becoming a player in a different ‘religion’. It is a way of being within my own faith. As I don’t practice ‘religion’. Nor did Thay before his passed away last year.
When my world shifted those around me did, too, I’m close with. It’s been wonderful.
As a child was asked what do I wanna be when I grow up. I distinctly remember saying at age ten, happy.
If you’re struggling with finding happiness within. Maybe reading this book and trying mindfulness out in everyday happenstances would be a piece of your puzzle, too.
You don’t need to be a Buddhist or join a Sangha where people join to study mindfulness in a shared experience. You don’t need do to anything special. Other than be open to the peace within.
Peace in one self, Peace in the world.
If you’ve ever responded to the question what’s one thing you hope for, “world peace”. This is how.
If all people practice mindful being the world would share peace. If all we have control over is our own peace, and we share this regardless of circumstances, then, this is our world peace.
If we share our world peace with one other person, for me it is my son. And he shares it with my beautiful daughter in law, his wife. Now, there’s three. And, so on.
The only problem I’ve encounter with a peace filled life, seeing the world as a little bit more crazy 😂 The result, being mindful not to allow those nouns: people places and things … into the peace within. Share grace and kindness then move about my day.
The result is people have found healing through this, too. Not everyone, but the people who need it and wish to be connected.
The hardest part of this journey, seeing people hurt and maintaining peace. Allowing old things to fall away. Opens room for the new cultivators of peace.
There’s a song, Maybe It’s Time, by Bradley Cooper. maybe it’s time to let the old ways die … yes. This book and mindfulness practice support could be one method to help you on your way, too.
If you want a free audible copy for a month, if you’ve never had a membership, can borrow it for a month.
I have the 24 token a year membership. You can get as little as a book every other month token deal.
Or, find a copy used on Amazon under the Amazon store in the resell small book store section.
My hope is no matter what method you decide, that peace fills your heart and happiness wraps it up like a gift daily 🥰
/\ update
My go-to at bedtime if I need a little assistance easing off into slumber.
At 0.7 speed on audible, the tone and calm of the narrator encourage mindfulness helping me relax.
Sometimes leave the book on all night. Waking to reminders to keep focusing on the mindful practice.
What I like most about this book is owning the print copy procured at the Beacon Theater in NYC when Thay (teacher) was visiting. A life-changing moment for me.
I'd been practicing mindfulness for a good while. This book took me to the next level of calm and peace within.
Not a day goes by I don't use the tools learned within.
Even my son found peace from the practices described. Combined with our faith practice as Christians we are feeling so well as a family.
He got me into another of THN books, You Are Here.
I'm very grateful for this in partnership with my faith practice. Always thinking of “Peace, Be still” Yeshua/Jesus says in the word.
For me, this book complete of all THN mindfulness practices helps me do a better job living faith-based examples I've not been taught in any church.
Even though I'm a praying woman living a righteous life nothing has helped me more in loving others and myself than this book in partnership with God’s word.
For those who are unaware, Buddhism is a practice. One can be faithful through Christianity and practice the peace of mindfulness.
Some express their beliefs differently. For me, my life wouldn't be as enriched without a mindfulness practice.
Every moment of my life is fully aware of the breath I intake from God. This presence is renewing. Constantly. Here within this is all the love imaginable :)
I’ve lost count how many times I've reread all or parts of this fantastic book and guide.
Figure I should add it to my reading list since I'm rereading it often in 2021.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯
Update -----
I spent time with Thich Nhat Hanh at the Beacon Theater in NYC this past weekend. Personally one of the most moving moments of my life the compassion meditation.
Hearing him reemphasize happiness as he did in The Art of Mindfulness by being fully present at the moment compelled me to examine some of the books available for purchase. I decided to own this one because it includes all the mindfulness exercises he mentioned and more.
Mindfulness is all that matters if we are truly ourselves. This book is part of my practice now. It reminds me of our time together at the Beacon. It reminds me to be present. It reminds me to see everyone more compassionately.
My practice is growing while also remaining simplistic. I'm so thankful for this textbook of sorts. Especially because I'm a slow reader. It encourages me to focus on what I'm doing and nothing else in each word.
I'm probably never going to change the status of currently reading. In each moment I am committed to seeking the same happiness.
This is an amazing book! The words of Thich Nhat Hanh are so simple and beautifully written. The message is clear. Slow down, breath, and smile! We go through life looking elsewhere for happiness, when the most amazing moment of your life is the one you are currently in...right now! I always thought that meditation was done on a zafu, sitting in silence while alone or in a temple. This book opened my eyes to Mindfulness everywhere! You can slow down and pay attention to your breath anywhere you go in any situation. No matter where you are or what you are doing, you always have your breath. It does not matter if you are Buddhist or not, the words in this book are wonderful and would be helpful to anybody and everybody. I highly recommend you read this book!
This is a wonderful book. Just reading Thich Nhat Hahn's soothing, simple and grounding voice takes you into a world of wonder. The chapters are short, each with a one-two page introduction followed by a practice. The practices are very simple and many can be integrated into modern, busy lives. He teaches that happiness is within us - and being aware of your breathing brings you to the present, and being in the present is happiness.
"Breating in, I know I am breathing in. Breathing out, I know I am breathing out. "
"Breathing in, I enjoy my in-breath. Breathing out, I enjoy my out-breath."
It is really that simple. Nhat Hahn guides us through similar practices, and also tackles dealing with anger and other difficult emotions, resolving conflict within a family, and relating to our loved ones with loving kindness. He gives concrete examples of how a child can remind her parents to calm down, and how parents can help children to be happy and mindful. Many practices are grounded in Buddhism, but there is no religious overtone at all - just how to be kind, compassionate, and enjoy life. The present moment is a wonderful moment and if we aren't there, we will miss it.
Since this is a collection of practices, one does not read it in one sitting, but parts at a time. This is a short reference book that one can always go back to to review the practice they picked as useful. I have already read the first chapter multiple times and planning on going back to it for practice. If one just reads the first chapter, it can already be tremendously helpful.
"Breating in, I know I am breathing in. Breathing out, I know I am breathing out. "
"Breathing in, I enjoy my in-breath. Breathing out, I enjoy my out-breath."
It is really that simple. Nhat Hahn guides us through similar practices, and also tackles dealing with anger and other difficult emotions, resolving conflict within a family, and relating to our loved ones with loving kindness. He gives concrete examples of how a child can remind her parents to calm down, and how parents can help children to be happy and mindful. Many practices are grounded in Buddhism, but there is no religious overtone at all - just how to be kind, compassionate, and enjoy life. The present moment is a wonderful moment and if we aren't there, we will miss it.
Since this is a collection of practices, one does not read it in one sitting, but parts at a time. This is a short reference book that one can always go back to to review the practice they picked as useful. I have already read the first chapter multiple times and planning on going back to it for practice. If one just reads the first chapter, it can already be tremendously helpful.
If you ever wanted to quiet the mind, this is the book for you. It has what you should do, why you should do it, and even how you can create happiness from the world around you.
I am neither happy nor mindful.
Thich Nhat Hanh presents several practical ways to incorporate mindfulness into our daily lives. Some of these things I will never do (examples: tea ceremony mindfulness or carrying a bell to ring...) other things, I can do. (show gratitude and be mindful when eating or walking)
There is a beauty in tapping into the present moment. There is joy in it. The hard part is training oneself into being aware. Which is why it is called practice.
Positive read.
Thich Nhat Hanh presents several practical ways to incorporate mindfulness into our daily lives. Some of these things I will never do (examples: tea ceremony mindfulness or carrying a bell to ring...) other things, I can do. (show gratitude and be mindful when eating or walking)
There is a beauty in tapping into the present moment. There is joy in it. The hard part is training oneself into being aware. Which is why it is called practice.
Positive read.
The sub-title of Thay's new book says it all: "Essential Mindfulness Practices." All of the wisdom traditions agree: wisdom - the well-lived life - is not a theory or a belief system but a way of living, i.e. a practice or set of practices. We (I) need to practice in both senses of that word: practice in order to improve, and practice as an established, skilled way of doing something, as a doctor practices medicine or a lawyer has a law practice. Self-transformation and the transformation of one's home, neighborhood, workplace, etc. only happens through transformative practices, and this wonderful book is a loving, gentle, and deeply inspired and inspiring guide to many such practices. Mindfulness means living intentionally; it means waking up to the beauty, goodness and peace of each moment, and to the potential in each moment to live in ways that restore and enhance those qualities.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book on Buddhist concepts and understandings of finding contentment, joy and maintaining mindfulness. I listened to the audiobook read by Edoardo Ballerini, who was an absolute delight to listen to. Many of the concepts discussed in the book really sunk in and resonated with me. I have earmarked a few places where I intend to go back to and re-listen over the next couple of days and jot some notes down, as there was so much I want to put into practice.
This was just a really wonderful primer on mindfulness/happiness. It felt accessible and easy to understand but still challenged my dominant ways of thinking, still forced me to question a lot of how I normally function and move through the world. It has made me want to do some things differently, live differently... and that is the highest praise I can give to a book.
This was just a really wonderful primer on mindfulness/happiness. It felt accessible and easy to understand but still challenged my dominant ways of thinking, still forced me to question a lot of how I normally function and move through the world. It has made me want to do some things differently, live differently... and that is the highest praise I can give to a book.
Down to earth, practical exercises on mindfulness, loving kindness and awareness, for any person who wishes to find serenity and to cherish the joy of life each and every day. Following his advice, one can discover that mindfulness could be experienced while engaging in the most mundane activities, like sitting, walking. awakening, eating and drinking, even talking on the phone or simply breathing.
The narrator was definitely a better choice than the author himself, whose other readings were rather incomprehensible to me due to his very strong accent.
The narrator was definitely a better choice than the author himself, whose other readings were rather incomprehensible to me due to his very strong accent.
i have entered my nearly 30 yr old reading thich nhat hanh era and we doing everything mindful!! we washing the dishes mindful. we having mindful tea ceremonies with our loved ones. i’ll beat someone’s ass mindful as a compassionate meditation practice. gotta remain respectful to all the bodhisattvas. there is a jade statue of guanyin at my mom’s house but every time i tried to remember her name i would accidentally say qui-gon jinn 😐. anyway, i’m on my way to attaining buddahood as the one who perceives the sounds of the world (listening to ice spice).
Mình cũng biết là mình đọc hơi nhanh nên chắc chắn là mới hấp thu được mấy phần thôi nhưng mình nghĩ đây ko phải loại sách mà mình cần.
Mình cần sách hướng dẫn cho mình mindfulness để mình áp dụng trong cuộc sống hàng ngày. Còn sách này coi như là mình sắp xuất gia cạo đầu đi tu luôn rồi. Rũ bỏ hết trách nhiệm trên cuộc đời mà đi tu thì dễ lắm. :)) Nhưng ko có ng bình thường thì lấy ai làm ra đồ ăn cho các thầy khất thực, ai sản xuất ra cái bát cho mấy thầy cầm, ai dệt vải cho các thầy may cà sa. Mà ko lẽ mình ko cạo đầu đi tu thì mình ko thể nào chạm đến dc hạnh phúc hay sao.
Cuốn này mình cũng thấy hơi giáo điều, ngồi giải nghĩa kinh kệ thì nhiều nhưng chỉ cách áp dụng trong thực tế thì (cũng có nhưng mà) ít.
Biết là đọc xong chưa tiếp thu hết, nhưng chắc cũng ko muốn đọc lại.
Chắc mình ng trần mắt thịt ko biết điều :))
Mình cần sách hướng dẫn cho mình mindfulness để mình áp dụng trong cuộc sống hàng ngày. Còn sách này coi như là mình sắp xuất gia cạo đầu đi tu luôn rồi. Rũ bỏ hết trách nhiệm trên cuộc đời mà đi tu thì dễ lắm. :)) Nhưng ko có ng bình thường thì lấy ai làm ra đồ ăn cho các thầy khất thực, ai sản xuất ra cái bát cho mấy thầy cầm, ai dệt vải cho các thầy may cà sa. Mà ko lẽ mình ko cạo đầu đi tu thì mình ko thể nào chạm đến dc hạnh phúc hay sao.
Cuốn này mình cũng thấy hơi giáo điều, ngồi giải nghĩa kinh kệ thì nhiều nhưng chỉ cách áp dụng trong thực tế thì (cũng có nhưng mà) ít.
Biết là đọc xong chưa tiếp thu hết, nhưng chắc cũng ko muốn đọc lại.
Chắc mình ng trần mắt thịt ko biết điều :))
I can not recommend this book strongly enough. There is a meditation, mantra, breathing exercise, practice habit for every type of stressor/conflict one can imagine. I listened to it as an audiobook and I think that made the text more accessible for me. Having said that, this is definitely a book I would return to. I loved it and I choose to (read listen) to it at exactly the right time.
Excellent manual for everyday practices to incorporate into a mindfulness lifestyle. TNH really gets to the heart of much of our discontent as we project our unhappiness onto people and land. We must love ourselves first and most, a love that propels us to doing something about our own suffering which leads to doing all we can to reduce the suffering of our neighbor. This spiritual and philosophical text provides an expansive perspective that shows why there truly is no self. TNH does not provide a specific critique of western dharma but he does mention explicitly the practices that run counter to the way we’ve destroyed the land, each other, and ourselves.
I'm mixed on this book. It was a well written, well organized explanation of examined and purposeful action in your everyday life. I will borrow bits and pieces from it. My problem with the book lies in the fact that I find a lot of it to be not practical in the least.
Now this may just be me, and I would never suggest anyone not read it if you want a great look at mindfulness. I will say that I liked the Dalai Lama's books better.
Now this may just be me, and I would never suggest anyone not read it if you want a great look at mindfulness. I will say that I liked the Dalai Lama's books better.
Read
October 16, 2009
Whenever times are difficult &/or circumstances become challenging, I find myself seeking shelter in Buddhism. While my practice has been inconsistent (if I'm being generous), this has been true for 35 years. In recent years, art has become another refuge from the turbulence. Now is the time to see if I can finally commit.
This was a re-read and it is being bumped up to 5 stars on this reading. I’m just feeling so freaking happy. I’m alive, a freaking miracle, and mindful of all the conditions of my happiness in this moment and it is thanks to the teachings in this book. Filled with practices and little Gathas for mindfulness it was a joy to read and follow.
Full of wonderful mindfulness practices to transform one's everyday experience of life into one of happiness and deep connection.
Read
July 1, 2021
no more playing genshin while listening to books about meditation
Beautiful!!
This book is a step by step guide into the practices you can to do to me more mindful in life and the ways in which we can incorporate meditation into our everyday. Sounds very simple however it packages the essentials that we forget and acts an important reminder into essentially tricking our mind to be happy and peaceful.
The book is split up into bite sized chapters, each focus on different aspects of meditation such as daily practices, eating practices, physical practices etc.
I think the biggest takeaway I got from this book, is something that we already know and yet constantly forget is to slow down in life. We are always walking/running/working with intention and focus about what is due next instead of being present in the moment. As simple as walking to your next task slowly can dramatically improve your daily routine.
Loved the entire exploration around eating habits ! We must be mindful of what we speak about when we are eating food as we fail to acknowledge that food comes from the earth.
Some beautiful reminders that stood out to me:
- The chapter around taking care of anger and other strong emotions. Treating times of toughness and intense emotions as a storm which will always pass.
- THE LAZY DAY! I can so get behind this. But again it's a shocking reminder how programmed we constantly are to continually be doing something and filling our day with tasks.
- Acknowledging the life, experience, wisdom that is carried down in your blood from your generations.
- Truthful and loving speech. Be aware that words can create suffering or happiness and instead commit t0 learning to speak truthfully and constructively, using only words that inspire hope and confidence.
After going to a couple of meditation retreats, it was really interesting to understand the theory behind some of the activities we did at those retreats.
I loved the quote:
"If you can stop and establish yourself in the here and the now, you will see that there are many elements of happiness available in this moment, more than enough for you to be happy" - over consumption and materialisation in society makes us forget this.
This book is a step by step guide into the practices you can to do to me more mindful in life and the ways in which we can incorporate meditation into our everyday. Sounds very simple however it packages the essentials that we forget and acts an important reminder into essentially tricking our mind to be happy and peaceful.
The book is split up into bite sized chapters, each focus on different aspects of meditation such as daily practices, eating practices, physical practices etc.
I think the biggest takeaway I got from this book, is something that we already know and yet constantly forget is to slow down in life. We are always walking/running/working with intention and focus about what is due next instead of being present in the moment. As simple as walking to your next task slowly can dramatically improve your daily routine.
Loved the entire exploration around eating habits ! We must be mindful of what we speak about when we are eating food as we fail to acknowledge that food comes from the earth.
Some beautiful reminders that stood out to me:
- The chapter around taking care of anger and other strong emotions. Treating times of toughness and intense emotions as a storm which will always pass.
- THE LAZY DAY! I can so get behind this. But again it's a shocking reminder how programmed we constantly are to continually be doing something and filling our day with tasks.
- Acknowledging the life, experience, wisdom that is carried down in your blood from your generations.
- Truthful and loving speech. Be aware that words can create suffering or happiness and instead commit t0 learning to speak truthfully and constructively, using only words that inspire hope and confidence.
After going to a couple of meditation retreats, it was really interesting to understand the theory behind some of the activities we did at those retreats.
I loved the quote:
"If you can stop and establish yourself in the here and the now, you will see that there are many elements of happiness available in this moment, more than enough for you to be happy" - over consumption and materialisation in society makes us forget this.
I've been feeling particularly challenged lately, and so I decided to give this wonderful book a re-read (or, re-listen since I listened to the audiobook version). I am in need of some grounding practices, and this felt like the most logical place to start. I am happy I did it.
Happiness: Essential Mindfulness Practices was just as wonderful the second time around as the first. This book teaches me that I cannot control everything in my life, that I cannot avoid negative experiences or even negative emotions, but that I can try my best to control my reactions to these things as well as how I cope with them. Eternally grateful for Thich Nhat Hanh, and cannot wait to read some more of his work.
Happiness: Essential Mindfulness Practices was just as wonderful the second time around as the first. This book teaches me that I cannot control everything in my life, that I cannot avoid negative experiences or even negative emotions, but that I can try my best to control my reactions to these things as well as how I cope with them. Eternally grateful for Thich Nhat Hanh, and cannot wait to read some more of his work.
Great book to calm anxieties and to relearn how to be in the present moment.
Lots of great practical tips of how to meditate.
Interesting monk culture.
Lots of great practical tips of how to meditate.
Interesting monk culture.
Read
October 29, 2023
Lots of things to reflect on in this
Wonderful advice on mindfulness, how to live in the moment. Here are some highlights for me:
"Washing dishes is like bathing a baby Buddha."--This was number one, and I will never forget it.
"Don't just do something; sit there."
"I don't have money, credit cards, or cigarettes in my pocket, just a few pebbles, a piece of paper, and maybe a bell."
"Some people don't eat an orange, but rather they eat their fear, pain, and sorrow." He goes on to tell us how to enjoy every step of mindfully eating an orange starting with the delightful scent when peeling it.
"There is a cake in the refrigerator."
Practice some of these mindfulness exercises in solitude and in solitude with loved ones for a happier, more peaceful life. I think I will revisit this one often.
"Washing dishes is like bathing a baby Buddha."--This was number one, and I will never forget it.
"Don't just do something; sit there."
"I don't have money, credit cards, or cigarettes in my pocket, just a few pebbles, a piece of paper, and maybe a bell."
"Some people don't eat an orange, but rather they eat their fear, pain, and sorrow." He goes on to tell us how to enjoy every step of mindfully eating an orange starting with the delightful scent when peeling it.
"There is a cake in the refrigerator."
Practice some of these mindfulness exercises in solitude and in solitude with loved ones for a happier, more peaceful life. I think I will revisit this one often.
This is more of a manual, but gives a look of good ideas for how to incorporate meditation and mindfulness in your day to day life. Here is what I appreciate:
1. The Phone meditation: While there are other things that seem to be helping with my anxious state, this does seem to help calm me down and get me ready to deal with whatever comes my way.
2. Family mindfulness: I think incorporating these practices in your household is a productive way to dealing with strong emotions that take a toll on your family. I like that everyone has control over telling everyone that we need to take a breather.
3. While I don't agree with every principal, I appreciate a lot of the teachings.
1. The Phone meditation: While there are other things that seem to be helping with my anxious state, this does seem to help calm me down and get me ready to deal with whatever comes my way.
2. Family mindfulness: I think incorporating these practices in your household is a productive way to dealing with strong emotions that take a toll on your family. I like that everyone has control over telling everyone that we need to take a breather.
3. While I don't agree with every principal, I appreciate a lot of the teachings.
Great antidote for distorted cultural habits. A nice philosophical counter-balance for instant gratification, alienation, and excessive vigilance & impulsivity increased by TikTok, video games , and other digital time-wasters.
This is an amazing book! If you ever feel stressed in your day to day life, then you should read/listen to this book and put the principles into action. This book covers a lot of Buddhist practices that will help you live in the present mind. Some of these practices include conscious breathing, sitting meditation, walking meditation, mindful eating, tea meditation and many more. I am not Buddhist, but I do enjoy a lot of their practices and this book taught me quite a few things that I didn't know. If you are interested in being engaged in your own life and feeling happier overall, read this book! This is not a very big book, but that does not mean it should be read quickly. I suggest slowly reading/listening to this book one chapter at a time and incorporating that new practice into your life.
I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator, Edoardo Ballerini, was fabulous! He has a very calming voice and is perfect for this type of book. Just listening to him would calm all of my senses!
Author: Thich Nhat Hanh
Title: Happiness: Essential Mindfulness Practices
Narrator: Edoardo Ballerini
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Abridged or Unabridged: Unabridged
Length of Production (hrs & min): 4 hrs and 13 mins
Year of Publication: 2015
I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator, Edoardo Ballerini, was fabulous! He has a very calming voice and is perfect for this type of book. Just listening to him would calm all of my senses!
Author: Thich Nhat Hanh
Title: Happiness: Essential Mindfulness Practices
Narrator: Edoardo Ballerini
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Abridged or Unabridged: Unabridged
Length of Production (hrs & min): 4 hrs and 13 mins
Year of Publication: 2015
There's a lot of good stuff here, but Thay missed his mark with me.
I really enjoyed the stressing of mindfulness. The walking meditation where he teaches how to focus on the breath and the steps was particularly useful to me.
But with this book I learned that Vietnamese Zen Buddhism doesn't speak to me the way Tibetan Buddhism does. There is far too much emphasis on ritual. There's a part of the book that describes a tea ceremony. I had heard of the vaunted Japanese Tea Ceremony and the intense focus on every minute detail, Thay's ceremony seems the same.
That said, I know that Tibetan Buddhism has rituals a-plenty, so perhaps I'm just too far down the path from Thay and other Zen Buddhist. When he describes eating an orange and being mindful he suggests we should thank the cashier that checked the orange out to use, the truck driver that delivered it to the market, the worker who picked it, the farmer who nurtured the tree, the tree that grew it, the soil that sustained it, the sunlight that nourished it and so on until you're thanking the universe. It was all too much for me.
But perhaps it's not for you. He gets some pretty lofty ideas across. They just went over my head. If you're interested in Zen Buddhism, you could do a lot worse than this.
I really enjoyed the stressing of mindfulness. The walking meditation where he teaches how to focus on the breath and the steps was particularly useful to me.
But with this book I learned that Vietnamese Zen Buddhism doesn't speak to me the way Tibetan Buddhism does. There is far too much emphasis on ritual. There's a part of the book that describes a tea ceremony. I had heard of the vaunted Japanese Tea Ceremony and the intense focus on every minute detail, Thay's ceremony seems the same.
That said, I know that Tibetan Buddhism has rituals a-plenty, so perhaps I'm just too far down the path from Thay and other Zen Buddhist. When he describes eating an orange and being mindful he suggests we should thank the cashier that checked the orange out to use, the truck driver that delivered it to the market, the worker who picked it, the farmer who nurtured the tree, the tree that grew it, the soil that sustained it, the sunlight that nourished it and so on until you're thanking the universe. It was all too much for me.
But perhaps it's not for you. He gets some pretty lofty ideas across. They just went over my head. If you're interested in Zen Buddhism, you could do a lot worse than this.
A wonderful and enlightening breath of fresh air. Thich Nhat Hanh presents many ways we can implement meditative practices into our daily lives that will bring us more happiness, inner joy, and peace within our present lives. Certain chapters lay out specific Buddhist rituals which, even if you don't practice to that degree, is still useful information to think about and put into your own life.
Any book on the subject of Happiness is probably a great book. This book is no exception. It is filled with beautiful mantras on the core beliefs of a Buddhist monk and poetic Gathas that we can recite to bring forth mindfulness and attention to our breath. Thich Nhat Hanh does a great job of combining traditional Buddhist practices with more current and relatable scenarios, resulting in a well-rounded viewpoint that feels current yet timeless.
Any book on the subject of Happiness is probably a great book. This book is no exception. It is filled with beautiful mantras on the core beliefs of a Buddhist monk and poetic Gathas that we can recite to bring forth mindfulness and attention to our breath. Thich Nhat Hanh does a great job of combining traditional Buddhist practices with more current and relatable scenarios, resulting in a well-rounded viewpoint that feels current yet timeless.
Not a book I’d recommend to many people, and I had a hard time getting into the e-book version because it’s a lot of instructions on how to be mindful when doing pretty much everything: eating, drinking, meditating, arguing with loved ones, working with a community, playing with children, etc. The audio version helped me see the book as a conversation with Nhat Hanh where he tells about an aspect of life, why it’s important to be mindful while doing it, and detailed practice tips on how to be mindful when doing that thing. I especially liked the mindfulness practices for children. Maybe it’s because I’m child-like but they helped me see that the frantic pace of adult life helps no one. Grade: B+
Contains telephone meditation, walking meditation, mindful eating, bathing the baby Buddha, Watering the Flowers, The Cake in the Refrigerator, and other wonderful practices. When I got to the last page of this book, I turned it over and immediately started it again. If I re-read it every week and put it into practice, it would make for a very good life.
Oddly, when I told my mother about the re-reading experience she gave a little gasp and said she'd done the same thing with the first Thich Nhat Hanh book she read.
Oddly, when I told my mother about the re-reading experience she gave a little gasp and said she'd done the same thing with the first Thich Nhat Hanh book she read.
Mooi om meer te leren over de 'basis' van zijn gedachtegoed, er staan veel dingen in die ik meeneem.
Met name in de tweede helft vond ik het soms ook te zweverig, niet bij mij passend. Daar heb ik enkele stukken overgeslagen.
Met name in de tweede helft vond ik het soms ook te zweverig, niet bij mij passend. Daar heb ik enkele stukken overgeslagen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews