Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life

Life is a miracle, so don't waste another minute... What a book! This is the first book I read from Thich Nhat Hanh. What a pleasing manuscript and unique simple text (anyone can read this). There are so many `common-sense' lessons found here which we should know already, OR we do know but don't practice for whatever reason. In any event, how refreshing, and revitalizing it is to see some of these wonderful lessons in black and white... There are a lot of catch phrases that people say like: Don't put something off until tomorrow because tomorrow may not come OR Stop dwelling in the past because you can't change anything. OR Life isn't a destination but a journey. What Hanh does here is very simple and interesting - he states that there is nowhere to live BUT in the present moment. You cannot live 5 minutes from now, OR 5 minutes ago. You can only live right here / now, and in the present. This is the only way to be in touch with life. And for people that don't understand - that means that you can't be focusing on 10 different things because then you are distracted, and you aren't `truly in the moment'. That goes for work, for life itself or even leisure activities. Even though we have hobbies, the trick is not to get so lost in your hobby (whether it's music, etc.) that you lose sight of your surroundings. You must always maintain a sense of reality even as you enjoy yourself too. Forget the past and the future, for life is only found in the present, so be here mentally to witness it for all its' splendor! Another little note to mention that I found very stimulating: Conversation is something to be watchful about. What you talk about affects your mood and your thoughts. You must try to have nice discussions and maintain a positive mental attitude. In many books I have read from "The Rule of St Benedict" to the "I Ching" to this book - they all preach --- Beware of idol banter, and gossip etc. This kind of talk (which most people indulge in) is not healthy. Not only is it not nice to talk about others when they aren't present, but there is nothing to accomplish here. All you're doing is talking for the sake of talking, and worse yet, you are speaking about others in an unhealthy manner. Subsequently, this has an effect on your being whether you know it or not. The effect is not positive so we should refrain from it. If there is one thing from this book to take with you it is this - "Each minute, each second of life is a miracle". It doesn't matter what we're doing; don't take it for granted. So stop thinking about what you have to do next, and what you have to do after that... Simply focus on the present moment for all its' worth. Awe-inspiring work! After this, I plan on reading "True Love", and "The Art of Power", both by Hanh.

Peace is not external, so we do not need to chase it. Peace is already present but we have to get in touch with it. This is attained through mindfulness: living in the present moment, in the here and now. Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen master and spiritual leader teaches mindfulness through conscious breathing and smiling. Connecting the body and mind, to find peace and happiness even in the most unlikely situations. Breathing and smiling! Is that it? You may be as skeptical as I was before practicing this exercise: breathe in, while reciting " breathing in I calm my body" then breathe out while smiling and reciting "breathing out I smile" do this three times! This is a very easy yet very effective exercise, do this often enough, in any position at any time (sitting, lying, driving, walking, before you eat, before you wash the dishes, when you hear the phone ring....) and enjoy being calm, relaxed and peaceful. The author teaches us to be mindful of the people in our life, of the food we eat and of the environment around us.... Turn off the TV and instead walk in the park, visit a good friend, sit down for a meal with family or friends or even by yourself but before you dig in, breath smile, appreciate the food on the table, then eat mindfully, be aware of the taste, the smell, the texture, even if its only a bowl of rice, be happy, be thankful. He also teaches how to transform unpleasant feelings like anger for example into something more wholesome like understanding, using a 5-step method. By practicing understanding and loving speech instead of blaming and arguing we can help each other be happy. By knowing the true nature, the essence of the people around us we can enjoy each other. Mindfulness should lead to proactivity. We must be aware of the real problems of the world and of the suffering around us, and then with mindfulness we will know what to do to be of help. This book is written clearly and beautifully. Full of inspiring stories and parables, meditations and practices, reflecting the author's wisdom and experience. Terrific and extremely effective, will make you calm and happy just reading it, then breathe, smile and be peaceful!

Great book. Easy read. More for meditation and mindfulness

In a world characterized by relentless noise, distractions, and stressors, finding inner peace can seem like an elusive dream. However, the principles of mindfulness offer a transformative path to cultivate calm, clarity, and contentment in the midst of daily life. What Is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally attending to the present moment without judgment. It involves observing one's thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surroundings with a sense of curiosity and acceptance. By releasing the need to control or cling to thoughts or emotions, individuals can experience reality as it unfolds without the filter of attachment or aversion. The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life The beauty of mindfulness lies in its applicability to all aspects of life. Here are some key practices that can help incorporate mindfulness into everyday routine: * Mindful Breathing: Throughout the day, take a few deep breaths, paying attention to the rise and fall of your chest and the flow of air into your lungs. Notice any tension or constriction and allow it to dissolve. * Mindful Walking: When you walk, engage all of your senses. Pay attention to the sensations of your feet on the ground, the movement of your body, and the sights and sounds around you. Let each step be a reminder to be fully present. * Mindful Eating: When you eat, give your full attention to the food on your plate. Savor the flavors, textures, and sensations with a sense of gratitude. This practice helps cultivate mindful consumption and appreciation for the nourishment we receive. * Mindful Communication: In conversations, listen attentively to others, free from distractions or judgments. Focus on understanding their perspective and respond with kindness and compassion. This fosters deeper connections and better communication outcomes. * Mindful Activities: Throughout the day, set aside time to engage in activities that bring you joy and calm. This could include reading, gardening, painting, or simply spending time in nature. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the experience and let the present moment wash over you. The Benefits of Mindfulness Regular mindfulness practice has been linked to numerous physical and mental health benefits, including: * Reduced stress and anxiety * Improved sleep quality * Enhanced emotional regulation * Increased self-awareness and compassion * Greater focus and concentration * Improved immune function Cultivating a Mindful Lifestyle Incorporating mindfulness into everyday life requires ongoing practice and commitment. Here are some tips to help you stay on track: * Start small: Begin with simple practices, such as mindful breathing or walking, and gradually increase the time and frequency. * Be patient and kind to yourself: Mindfulness is a journey, not a destination. There will be moments of distraction or frustration; simply acknowledge them and return your attention to the present moment. * Join a class or support group: There are many mindfulness classes, online resources, and support groups available. Connecting with like-minded individuals can provide motivation and support. * Make it a habit: Schedule regular time in your day for mindfulness practice, even if it's just for a few minutes. Consistency is key to developing a mindful lifestyle. Conclusion The path of mindfulness offers a profound way to find peace, clarity, and contentment in the midst of everyday life. By intentionally attending to the present moment without judgment, individuals can cultivate greater inner well-being, improve their relationships, and enhance their overall quality of life. As Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us, 'Peace is every step. The path for peace is right here, right now.'

I want to start off by saying that the principles in this book are excellent for everyday life and practicing them would serve a person well. It is written well and organized neatly. It's not a big book but certainly not meant to be digested in one sitting or you lose the idea of it which is to slowly assimilate the ideas over time and reinforce them daily. Mindfulness was introduced to me through research on stress and anxiety. The premise of which is to stay focused on the present moment. It sounds simple but if you read more you will understand the depth of the meaning. Thich Nhat Hanh brings the concept to life by highlighting the many opportunities we have to practice mindfulness which is very much like meditation. In fact no real distinction is made in this book except to elaborate on the practice of mindfulness as an everyday means to staying "presence-minded" .He delivers the definition very well in the beginning and quickly moves on to the actual practice of mindfulness. His personal stories are both enlightening and lightheartedly funny. He uses the opportunities presented in everyday life to present mindfulness to those of us...most of us...who can't slow the brain and thought processes. When I say everyday opportunities I literally mean things like washing dishes where we are unaware of our racing brains fixed upon the past, future or even present concerns. He explains where to find enjoyment in those little mundane things without a heavy philosophy that is hard to digest. His ideas are useful and easy and focus heavily on the "how to" of mindfulness. He uses chants in some cases to bring you along the path and although our western culture may find it a little silly there is definitely a point and purpose here. I myself found them a little kooky but you extract the parts that work for you. Although this is a very good book and good philosophy this book is not for everyone. This why I rated it 4 stars. If anything it serves as a warning that the book leads you to the water but you must drink it and although these things may seem self-evident I feel they aren't for everyone. For this book to serve you well you must make this a part of your life and integrate and assimilate the ideas. All of this presumes you can or want to follow this philosophy as a part of your everyday life. It's not easy to change your way of thinking and/or lifestyle. It's subjective to the reader and therefore not a perfect solution for everybody. There are cases where medicine may be more viable before attempting to assimilate these ideas as it relates to stress and anxiety. There are deficits of attention. There are mental disorders that may need to be addressed chemically before a person can relate and find useful these ideas. It's a very good book but also one of many possible solutions in solving our cluttered brains. I guess I'm saying you should know in advance that forces not under your immediate control may influence the outcome of reading this book.

"Please call me by my true names, so I can wake up, and so the door of my heart can be left open, the door of compassion." This is the last stanza of a poem written by Nhat Hanh in the book, "Peace is Every Step." For me, it is an encapsulation of the entire book. I love reading this book, one lesson each day, for it reminds me that the path to happiness and internal freedom is as simple as a mindful smile. We live in a world of information overload, but we always have the choice as to what information we let in. We have a tendency to believe we "need" a Blackberry, an IPOD, 200 channels on the TV, and the fastest Internet connection available. Do we? Do we really? How did we ever survive fifty years ago without all these modern conveniences? When I read an author like Nhat Hanh, I am reminded that peace and happiness is possible without any "thing" other than mindfulness. My practice of living mindfully is to walk slowly, breathe and smile. When I become my movement and become lost in the moment, I have all I'll ever need. Along my many years of spiritual searching and finding, I have discovered that the simplest practices produce the most permanent changes. This book is transformational because of its applicability. For example, we all have to eat, make our beds, and shower. To do all of these activities with mindfulness makes them joyous and wonderful. I have learned through Buddhist practice that all life is sacred, and every moment presents the opportunity to bring God into it. As a Christian, "Peace is Every Step" has brought my religion to life, and is a perfect companion to my Bible reading. I believe that Jesus lived and taught very much the same thing; be mindful and loving in all that you do so others may do the same. I close this review with another beautiful poem... a reminder I practice daily: Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is a wonderful moment.

Well, I certainly can't say anything bad about this spiritual primer! This book is a tremendous, compact book of Eastern wisdom - applied to the way the average American actually lives his/her daily life. Thich Nhat Hanh has done a great job of distilling Eastern teachings into bite-sized morsels of wisdom, ready-made for Western consumption. Each section of this book is about a page or so discussion of how to incorporate Eastern practices of mindfulness into our daily routine. Hanh discusses how every unwashed dish, red traffic light, sharply ringing telephone, or quick walk around the block can help ground and enlighten us, if we'll only open ourselves up to the experience without judgment. These mini-spritual teachings would go great on a calendar of daily sayings! And I think that's actually a great way to read this book, one section at a time, taking each day to really live through what Hanh teaches. What I like best about this book is how non-judgmental Thich Nhat Hanh is to the conditions of American and Western life. Many other Eastern-inspired authors feel the need to use their books to denounce materialism, urbanization, technological innovations, and the "spiritual degeneration" of the West. While these points may have some relative (and arguable) merit, the individual reader looking for spiritual wisdom will not find much enlightenment through such negativity. In welcome contrast to such authors, Thich Nhat Hanh remains non-judgmental of the conditions of modern life, and even tries to incorporate some Christian spiritual wisdom into his text at points. Hanh is not focused on trying to reinvent some imagined, idyllic past (the way many New Age authors have been inclined to do). He merely looks out over the world as he finds it, and tries to bridge East and West, past and future, in a way that could make the world better and more peaceful; so that we all may find peace in every step.

I have been reading Thich Nhat Hanh's books for 20 years and love them all! Peace Is Every Step was the first book of Thay's (what TNH's students call him-means teacher in Vietnamese) that I read and it was a gift from my brother. This is a wonderful, easy to read book and a good introduction into mindfulness practice. It's the kind of book where you can open it to any page and read the teachings. Each subject is usually just a few pages long so it's the kind of book you can keep in the bathroom to read a little bit a time :-). Thay has such a wonderful way of explaining mindfulness in "easy to understand" terms in this book. Practicing mindfulness meditation has changed my life. Be warned: Once you start reading one of Thay's books, you'll be hooked!! :-)). He is an amazing poet, writer and such a gentle, warm, funny, compassionate "being" that is so full of happiness and joy. I highly recommend this book especially for people that are new the mindfulness practice. I have given a number of "Peace Is Every Step" books to friends as gifts. My book arrived in wonderful shape- Enjoy the book-and remember to enjoy every moment :-))-