In 1993 I felt as if I had my foot in two worlds, trying to determine who I was and what my life purpose was. I was seeking answers, which, frankly, were hard to come by, and that is one thing that hasn’t changed in my life.
I don’t recall how exactly I came to find Thich Nhat Hanh’s writings, I think it was in conjunction with other Eastern writings and reading about Taoism, but when I picked up and began to read Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh I knew I had found something important in my life. I began to find peace.
My life like most has had its ups and downs, but I have tried to keep in mind mindfulness, not always with stellar results. But reading Thich Nhat Hanh has given me a foundation. And, I believe it is time to revisit his writing for he is one of the few religious individuals who truly understood that humanity has never been limited to human beings but true humanity is reflected in the world around us, nature, with which we are one. When we denounce our interconnectedness, when we put ourselves on a pedestal and call it humanity, we are in danger of losing that humanity.
He also showed that even doing the simplest of chores was a moment to find peace and joy and, as always, mindfulness.
Rest in peace Thich Nhat Hanh. You changed my life.
I did not know he died, so thank you for telling me. When I was meeting with my spiritual director, Thich Nhat Hanh was mentioned and quoted often. Sadly, my spiritual director died a few years ago; and I’m not in touch with contemplative folk as I used to be. But I can read more, and the book you cite would be a good place to start.
Yes, reading is good. And there are always like souls you can find on the internet who share the belief of living in the moment, peace and kindness. I will try to find some of the other books I’ve read that have been fulfilling.
no mud, no lotus. Yep. Is it just me, or are a lot of people dying lately?
Yes and yes.