How to Relax (Mindfulness Essentials Book 5)
by: Thich Nhat Hanh (0)
How to Relax is part of The Mindfulness Essentials series of how-to titles by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, introducing beginners and reminding seasoned practitioners of the essentials of mindfulness practice. Pocket-sized, with original two color illustrations by celebrated artist Jason DeAntonis, How to Relax shows how critical it is to regularly interrupt the hub-bub and routine of our lives to stop, relax mindfully, and recharge.
Thich Nhat Hanh says that when we relax, we “become calm water, and we will reflect reality as it is. If we’re not calm, the image we reflect will be distorted. When the image is distorted by our minds, it’s not the reality, and it causes lots of suffering.” Relaxation is essential for accessing the tranquility and joy that lead to increased personal well-being. With sections on healing, relief from nonstop thinking, transforming unpleasant sounds, solitude, being peace, and more, How to Relax includes meditations you can do to help you achieve the benefits of relaxation no matter where you are.
Scientific studies indicate that meditation contributes tremendously to well-being, general health, and longevity. How to Relax is a unique gift for those who want a simple guide to achieving deep relaxation, controlling stress, and renewing mental freshness and clarity, appropriate for those practicing in any spiritual tradition, whether seasoned practitioners or new to meditations.
The Quotes
Mindfulness is the continuous practice of touching deeply every moment of daily life. To be mindful is to be truly present with your body and your mind, to harmonize your intentions and actions, and to be in harmony with those around you.
In, Out. Deep, Slow. Calm, Ease. Smile, Release. Present Moment, Wonderful Moment.
Life is both dreadful and wonderful. To practice meditation is to be in touch with both aspects of life.
The Reviews
If everyone on earth read one of the books in this series and took some of the lessons to heart, the world would be a calmer and more loving place. Short, clear, and insightful. Language a child could understand that conveys universal wisdom.This book, like others in the series, advises us to stop and breathe. In this case to calm ourselves and rest. There are short stories, statements to reflect on, and guided meditations or poems. It comes in a small booklet size that doesn't take much space in a car or crowded bedside table. It is only a hundred pages or so but I enjoyed it more a few pages at a time.
Great book. I get why this man is so famous, popular, what have you. Hearts all around. Three more words.
I love the simple yet profound way that Thich Nhat Hanh writes. This book lead me to numerous insights into my own process and has helped me to relax and be kinder to myself and others. I have studied tai chi for years and all of my teachers have stressed the value of relaxing, often stating that it is the most important principle. This book has helped me to apply this principle to all of me: body, mind and spirt. Relaxing is the key to living a more full life with greater mindfulness, loving kindness and energy.
Practice makes perfect. Use this book to get the foundation for calming the body and mind. Breathe in, breathe out...
This is a good and easy read. It also made for a unique stocking stuffer given its size.
I love this series by Thich Nhat Hanh. Great size and good for gifting, as its a small, compact book. I bought it to give to my dad but ending up holding on to it for a while to read myself! Very easy to read and great mantras and thoughts inside. Good intro for mindfulness for anyone not familiar with the author's other works. I am not a fan of 'how to' books but I am hooked on this series. Highly recommend.
Excellent little book. Used as a stocking stuffer over the holidays. She absolutely loves it. She keeps it in her glove box for safe keeping and as a helpful reminder. Let's face it, life gets hard and stressful from time to time. We need to focus on what is most important and this book touches on just that. The best part is its size and how condensed the information is. Easy to read. Good for all ages.
Simply written by wonderful Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay as his student's call him) with some very good lessons. This whole series of books are terrific beginner books for those that wish to learn more about mindfulness. Any of Thay's books are wonderful. He is a simple, gentle Vietnamese monk with a simple message-be here now, be present with whatever you are doing and enjoy every precious moment!!
