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Mindfulness as Energy

Thich Nhat Hanh writes: “We have the ability to work wonders. If we live mindfully in everyday life, walk mindfully, are full of love and caring, then we create a miracle and transform the world into a wonderful place.”

For Nhat Hanh, mindfulness is a form of energy. He compares mindfulness to a seed, which, when watered, grows into enlightenment, understanding, compassion, and transformation. The more we practice mindfulness, the stronger this seed will grow.

Living in the Present Moment

Thich Nhat Hanh writes: “Our true home is the present moment. If we really live in the moment, our worries and hardships will disappear and we will discover life with all its miracles.”

Real life can only be found and touched in the here and now. This is because the present moment is the only moment we can actually influence. The past is over and the future has not yet arrived. Since the present moment is the only real moment for us, we can always return here to get in touch with the wonders of life.

Thich Nhat Hanh regards living in the moment as the key requirement for one’s own freedom. He says, “As long as we are consumed with our everyday problems—distress, regrets about the past or constant worries about the future—we cannot be free people; we are not able to live in the here and now.”