Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
7th out of 415 books
—
479 voters
Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
In the rush of modern life, we tend to lose touch with the peace that is available in each moment. World-renowned Zen master, spiritual leader, and author Thich Nhat Hanh shows us how to make positive use of the very situations that usually pressure and antagonize us. For him a ringing telephone can be a signal to call us back to our true selves. Dirty dishes, red lights,...more
Paperback, 160 pages
Published
March 1st 1992
by Bantam
(first published 1990)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
3,000)
Thich Nhat Hanh is a man who has lived his principles. Exiled from his native Vietnam for his active engagement in the peace movement as a Buddhist monk, he has lived in exile in France for years. He has an extraordinary bibliography of spiritual writing, from slim books to guide meditation to a length biography of the Buddha.
I am not certain he would thank me for providing that short biography. I think he would have preferred for me to start with a focus on the breath, on a gentle step, on the...more
Sep 09, 2007
Sarah
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Everyone who could use some more peace and mindfulness in their lives
I first read this book in college, when my friend Maran told me it was her favorite book ever. It's a little book, and I finished it quickly, and while I really liked it, not much of it stuck with me. It wasn't until I read it again that I realized how genius it really is. I'm never going to be a Buddhist monk, or even a proper Buddhist, but Thich Nhat Hanh talks about slowing down, connecting with the moment, and how to deal with stress and negative emotions in such a loving, gentle way that it...more
14 likes · like · see review
Aside from prayer and music, Thich Nhat Hanh is my go-to guy for finding that peaceful, still place in the center of the storm. This book is thin, easy to read, and practical. After explaining why it is important to live in the moment, and how breathing and meditation can assist with this, TNH provides several recipes -- for lack of a better word -- to try out, especially while taking a walk. Written for newbies, not experts, this book is handy and accessible.
I have read several of his books, i...more
I have read several of his books, i...more
I can't tell if he sounds "pop" because pop-buddism followed him or if he is advocating "buddism lite." He ideas are certainly beautiful and his personal history is amazing (though a few less references by his followers to his nomination for a nobel peace prize would be welcome). My problem comes from the fact that I'm not sure I could be around him or those who follow him for long without going batshit crazy. Maybe i am not that peaceful
This book was given to a yoga workshop I joined and I was reluctant to read it, not being interested in a Buddhist superstar. I could never really get into HH Dali Lama and figured TNH was very similar. I have read and listened to Alan Watts for many years and preferred his style.
Also I had a boyfriend in high school whose dad was into TM and TNH's Lotus book so I wanted nothing to do with that bad history trigger stuff.
As I read a few of his books, I've noticed he repeats himself a lot.
Also, in...more
Also I had a boyfriend in high school whose dad was into TM and TNH's Lotus book so I wanted nothing to do with that bad history trigger stuff.
As I read a few of his books, I've noticed he repeats himself a lot.
Also, in...more
Apr 12, 2010
PlatKat
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Everyone
Recommended to PlatKat by:
My old boss from back in the day
This book is full of beneficial guidelines for living a mindful, peaceful life and helping those around you do the same. Even if it confirms what you already know, it is a pleasurable read and a beautiful inspiration to actively appreciate the positive aspects of living.
Like most other Buddhist works, it is centered around living in the present. I wasn't expecting him to devote a section to the idea of hope as an obstacle, but it made good sense. It's very easy to keep looking toward tomorrow, w...more
Like most other Buddhist works, it is centered around living in the present. I wasn't expecting him to devote a section to the idea of hope as an obstacle, but it made good sense. It's very easy to keep looking toward tomorrow, w...more
7 likes · like · see review
Sep 02, 2008
Maureen
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Maureen by:
Parallax Press
Shelves:
buddhism
Some of Thich Nhat Hanh's writings are mostly informational, like Old Path, White Clouds, his biography of the Buddha. Others, like this book, are meant to be experienced.
In each short section of this book, Thich Nhat Hanh tells a story, or seeks to describe an experience to which the reader may relate. Some of them, like washing the dishes, deal with being in the present moment, and being deeply involved in whatever one is doing solely for the joy of having that experience. Others, like his de...more
In each short section of this book, Thich Nhat Hanh tells a story, or seeks to describe an experience to which the reader may relate. Some of them, like washing the dishes, deal with being in the present moment, and being deeply involved in whatever one is doing solely for the joy of having that experience. Others, like his de...more
Oct 22, 2007
Chanita.Shannon
marked it as to-read
Thich Nhat Hanh's writing is deceptive in its subtlety. He'll go on and on with stories about tree-hugging or metaphors involving raw potatoes; he'll tell you how to eat mindfully, even how to breathe and walk; he'll suggest looking closely at a flower and to see the sun as your heart. As the Zen teacher Richard Baker commented, however, Nhat Hanh is "a cross between a cloud, a snail, and piece of heavy machinery." Sooner or later, it begins to sink in that Nhat Hanh is conveying a depth of psyc...more
This is a book to read over and over. I first read it about 10 years ago, and I now pick it up several times a week. It is written in short vignets; so it is a good daily meditation book. If Thich Nhat Hanh ever comes to Atlanta to speak again, I have to go hear him. He is an amazing soul. Vietnamese by birth, he is a different kind of peace activist. His mission is to teach each of us to find peace within ourself.
My favorite passage is "Investing in Friends," in which he advises, "Even if we h...more
My favorite passage is "Investing in Friends," in which he advises, "Even if we h...more
I have only recently begun reading this book and have already found it to be very helpful. I have been worrying an awful lot about my future and I have been experiencing some pretty serious back and neck pain. Through the principles of mindful breathing, staying in the present, and being grateful for the little things I have already begun to see some benefit.
I'll use today for an example. As I have said, I have been experiencing a lot of back pain. It has caused referral pain to one of my shoul...more
I'll use today for an example. As I have said, I have been experiencing a lot of back pain. It has caused referral pain to one of my shoul...more
1 like · like · see review
Thich Nhat Hanh writes this as if we were completely without any knowledge of Buddhism. He could have called it Simple Meditation Made Easy. I have studied meditation and it is normally taught by people who complicate the process so they can teach you the "proper" way to do it. Hanh teaches that simple breathing is the key. He teaches mindfulness in walking, driving, housework, any occasion and makes it so simple anyone, including me can follow and successfully be enjoying deep meditation by the...more
2 likes · like · see review
I am a Christian and typically do not look to other religious traditions for Spiritual counsel or advice. I live in fidelity to Jesus happily drinking the water from my own cistern, but still all truth is God's truth. I had this book kicking around and since I feel like North America's biggest religious challenge comes from the East I read it and in itI encountered wise counsel and good advice about being present in the moment and practicing life mindfully.
Thich Nhat Hanh advocates that we be f...more
Thich Nhat Hanh advocates that we be f...more
1 like · like · see review
'when you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you don't blame the lettuce. you look into the reasons it is not doing well. it may need fertilizer, or more water, or less sun. you never blame the lettuce. yet if we have problems with our friends or our family, we blame the other person. but if we know how to take care of them, they will grow well, like lettuce. blaming has no positive effect at all, nor does trying to persuade using reason and arguments. that is my experience. no blame, no r...more
5 likes · like · see review
This is a wonderful, inspiring little book about simple living, meditation, and opening yourself to deeper compassion and self-reflection. Thich Nhat Hanh is a world-renowned Vietnamese Buddhist Monk, and the work is really just a collection of speeches he's made, anecdotes he's told, and ideas he's scribbled. Hanh's language is not complex, but there is beauty in his prose, as evidenced by this passage:
I asked the leaf whether it was frightened because it was autumn and the other leaves were fa...more
I asked the leaf whether it was frightened because it was autumn and the other leaves were fa...more
May 19, 2013
Debra
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommended to Debra by:
Cheryl Gould - Faciliitator, InfoPeople
Shelves:
nonfiction
It's hard for me to write a review for this book because words can't really describe how wise Thich Nhat Hanh is. All I can say is that this book was very helpful for me and encouraged me to slow down and look at things from a deeper perspective than usual. I especially liked the suggestion that we walk or ride bikes whenever possible, so as to cut back on the pollution that is caused by cars. “If the trees die, humans will die also. When we walk, walk as if our feet are kissing the earth. We ha...more
Mar 26, 2012
Allison
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
my friends and family, those who want to feel joy, those who want to live more mindfully
Shelves:
inspirational
I borrowed this book from someone I hardly knew probably 4 or 5 years ago (I still have it, I don't know who she is...?!) I never even looked at it until this last week. I feel like it was transformative. The meditations are simple, thought-provoking (but more than that), present-provoking. I tried to breathe in and out mindfully between every section/meditation and it was helpful. I've been trying to use some of the techniques regularly and it's been very grounding and uplifting. Instead of spi...more
1 like · like · see review
A subtle, worthwhile book. Read it, I encourage you.
I haven't internalized everything this book offers yet, but it's not due back to the library until the end of the month so I'm not in a rush. I have a feeling that, like In the Forest of Forgetting, I'm going to find it whenever I'm at the library just to reread passages. Remind myself of what needs reminding.
"When you begin to see that your enemy is suffering, that is the beginning of insight." This line helped me make some decisions lately re...more
I haven't internalized everything this book offers yet, but it's not due back to the library until the end of the month so I'm not in a rush. I have a feeling that, like In the Forest of Forgetting, I'm going to find it whenever I'm at the library just to reread passages. Remind myself of what needs reminding.
"When you begin to see that your enemy is suffering, that is the beginning of insight." This line helped me make some decisions lately re...more
This is a simple, easy to read, down-to earth book about how to achieve peace in our individual lives and thus in the world as a whole through learning to be in the now.
I usually try to rush through the various books I read, but that was not possible with this book, as the author's wise words calmed me, slowed me down and brought me into the now.
The book is composed of short passages, which makes for enjoyable, relaxed reading. Thich Nhat Hanh advises us about how to obtain mindfulness in variou...more
I usually try to rush through the various books I read, but that was not possible with this book, as the author's wise words calmed me, slowed me down and brought me into the now.
The book is composed of short passages, which makes for enjoyable, relaxed reading. Thich Nhat Hanh advises us about how to obtain mindfulness in variou...more
Originally I heard about this book from another author that I was really, still am, enjoying her book "writing begins with the breath" by Laraine Herring. I was pleased to know that in reading this book I will get some skills in towards enhancing my writing, some skills in mindfulness and some skills so that I may grow as a Christian and human being in my development journey. First thing that struck me about this book was what Thomas Merton had to say about Thây (Thich). He told his students, "J...more
1 like · like · see review
For cultivating inner peace, this is a good practical guide. I have read and enjoyed it personally, as well as sharing it with some students who have serious behavior issues. It's simple, light, direct and a breath of fresh air.
Quotes
Our smile will bring happiness to us and to those around us. Even if we spend a lot of money on gifts for everyone in our family, nothing we buy could give them as much happiness as the gift of our awarenss, our smile. And this precious gift costs us nothing. 7
I kno...more
Quotes
Our smile will bring happiness to us and to those around us. Even if we spend a lot of money on gifts for everyone in our family, nothing we buy could give them as much happiness as the gift of our awarenss, our smile. And this precious gift costs us nothing. 7
I kno...more
Feb 02, 2010
Melissa
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Adults interested in Buddhism
Shelves:
beliefs-psychology
Nhat writes about how to obtain mindfulness which is within each person. He speaks of the frivolousness of "things" and how they will never make us mindful of ourselves and our actions. He uses simple metaphors and basic descriptions to teach psychology and the Buddhist way. If you were sitting at a table with a bowl of soup in front of you, Nhat would encourage you to savor the properties of the meal - the smell, the taste, the feeling of warmth, the colors, the bowl, the utensil, etc. This is...more
I would recommend this book to everyone. It contains meditations for each day of the year, every aspect of life - whether it's cooking potatoes or taking a walk. The focus is MINDFULNESS, a mental state, characterized by calm awareness of one's body functions, feelings, content of consciousness, or consciousness itself are occuring within mind. The writing is simple and subtle, yet the meaning behind each meditation is complex and life-changing. Literally, the book will help you achieve mindfuln...more
I often find Christianity or common definitions of it to be off-putting. Great ideas, but little inspiration. Always drawn to the other pillar faiths of the world, Buddhism speaks to me in a way that my practiced faith can't or won't.
The writing of Thich Nhat Hanh is complex. Both supportive and motivating, Thich teaches how we are all connected to each other and our planet. And how we should use each moment to celebrate that connection. When I feel out of balance in my life, I enjoy selecting...more
The writing of Thich Nhat Hanh is complex. Both supportive and motivating, Thich teaches how we are all connected to each other and our planet. And how we should use each moment to celebrate that connection. When I feel out of balance in my life, I enjoy selecting...more
Thich Nhat Hanh's older book that I've read about six times. Although it is light in content, and a quick read, and covers subjects such as cooking potatoes, the book is purposefully driving the message that we all are inter-connected and that we should strive to live our lives for others and away from the 'me-driven' ego that western society is so caught up in.
Peace Is Every Step reminds me of Dr. Albert Schweitzer's (medical missionary in Congo and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize) treatise...more
Peace Is Every Step reminds me of Dr. Albert Schweitzer's (medical missionary in Congo and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize) treatise...more
Jan 16, 2012
Lisa O'Brien
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Lisa by:
Tracy Arakelian
Thank you Tracy Arakelian for giving me this book so long ago. I was in a different place then, wallowing, not living mindfully and not ready to receive, listen, find stillness. Thich Nhat Hanh's guidance is so simple and brilliant. I smile as I read this book, a lot.
Thich Nhat Hanh on Thinking Less:
"While we practice conscious breathing, our thinking will slow down, and we can give ourselves a real rest. Most of the time, we think too much, and mindful breathing helps us to be calm, relaxed, an...more
Thich Nhat Hanh on Thinking Less:
"While we practice conscious breathing, our thinking will slow down, and we can give ourselves a real rest. Most of the time, we think too much, and mindful breathing helps us to be calm, relaxed, an...more
Thich Nhat Hanh's Peace is Every Step is by far my favorite of all the books written by gurus and thinkers. This book has changed my perspective on my perspective. He has, through his compassionate and down-to-earth dialogue, allowed me to understand and be compassionate toward my own Catholic faith, myself, and everyone around me.
This isn't a book filled with buzzwords nor is it a book that preaches. Thich Nhat Hanh does not offer techniques or ideologies, he simply presents the world as it re...more
This isn't a book filled with buzzwords nor is it a book that preaches. Thich Nhat Hanh does not offer techniques or ideologies, he simply presents the world as it re...more
This is my all time favorite book by Thich Nhat Hanh who is a Vietnamese monk living in Paris, France. It is all about mindfulness and bringing peace to the world starting with your self.
Thich Nhat Hanh's writing is deceptively simple. Through personal stories and essays on mindfulness, he creates a profound paradigm shift. Gradually he builds his philosophy of "interbeing," the notion that none of us is separate, but rather that we "inter-are" with everything else in our universe. This is a philosophy that is profoundly supported by the natural and social sciences, as I understand them. It is simple, yet fundamental to our very existence, and profoundly important to our relatio...more
While I agree with others' comments that this feels like "Buddhism Lite", I appreciated how the ancient practices of meditation and mindfulness were adapted for a modern, end-of-the-20th-century world.
Even though this book isn't very long, I found I was savoring it throughout the week. Full of short, simply-stated blurbs that feel like meditations themselves, it was the perfect thing to read upon waking up or when I was winding down for the evening. Some of the sections are absurdly specific; ot...more
Even though this book isn't very long, I found I was savoring it throughout the week. Full of short, simply-stated blurbs that feel like meditations themselves, it was the perfect thing to read upon waking up or when I was winding down for the evening. Some of the sections are absurdly specific; ot...more
Again, the message that Thich Nhat Hanh spreads is so powerful, and real. This book is great, if gives wonderful activities, and solutions to our everyday problems. He continues to find ways to help us come back to the moment and live mindfully rather than in suffering. I feel like this book a long with many others of his are not just for Buddhists but for everyone, everyone who has ever been frustrated and not sure what to do, or stressed and overwhelmed.
One of my favorite things about him is...more
One of my favorite things about him is...more
Thích Nhất Hạnh is a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, teacher, author, poet and peace activist who now lives 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...more
More about Thich Nhat Hanh...
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...more
Share This Book
1 trivia question
More quizzes & trivia...
“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
—
394 people liked it
“Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.”
—
247 people liked it
More quotes…
Sep 23, 2012 12:49am
Oh, it does, Riku! Those are all examples of mindfulness in the pres...more
updated Sep 23, 2012 03:15am