Interconnectedness – John Unwin Photography

Thich Nhat Hanh, a revered Zen Buddhist monk, teaches the practice of mindful breathing, encouraging us to dwell in the present moment and recognize its innate wonder. His meditative phrase “Dwelling in the present moment, I know it is a wonderful moment,” encapsulates the essence of mindfulness and the joy of being present. Let’s explore the depth of this powerful phrase.

Arriving at the Present

At the heart of Thich Nhat Hanh’s practice, we follow our breath, letting it guide us into the now. As we release our preoccupations with the past and future, we find ourselves truly arriving in the present. This arrival is not a destination but an ongoing, ever-unfolding journey. The simple act of observing—be it the sunlight streaming through a window, the ambient noise of our surroundings, or the tactile experience of rainfall—immerses us in the richness of the present moment. Here, we find peace, untethered by the need to struggle or chase after anything.

The Wonder of Interconnection

The sense of wonder in mindfulness arises when we perceive the interconnectedness of all things. This interconnectedness renders the present moment a culmination of everything that has come before it. An insight that continues to resonate is the realization that every thought, every action of ours or our ancestors, has in some way shaped the reality of our present moment. Similarly, our current thoughts and actions are shaping the future. This intricate web of interconnections makes every moment uniquely wonderful and full of potential.

The Freedom of Release

By dwelling fully in the present moment, we release ourselves from the burdens of the past and the demands of the future. Each moment is ever-changing, mirroring the impermanent nature of life. By understanding the non-self components of the present, we realize that everything around us has come together to create this singular moment. This realization brings with it a profound sense of peace and liberation.

Embracing the Aimless

In the heart of Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings, we find a concept that may seem counterintuitive—the idea of aimlessness. We are often conditioned to strive, to chase after goals and accomplishments. However, in this meditation, there is no need for striving. Thich Nhat Hanh encourages us to realize that we already embody enlightenment; mindfulness and meditation are merely tools that help us recognize this. He famously said, “We do not sit in order to struggle to get enlightenment. No. Sitting first of all is for the pleasure of sitting.” If we feel tension or pressure, we are encouraged to gently return to our breath, to find rest and ease in simply being.

The Present Moment: A Gift of Life

Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings invite us to perceive every moment as a gift, a culmination of the past and a seed for the future. Through mindful breathing, we are encouraged to dwell in the present moment and to recognize its innate beauty and wonder. Life unfolds in the here and now, in each breath we take, in each beat of our heart. By embracing the present, we open ourselves to the fullness of life, finding joy, peace, and a deep sense of connection with all of existence.

To delve deeper into these teachings, Plum Village has an app available at https://plumvillage.app/. Here, you can enjoy guided meditations and learn more about the richness of Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings.

bamburgh on an autumn day taken from the castle

The mindfulness exercise, “Breathing in, my breath grows deep; breathing out, my breath goes slow,” is a simple yet profound practice inspired by the teachings of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh and the Plum Village tradition. It taps into the natural rhythm of our bodies and minds, serving as a gateway to deeper understanding and presence.

As you breathe in, you consciously invite your breath to become deeper, filling not just your lungs but your whole body with life-sustaining oxygen. As you exhale, focus on the sensation of the breath leaving your body, flowing out slowly and completely. This practice is a direct and tactile exploration of the present moment.

This practice, shared with us by Thich Nhat Hanh and his community in Plum Village, emphasizes gentle observation and attunement. It’s about being present with your breath as it is, without judgement. If you find yourself trying to control or lead your breath, gently shift your focus back to simply watching and experiencing the act of breathing.

Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings encourage us to acknowledge wandering thoughts, smile to them, and gently guide our focus back to the breath. It’s not about suppressing thoughts, but simply seeing, observing, and releasing them, returning our focus to the breath.

Observing the constant change in our breath underscores the Buddhist concept of impermanence. No two breaths are exactly the same. Like watching the waves on a lake or sea, observing the breath can provide a peaceful and restful space in our minds.

Moreover, our breath serves as a poignant reminder of our interconnection with all things. As we breathe in the oxygen provided by plants and trees, and breathe out the carbon dioxide they require, we directly experience our symbiotic relationship with the Earth.

This practice has the power to influence our mental state. By shifting our focus to the breath, we can soothe mental stress and turmoil, allowing our breath to naturally become deeper and slower. This creates a feedback loop, where a calm mind promotes a calm body and vice versa.

“Breathing in, my breath grows deep; breathing out, my breath goes slow” is more than a relaxation technique—it’s a pathway to experiencing impermanence, interconnectedness, and the richness of the present moment. It’s a reminder that our breath, an act so natural and automatic, can become a powerful tool for insight and peace.

John Unwin Photography

Tag: Interconnectedness

The Wonder of the Present Moment: Unpacking Thich Nhat Hanh’s Mindfulness Meditation

Breathing in, my breath grows deep – breathing out, my breath goes slow