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.