Consolations 14

Content is the soul

that walks

in equanimity.

“The Art of Living” by Thich Nhat Hanh

Although Thich Nhat Hanh died two years ago (22nd January, 2022), it is possible to argue that he is still very much alive. His philosophy and life-affirming perspective on how to live lives on in his many books, videos, and various retreats/centres around the world where students of his teachings continue to practise and disseminate his wisdom on embracing life with fearlessness, serenity, and joy.

“The Art of Living” is a perfect distillation of Thay’s abiding themes: peace in the present moment; interconnectedness; joy; letting go; peace in the present moment. To read anything by Thich Nhat Hanh and then put his philosophy into practice is like entering a refreshing river of clarity and contentment. Thay never preaches; instead, he shows the way for the receptive reader to embrace life with an open heart and realise the truth that every day is a fresh page in which we can write beautiful thoughts, speak wise words, and perform noble actions. A constant refrain is the idea of cultivating our spiritual dimension and to do this we need to be mindful of out being. As Thay so eloquently expresses, “our quality of being determines our quality of doing.” Our minds and bodies are inextricably connected. When our thoughts are grounded in rooted spirituality and joyful love, then so will our actions. This is an imperishable pearl of wisdom that we can apply throughout our lives.

In his chapter on “Impermanence”, Thay compares our minds to gardens, which is a beautiful metaphor, reminding us that we aren’t apart from nature, but part of it. Just as gardens need to be managed, so do our minds. It all depends on what seeds you water. Ultimately, it is our responsibility whether we will cultivate seeds of happiness or seeds of anger. Thich Nhat Hanh writes in such a gentle and non-objective manner, that the tone rather than being like a lecture (as it could so easily lapse into in a less accomplished writer) is instead one of care and encouragement. It doesn’t matter where you are on this precious journey that is life, you still have great powers within you, “what you grow is up to you.”

In a world riven with polarisation, discord, hatred, and bitterness, Thay’s message of peace, healthy communication, looking at life with unfeigned awe, and acting with balanced compassion for fellow humans and the Earth couldn’t be more timely. He reminds us that nothing we say or do is ever wasted, that everyone can live a full and wholehearted life, if you accept that nothing stays the same, you act out of intention, and you remain attentive to the positive energies you have the capacity to radiate with your loved ones and the world.

“The Art of Living” will leave you feeling renewed, refreshed, and rejuvenated – ready to love life with engaged vitality, awareness, and deeper insight than before.

“Your words can be beautiful gems, reaching across space and time to create mutual understanding and love.”

Heron

O wise teacher

what lessons do you impart?

Stilled into silence and serenity

I stand amazed.

To stay calm is an act of grace

you might be saying.

 

Balance is the key to inner health

and the source

of your greatest wealth.

Don’t despair when darkness falls

as surely it will.

There will always be

something to thrill

to ease the chill.

Feed your strength

and remain steadfast

in your thinking

and hug the abundance

this world has to offer.

Elegance is a cloak

that can be stitched

over and over

with benevolent care.

Maintain harmony

with yourself and others

and stay present

to all that arrives

in your one, glorious life.

 

With that

the majestic preacher

glided away

beacon of the skies

a stately observer

of human folly

urging the eager student:

stay grateful to all that is

and walk on

with poise and panache.

 

 

Look Up

Look up
when the heart is torn
look up
a freshness is born.
Look up
the clouds soon part
look up
observe sorrows depart.
Look up
and still your mind
look up
before you go blind.
Look up
notes dance in the air
look up
you were made to flare.

Letting Go

There comes a time when you feel the urge to truly let go. This isn’t “let go” in the sense of going completely untethered and dancing naked beneath a full moon. Though neither of those things need be considered nefarious actions. This is “let go” when you feel you have reached an equilibrium that you can jettison thoughts, ideas, people, emotions that have been troubling you. When it comes, you will know it. You will sense great waves of tenderness welling up from the pit of your stomach. You will sense a sun shining bright in the recesses of your mind. You will sense a breeze clearing away the debris that had been blocking your spirit. It is quite extraordinary. It is quite natural. It is exquisitely delicious. You will realise how nothing matters. You will also realise how everything matters. In essence, what you will realise, and this perhaps is the greatest truth that we can expose ourselves to over and over, is that once you let go, all that truly matters is this moment. Not what has gone before. Not what will come. But now. Always now. Infinity in the present moment. Awareness of grace. Awareness of serenity. Resting in love.