In Memoriam
Thich Nhat Hahn
1926-2022

Breathing in the Present

Please take a moment to enjoy the simple practice of mindful breathing:
“Breathing in, I know that I am breathing in; breathing out, I know that I am breathing out.”

If you do that with a little concentration, then you’ll be able to really be there. The moment you begin to practice mindful breathing, your body and your mind begin to come back together. It takes only 10 to 20 seconds to accomplish this miracle, the oneness of body and mind in the present moment. And every one of us can do it, even a child.

As the Buddha said, “The past no longer is, the future is not yet here; there is only one moment in which life is available, and that is the present moment.” To meditate with mindful breathing is to bring body and mind back to the present moment so that you do not miss your appointment with life.  

—  Thich Nhat Hanh
Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm, 2012

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh was a global spiritual leader, author, poet and peace activist, revered around the world for his pioneering teachings on mindfulness, global ethics and peace. He authored more than 100 books and founded the International Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism. He passed away peacefully in his homeland of Vietnam on January 22, 2022 at the age of 95.