‘Zen Master’ Thich Nhat Hanh has returned to his village in Vietnam, to the Tu Hieu Pagoda to ‘transition’ from this life.  At 92 he is still seen as a global spiritual leader, poet and peace activist, revered around the world for his powerful teachings and writings on mindfulness and peace. He is often referred to as the father of mindfulness. The man Martin Luther King called “An Apostle of peace and nonviolence.” Even nominated for a Nobel Peace prize.

His key teaching is that, through mindfulness, we can learn to live happily in the present moment—the only way to truly develop peace, both in one’s self and in the world.

As the spiritual leader Nhat Hanh taught that you don’t have to spend years on a mountaintop to benefit from Buddhist wisdom. Instead, he says, just become aware of your breath, and through that come into the present moment, where everyday activities take on a joyful, miraculous quality. If you are mindful, or fully present in the here and now, anxiety disappears, and a sense of timelessness takes hold, allowing your highest qualities of kindness and compassion to emerge.

This past weekend we experienced this first hand. We had many meaningful conversations and during one in particular we discussed the future and how decisions we make today will affect that future.  Tara brilliantly pointed out, how present moment decisions, one after the next lead to the future you are dreaming of. Only by staying in the present moment, will you actualize the future you desire. Bring your breath and awareness to this moment, make decisions in this moment, the future will take care of itself.

Have a magnificent weekend everyone.

Sending healing energy to Lu and anyone needing a little more this weekend.

-C