A Tribute to Thay (Thích Nhất Hạnh) - Mindfulness for Life
This is a tribute to the father of mindfulness, Thích Nhất Hạnh (Thay)
Dear Thay (Thích Nhất Hạnh),
The first time I read about mindfulness was in April 2020 as I was healing from burnout, stress and anxiety. I didn't know much but somehow it helped me calm my mind: the endless voices in my head and it gave me the peace that I've longed for.
I was able to try to discover myself again. That's the first time I read your book the miracle of mindfulness and it has changed my life forever. I'm grateful to you for everything you have done for us in this world.
Even though you have left us, you are still with us in every moment, and every breath.
When I read the book Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life and I read about the story of you telling a friend who is in prison to enjoy the orange.
It was that moment, when mindful eating came into existence in my daily habits. Now, when I eat, I eat and appreciate every bite.
And when I read about your story, about washing the dishes to wash the dishes, it had a profound effect on me. One that probably words won't do justice.
Now, when I wash the dishes, I wash the dishes and I have not used a dishwasher for more than two years. There is something grounding me when I wash each dish one by one.
My friends are amazed at times and sometimes when I cook a lot, I may have a lot more dishes, but I still wash the dishes. One dish at a time. There is something very peaceful about this process. After every meal, it's a way to thank the dishes and show my gratitude and appreciation. And to be in the moment.
I enjoy the simple aspects of life and have been living a life of essentialism for the past few years. I didn't realize how much it was going to change who I am or helped me discover who I really am. Living a simple life, gave me the clarity and focus that I needed to focus on what truly really matters.
Thank you for everything. You gave me hope and confidence when I was lost, you showed me the way when I thought I didn't have a path. And now I have embarked on a roadless travelled for my pursuit of happiness, living life to the fullest every day.
And let me tell you a little story of how I found out that you are no longer with us. Actually, let me correct that - you're always with us because our souls are connected in this vast universe. You have left your body and now you are a free soul shining up in the stars as a beacon of light in this universe.
The past year has been nothing but a miracle. And two days ago, I came across an SFPL webinar that talked about stress and anxiety management and they shared about two mindfulness apps - UCLA mindful app and insight timer app.
And when I looked up the UCLA mindfulness website, I came across a free mindfulness session with Diana Winston and in this free session yesterday was when I found out that you have merged with the universe.
That's interesting how the universe finds you. It is a privilege to be your student even though we never met. I belong in this life to share and spread your loving kindness.
I always loved your quote, there is no way to happiness, happiness is the way.
Thank you for everything.
Your wisdom and your simple ways of living has inspired and impacted a lot of lives including mine and I am forever grateful.
I have learned to live in the moment to be fully present.
And to appreciate the little joys of life.
I am here in the now and learning to not let the past of the future control me.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul.
You gave me the courage to write my ebook about my journey with stress and anxiety, and how mindfulness and essentialism changed my life.
Thank you for giving me the chance to pay tribute and gratitude to you today.
Truly grateful.
May your soul rest in peace.
You have created a zen community together with love and compassion.
May plum village and the mindfulness teachers around the world continue to share your teachings and wisdom with the world.
