Wisdom from Thich Nhat Hanh

I came across this extremely powerful video as I was searching for understanding on patience, and how to be more patient in my life.  The video is 37 minutes long, but well worth the listen.  Thich Nhat Hanh (pronounced: Tick Knot Han) provides so much wisdom, that I think I could listen to this every day for a year, and probably learn something new each day.

I used to think of meditation and mindfulness, as something that we should all do for our overall well-being, without really understanding the purpose behind it.  Isn't it amazing that sometimes you can hear the same thing you've heard a thousand times before, but in a different way, and it somehow makes more sense than it ever did?  What struck me initially is that Thich Nhat Hanh refers to meditation and living mindfully as a training.  Just like we train our bodies to be stronger when we go to the gym, or we have on the job training to be better at our jobs, by meditating and practicing mindfulness, we are training ourselves to be more at peace throughout our daily lives.  And, through this more present mindset, we are better able to deal with the stressors we encounter throughout our day.  Best of all, our peaceful energy can positively effect those around us!

The second thing that really struck me was that we need to treat our suffering (fear, despair, and anxiety), like a mother treats her baby.  We need to care for it so carefully and lovingly.  We need to reach down into ourselves and understand what the suffering is, why it's there, and embrace it.  Acknowledging and dealing with our suffering is the only way we can find relief, and be truly happy. 

Lastly, I have lost a good number of family members and friends in the last seven years, and it's been extremely painful.  But, Thich Nhat Hanh explained that like a cloud, people in our lives just change shape.  A cloud really never goes away, it changes into rain, or hail.  And, it brought a sense of peace.  Because, while it sounds cliche to say that those that we've lost are still with us, it's nice to think that they are.  We just have to recognize their new and different form of being.  :)