Exploring mindfulness, impermanence, and presence through two works by Thich Nhat Hanh and a novel by Ruth Ozeki.
The Blue Book of Nebo was such a soulful book, it’s been hard to pick up something new. I thought some reflective reading might help. I have been leaning into slow-living recently and wanted to delve into more mindfulness: further exploration of time, presence and connection. To guide me, I reached for three books – a mix of wisdom and story.
Book 1: The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh.
This is a popular book that I have been eyeing up for quite some time. It offers small mindful ways to slow down. This connects to my journaling and slow-living ethos, a reminder that the ‘miracle’ is living life more deeply, not escaping it.
Book 2: No Death, No Fear: Comforting Wisom for Life by Thich Nhat Hanh.
Thich Nhat Hanh takes complex Buddhist philosophy and turns it into accessible and simple truths. In this book Hanh helps us embrace impermanence – how understanding death helps us live more fully. It’s a beautiful guide to resilience.
Book 3: A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki.
With these two reflective non-fiction books, I wanted a companion fiction novel and discovered A Tale for the Time Being. It bridges themes of time, identity, and interconnectedness across continents and generations, and although fiction echoes the question of presence and being that Hanh explores.
After an intense few years, it feels like the right moment to slow down, step back, and learn to fully live in the present, instead of worry about the future or dwelling on the past.
It’s my intension to savour – use my commonplace journal to help me process and appreciate the information, take them slowly. The novel is over 450 pages and so will work beautifully alongside. I’m hoping for a fully immersed experience.
Do you read self-care and reflective books all at once, or savour them slowly? I’d love to hear how you approach mindful reading.