Practice Off The Mat

Vol. 1 Issue 6

If you are not familiar with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, or Thay as students and followers called him, he is one of the foremost teachers and world leaders of our time. As a teacher, author, speaker, and peace activist for the past 80 years, he has been showing the world how to walk every step, breathe every breath, and greet every moment with compassion, kindness, love, and peace.

You can learn more about Thay and the Plum Village tradition here: www.plumvillage.org . His book “Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life” is one of the defining books of my journey as a person and a teacher.

Last week I was all ready to ship out the weekly email when I learned beloved Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh has passed away.  So instead of sending out the regular email I pushed “pause” to allow myself to reflect over the weekend.

Over the past few days, thanks to our modern connected world, I have observed some of the rites, rituals, and celebrations that the monastic community has shared for all to see and participate in. It has been so moving, and helpful in reflecting upon his influence on me.

I have a deep seed of gratitude for all that I’ve gained through these teachings.

I was first introduced to the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh by my dear friend – and my very first teacher – Sagel, who herself, is the walking embodiment of all that Thich Nhat Hanh teaches. Since that first introduction oh so many years ago, Thich Nhat Hanh has become one of the greatest influences on me as teacher and even more so as a person.

His teachings infuse everything that I aspire to be and everything that I strive to do.

Be it yoga, meditation, movement, reading, walking, running, working, managing, problem solving, teaching, shopping, writing, eating, breathing, succeeding, failing, trying, sitting, standing, petting my cats, watching the ocean, or listening to the trees. Or in my role as a husband, son, brother, uncle, friend, stranger, teacher, boss, business owner – all aspects of myself.  

In short: living.

But for me, it goes even further beyond my own limited view of my experience and influence.

Another reason why these teachings resonate so much, is because the Plum Village tradition also teaches that the core elements of who we are – love, compassion, kindness, peace, gratitude – can be used actively on a path to more equanimity and peace in the world.

Even in the face of grave injustice, threats, dangers, and uncertainty – he teaches how to actively use these qualities to make the world a better place.

There is a part of me that feels a great sadness in my heart, thinking about a world without Thich Nhat Hanh. But more than that, I feel a great sense of peace and gratitude.

I have gained so much through his teaching. And that despite him being gone from this physical world, I know that his spirit lives on and is still actively changing the world by the vast community around the world how hold his teachings close.

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In closing this week, below you will find one of my favorite poems ever. I’ve read this at countless classes, lectures, events. 

This poem is is my call to action to walk in heart centered service: one step, one breath, on heart beat, one movement at a time. 

With profound gratitude and deep love for all that you are, 

Chris