Happiness Is The Way

As Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh said, “There is no way to happiness, happiness is the way.”

How present are you from moment to moment?

Born in central Vietnam in 1926, Thich Nhat Hanh entered Tu Hieu Temple, in Hue city, as a novice monk at the age of sixteen. When war came to Vietnam, he chose to adhere to the contemplative life while helping those around him suffering. In doing so, he founded a new form of social activism called Engaged Buddhism. Known as Thay, or "Teacher," he founded a university, publishing house, magazine and other entities to spread his messages on mindfulness and "living peace." Exiled from Vietnam for 39 years for his views, Thay became a pioneer in bringing these teachings to the West.  His life was dedicated to the work of inner transformation for the benefit of individuals and society.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called him “an Apostle of peace and nonviolence” when nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize. In the early '80s, Thay founded Plum Village in France which has become the West's largest and most active Buddhist monastery. When he died on January 22, 2022 at the age of 95, he had written over a hundred books with centers in each continent and a following of hundreds of thousands of people. 

Instead of striving to find happiness, BE joyful and present in each moment. 

By establishing ourselves in the present, we can "touch the wonders of life that are available in that moment." Slow down. Bring awareness to everything you do -- even the basics such as walking and eating. As Thay said, “Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the whole earth revolves — slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future. Live the actual moment. Only this moment is life.” Instead of running to do the next thing, take time to practice "stopping." Pause and simply be. That is the deepest practice of meditation. Pay attention to what is happening in your own body and mind. As Thay said, "In the present moment we already have more than enough conditions for our happiness.” We simply have to stop and recognize the miracle of being alive.

Until next time, remember – it’s your divine life, live it to the fullest. The power is in your hands!

With Purpose & Power,

Terri

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Contributed by Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy. February 1, 2022.

Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy is a Harvard Business School-trained Strategist, Mind-Body Expert, Award-Winning Author, Keynote Speaker and Activist.  She is Founder & CEO of Power Living and creator of Elder Dignity.  Selected as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, her mission is to unleash human potential and create a more just and sustainable world.