Mindfulness in everyday life

Amidst the hustle and bustle of a rapidly transforming industrial province like Dong Nai, have you ever stopped to ask yourself: When was the last time you were truly and fully present with your children? Or are we still preoccupied with the worries of making a living, inadvertently leaving voids in the hearts of our young children?

In the modern world , parents often teach children how to succeed, how to pass exams, but forget to teach them how to confront their own emotions. The book "Cultivating a Smile" by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh appears as a gentle "moment of stillness," reminding us of the value of mindfulness. The book is like a pristine garden, where each page is a small path leading us back to our breath, our smiles, and our leisurely steps. There, the Zen Master guides us through surprisingly simple methods: conscious breathing to calm anger, walking meditation to feel the contact of our feet with the earth, or deep listening to understand the pain of others. All is written in the language of love, pure and innocent like the soul of a child.

The most distinctive message that "Planting a Smile" conveys is the mindset: To nurture peace in children, adults must first sow the seeds of peace within themselves. The Zen master affirms that the genuine, gentle presence of parents and teachers is the most profound "lesson without words." When we learn to smile in the face of pressure, and pause amidst anxiety, children will naturally learn to live peacefully.

Choosing this book as a companion on her parenting journey, Ms. Nguyen Phuong Anh, a teacher in Trang Dai ward, shared: "Previously, I often brought the pressures of teaching home, making the family atmosphere very tense at times. But since reading 'Planting a Smile,' I learned to breathe and smile before entering the door. I realized that when I am at peace, my children naturally become more well-behaved and happier. This book truly saved me from those moments of brokenness."

Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or simply a young person seeking balance, try opening this book once to sow the seeds of mindfulness, so that each breath is a joy and each step is a moment of peace.

Phuong Dung

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/van-hoa/202601/tinh-thuc-giua-doi-thuong-28414f6/