Really insightful and informative, some of these meditations do resonate with me and it’s very interesting to learn other peoples perspective of life. I like how this is very open minded and not at all like “you need to do this and this” sort of thing but that we have the options to modify it a bit. ( )

Considered, practical, and applicable. A welcoming introduction to engaging with Buddhism. I wish more self help ish nonfiction books took this approach. ( )

As this is a very practice-based book, I'm not sure it is the best choice as an audiobook if one wants to have the information as a reference (and doesn't want to take notes). That said, there are some really choice and good practices...some of them particular to group settings (and adapted from those at Plum Village) and others that are generally good philosophies to carry. I find the ecumenical ties encouraging: the "Today's Day" practice, for example, is very much akin to the "Haec dies" of Christianity (This is the day that the Lord has made), and a lot of other traditions that ask us to live fully in the present day and be glad for it.

I appreciated the acknowledgement that not everyone can "walk" (when discussing the walking meditation), but would have preferred some more robust alternatives rather than suggesting those who cannot walk "support" those who can. This has been one of my concerns about physical practice of meditation over all---it can be ableist. I appreciate the more flexible approaches advocated by Ten Percent Happier and others in terms of having a choice of "anchors"--not just the breath. That said, I appreciate that a lot of what comes from Thich Nhat Hanh is echoed with a slightly more secular undertone at TPH.

I did find myself wondering how parents find some of his recommendations for parenting, as he does not have children, of course. I'm not a parent, but some of the recommendations struck me as very idealistic and probably better suited for something like Plum Village rather than a household, but I am speculating. I also wondered if some of the peacemaking approaches might enable people to stay in an abusive relationship, because everyone "suffers". He does address this at times, but I can imagine that someone who has had their sense of self so altered by abuse might interpret this as a responsibility merely to communicate their suffering, rather than escape from it.

Edoardo Ballerini's narration is calming in and of itself, and now I feel that I cannot remove his voice from my reading and understanding of Thich Nhat Hanh--this is not a bad thing. He makes listening to this work a rather meditative experience with peaceful intentionality.

This is a good overview of meditative practices that can be incorporated into every day life: eating, walking, resting, communicating....so "Happiness" is an apt title. As with most of Thich Nhat Hanh's works, the Buddhist foundations are there as a point of reference, not dogma, so there is much here for those that are looking to embrace a mindfulness practice without a religious connection ( )

Thich Nhat Hanh's central teaching is that, through mindfulness, we can learn to live in the present moment instead of in the past and in the future. It’s only way to truly develop peace, both in one's self and in the world. Now, for the first time, all of Thich Nhat Hanh’s key practices are collected in one accessible and easy-to-use volume. Happiness is structured to introduce those new to Buddhist teachings as well as for more experienced practitioners, Happiness is the quintessential resource of mindfulness practices. Integrating these practices into daily life allows the reader to begin to cultivate peace and joy within him/herself, leading to solidity and freedom from fear, misunderstanding, and suffering.

Encouraging readers to be intelligent and skillful in their practice, this new collection by Thich Nhat Hanh outlines the essential steps by which we can all obtain real and lasting happiness. Each day, we perform the tasks of everyday life without thought or awareness — walking, sitting, working, eating, driving, and much more. But Hanh points out that if we remain truly aware of our actions, no matter the task we’re performing, we can stay engaged in our lives and better our outlook through mindfulness. This key practice is the foundation for this accessible, easy-to-understand volume, and an invaluable tool for change for both seasoned Buddhist practitioners and lay readers interested in bettering their lives through full awareness.