How to Relax is the fifth book in the Mindfulness Essentials series by Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. In this book, Thich Nhat Hanh introduces readers to the essentials of mindfulness practice and the importance of regularly interrupting the routine of our lives to stop, relax mindfully, and recharge.
The book is pocket-sized and includes beautiful illustrations by award-winning artist Jason DeAntonis, like the ones featured below:
The book is divided into two sections. The first section includes notes on relaxing. Here, Thich Nhat Hanh explains the importance of relaxation in our lives and why it plays such a vital role in our well being. He describes various ways in which the reader can achieve a state of deep relaxation. Thich Nhat Hanh encourages the reader to re-learn the art of resting through the resting poem in which the practitioner is instructed to simply follow the in-breath and out-breath to acquire a feeling of joy and healing.
The second section contains a few meditation techniques on resting and relaxing. The one technique that resonated with me the most was the easing worry technique in which you practice mindful breathing for just five minutes, allowing your body to rest, and just be aware of your breathing.
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As always, Thich Nhat Hanh combines his unique style of simplicity and succinctness to communicate to the readers how they can achieve a state of deep relaxation to control the stress in their daily lives.
This book is highly recommended for anyone looking for ways to calm a busy mind and reap the benefits of relaxation.
*** Soulful Arogya Rating: 5/5
Also check out these other books in the Thich Nhat Hanh’s Mindfulness Essentials series
Other recommend titles by Thich Nhat Hanh:
- The Miracle of Mindfulness
- Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh
- The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching
- You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment
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