Mindful Living

Let's talk about Mindfulness

Have you ever reached the end of a busy day and wondered where the time went? It’s easy to feel like life is moving too fast—as if we’re racing through our days without ever fully living them. Indeed, Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lifeline.

Colorful neon sign on a glass storefront with urban reflections and greenery.

“With mindfulness, you can establish yourself in the present in order to touch the wonders of life.” – Thích Nhất Hạnh

Mindfulness is the awareness of the present moment. Just sit down, then breathe in and out. In just a few seconds, you can connect with yourself. You know what is going on in your body, your feelings, your emotions and your perceptions. When you can communicate with yourself, happiness become possible.

Why Mindfulness Matters More Than Ever

1. Because We’re Constantly Distracted

Everyday, we check our phones hundreds of times a day. Our minds jump from email to errands to endless scrolling. And in the process, we often miss the moment we’re actually in. Thích Nhất Hạnh, which is known as the ‘father of mindfulness’ once said that we need to leave our phone to achieve mindfulness because we need to practice non-thinking and non-talking when communicating with our inner self.

If you are looking to improve your communication and connect more deeply in both personal and professional relationships? The Art of Communicating by Thich Nhat Hanh will transform the way you speak, listen, and interact. Hanh weaves mindfulness into every chapter, helping you slow down, stay present, and communicate from a place of calm and compassion. Whether you struggle to express your feelings or want to strengthen your relationships, this book offers timeless wisdom for real change.

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2. Because Stress Is Stealing Our Joy

Stress is not something outside of us. It is not created by the world, or by our work, or even by other people. Stress arises when we are not at home in ourselves—when we are pulled away from the present moment and caught in our fears, our worries, and our desires. We often live as if we are being chased—by the future, by expectations, by all the things we think we must become. We forget to breathe. We forget to smile. We forget that in this very moment, we are already enough.

Suppose you are drinking a cup of tea. But instead of being present with the tea, you are thinking about an email you haven’t replied to, or worrying about tomorrow. In that moment, you are not truly living. You are not really drinking your tea. You are caught in the past or the future—and that is where stress lives.

But if you come back to your breath, and take a moment to feel your feet on the ground, to hold your cup with both hands, and to truly taste your tea—then you are free. You are no longer a prisoner of your thoughts.

Thus, it’s not surprising that studies shown that mindfulness can reduce stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression. But beyond the science, the real magic happens when you pause long enough to take a deep breath and realize: you’re okay, right now. 

If you’re seeking a simple yet profound guide to living with greater peace and presence, How to Live by Thich Nhat Hanh is the perfect companion. Part of the beloved Mindfulness Essentials series, this book distills Hanh’s timeless Zen teachings into short, accessible reflections that can be read and re-read daily. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, searching for clarity, or simply want to reconnect with the present moment, this book offers practical wisdom and gentle reminders to breathe, slow down, and embrace life as it is. Compact yet deeply meaningful, it’s a beautiful addition to any mindful living journey.

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3. Because Life Is Happening Now

How many times have we gone on autopilot—driving, eating, talking—without really being there? For example, playing handphone while you’re travelling on a train, instead of enjoying the scenery will result in you missing the opportunity to pay attention to the beauty around you. Mindfulness turns the ordinary into extraordinary. Enjoy the present moment because time will not return.

Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.

— Mother Teresa

4. Because It Builds Emotional Resilience

When we’re mindful, we respond instead of react. We notice our emotions without getting swept away. Mindful breathing allows you to feel fearless and when you touch nonfear, you are free. In his book called ‘Fear’, Thich Nhat Hanh introduces the concept of ‘Five Mindfulness Trainings’, which eliminates discrimination, intolerance, anger, fear, and despair: 

  1. Reverence for life – aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am commited to cultivating the insight of interbeing and compassion, as well as learning to protect the lives of people and animals. I will cultivate openness, transform violence, fanaticism and dogmatism in myself and in the world.
  2. True happiness – I am aware that happiness depends on my mental attitude and not on external conditions and that I can live happily in the present moment by simply remembering that I already have more than enough to be happy
  3. True Love – practiving true love, we know that we will continue beautifully into the future
  4. Loving speech and deep listening – knowing that words can create happiness or suffering, I am committed to speaking truthfully using words that inspire confidence, joy and hope. I will speak and listen in such a way as to help myself and the other person to transform suffering and see the way out of difficult situations.
  5. Nourishment and Healing – I will practice coming back to the present moment to be in touch with the refreshing, healing and nourishing elements in me and around me, neither letting regrets and sorrow drag me back into the past nor letting anxieties, fear or craving distract me from the present moment.

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Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Perfection, It’s About Presence

Mindfulness isn’t about having a “clear mind” or living in a bubble of peace 24/7. It’s about showing up, again and again, especially when life feels messy. It’s a practice—and like any practice, it gets easier and more rewarding with time.

So take a breath and start practicing mindfulness today! Notice this moment. That’s where life is happening—and that’s where you begin.