It is possible to live happily in the here and the now. So many conditions of happiness are available - more than enough for you to be happy right now. You don't have to run into the future in order to get more.
Thich Nhat HanhRead
When you have peace in yourself and accept, then you are calm enough to do something, but if you are carried by despair, there is no hope.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Inner peace allows for constructive action, while despair breeds hopelessness.
This quote by Thich Nhat Hanh emphasizes the importance of cultivating inner peace and acceptance as prerequisites for taking effective action. When individuals are overwhelmed by despair, their capability to act constructively diminishes, leaving them feeling hopeless. Instead, achieving a calm state of mind enables them to navigate challenges and find solutions.
Themes
PeaceDespairHopeCalmAcceptanceAction
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared in a self-help workshop focused on overcoming anxiety.
More from Thich Nhat Hanh
All quotes βNothing can be by itself alone, no one can be by himself or herself alone, everyone has to inter-be with every one else. That is why, when you look outside, around you, you can see yourself.
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It's normal for human beings to identify with their own separate self. The problem is that we get caught in that notion of ourself as a separate individual and caught in that individual self's agenda.
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When you learn about the teaching and the practice of another tradition, you always have a chance to understand your own teaching and practice.
Thich Nhat HanhRead
Fear, separation, hate and anger come from the wrong view that you and the Earth are two separate entities, the Earth is only the environment. You are in the centre and you want to do something for the Earth in order for you to survive. That is a dualistic way of seeing.
Thich Nhat HanhRead
When you have enough understanding and compassion in you, then that amount of understanding and compassion will try to express itself in action. And your practice should help you to cultivate more understanding and compassion.
Thich Nhat HanhRead
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