Part 1, Chapters 1-9 Summary

In Part 1, "Breathe! You Are Alive," Hanh begins by discussing the concept that each day is a new opportunity for one to live in the present, in his essay "Twenty-Four Brand-New Hours." According to Hanh, humankind is adept at preparing for the future, but inept at living in the present. He believes that if one learns to breathe, smile, walk, eat, do chores, work, and live in the present, one can learn to be in touch with happiness, and thus, can find peace.

Hanh begins his lesson in mindful living by discussing the importance of smiling. In "The Dandelion has my Smile," Hanh believes that beginning the day with a smile shows one's awareness and determination to find inner peace, and that a smile is a reflection of an awakened mind. Hanh recommends hanging a reminder to smile near...