Mindful Living

Mindful living is the primary theme within the novel. Hanh, the author, uses a building block teaching method to instruct readers on attaining inner peace through mindful living. The process begins with conscious breathing: a focused method of breathing that times each inhale and exhale with specific mantras used to focus the mind and body. Once focused, the reader is taught to deal with negative emotions through compassion, understanding, and love. Without these negative emotions, or "knots," readers are able to learn the art of mindful living. In mindful living, one focuses on the present time, and expends energy on learning to enjoy each moment of each day. Through smiling, conscious breathing, and focused meditation, readers learn to enjoy even mundane acts such as dish washing and walking. Once the individual is living in mindfulness, he or she is able to spread a sense of peace and...