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(Two future librarians dish about books, music, make-up and style)

Posted by d

My sister is a practicing Buddhist. As you may have already surmised, the only thing I practice is walking in really high heels. This has led to some interesting, sisterly conversations. For example, very recently she handed me a book, and simply said, “I think you need to find some inner peace.”

Usually, I get my inner peace through a grande White Mocha (skim milk, no whip) at Starbucks. In this case, I followed her suggestion, and opened her copy of True Love: A Practice for Awakening the Heart by Thich Nhat Hanh. (The author is a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk who was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize by Martin Luther King Jr., so I think he knows what he is talking about.)

In very simple terms, the author is able to relay some very complicated concepts about the dynamics of love and of relationships. He explains the Buddhist components of love:
maitri, the ability to bring joy and happiness to the person you love;
karuna, the ability to ease the pain of another person;
mudita, true joy;
upesksha, equality or freedom.
Hanh explains how to “be there”, to “be present”, and to recognize the “presence of the other”. In so few pages, he talks through the dynamics of an argument, common mistakes couples make, and how to overcome pride to resolve what matters most. Hanh wants us all to achieve nirvana in our daily lives, to be love and project love.

For anyone who is in a relationship, I declare this a must-read. At only 102 small pages, I felt a true sense of clarity about the components and dynamics of love, of my place and responsibilities in my partnership. Do you actively participate in your relationship? Are you present? Hanh’s simple explanations asked deep questions and brought some profound realizations for me. The book establishes ways for you to identify yourself, for “oneness”, to connect your mind and body to achieve clarity. Hanh also identifies some very easy meditation strategies that were effective.

Most importantly, while this small book was so inspirational, reading it would mean nothing without some follow through. Hanh’s true intention is for you and I to practice mindfulness. He puts it best, “We must bring about a revolution in our way of living our everyday lives, because our happiness, our lives, are within ourselves.”

Feeling my oneness was a great start to my day. Thanks sissah! I love you!

Happy reading!
xoxo
~d ( )

This book was originally published in France under the title "Vivre en Pleine Conscience", or "To Live in Full Awareness" (or "Full Mindfulness" or "Full Consciousness"). I think that title serves the book better, as the practice of "True Love" is to bring "Full Awareness" to our most intimate relationships. This is a "Practice for Awakening the Heart", as the English subtitle suggests, and it is powerful. ( )