A Week of Mindful Movements
Text by Thich Nhat Hanh
Illustrations by Wietske Vriezen
Vietnamese Buddhist monk, author, and teacher Thich Nhat Hanh has developed exercises called Mindful Movements. These simple, deep motions, based in yoga and tai-chi, have been taught and practiced in Plum Village for over two decades.
In his new, tenderly illustrated book, "Mindful Movements," he writes: "The Mindful Movements are another wonderful way of connecting your mind and body in mindfulness. They are a way to touch the sky, to smile at your own body, and to touch your heart. When you do them, please enjoy each part of each movement. They are not like aerobics, where you have to move as quickly as possible. There is no need to rush. When I do them, I find I cannot help smiling. I hope they bring you joy."
You can try a different movement for every day of the week (there are seven here and more in the book). Do each one four times before moving on to the next. Have fun!
See Thich Nhat Hanh's Mindful Movements
Gallery Credit: Excerpted with permission from "Mindful Movements: 10 Excercises for Well-Being" by Thich Nhat Hanh and Wietske Vriezen. Parallax Press (2008)