His name is known around the world: Thich Nhat Hanh. Even so, a lot of people ask me “Thich Nhat Who?” Long story short, he’s a Zen monk who was once nominated for the Nobel Prize by Martin Luther King Jr. for his non-violent protest of the Vietnam War, “Thay”, as his followers affectionately refer to him, is a fountain of spiritual wisdom… the common sense kind.
Imagine the turmoil the world was in during the conflict in Vietnam. Probably much the same as the turmoil the world is in right now. Humanity was hurting. Humanity continues to hurt today. But Thay was smart enough to know that we need to focus our energy on a different word that starts with “h”: helping.
Here’s a quote of his that helps me find my centre when the world goes topsy-turvy: “‘Someone asked me, ‘Aren’t you worried about the state of the world?’ I allowed myself to breathe, and then I said, ‘What is most important is not to allow your anxiety about what happens in the world to fill your heart. If your heart is filled with anxiety, you will get sick, and you will not be able to help.'”
According to TNH, four little words are the key to thriving in a world that sometimes seems to have lost its way. “How can I help?”
Are you up for an experiment? Try saying that powerful little phrase three times today and see how it makes you feel.
My money’s on good, good and good.😀
