Breathe as a Free Person, Walk as a Free Person | Dharma Talk by Thich Nhat Hanh, 2014.03.30

Freedom is possible with our mindful breathing and mindful walking.
Breathe in and focus your attention on your in-breath. Your in-breath becomes the only object of your mind, you are concentrated on your in-breath, you are mindful of your in-breath. You release the past, the future and your worries and you become a free person. If you want to keep that freedom, you can breathe out mindfully. Breathing out, you focus your concentration on your out-breath.
One breath can bring you home to ther here and the now. One step can also bring you home to the here and the now. From the parking lot to the office, you may like to walk in such a way that every step release the tension in your body. Every step bring you home to the here and the now so you can touch the wonders of life available in you and around you.
The seventh exercise of mindful breathing is to recognize the painful feeling in us. Breathing in, I am aware of the painful feeling in me. Breathing out, I smile to the painful feeling in me. The eighth exercise is to calm down the painful feeling. Mindfulness is like a mother holding the child of suffering. The first thing you do is to use the energy of mindfulness to recognize the painful feeling. The second thing is to use mindfulness to embrace the painful feeling tenderly.
Exercise five is to generate a feeling of joy. Exercise six is to generate happiness. A good practitioner can always generate a feeling of joy and happiness whenever he or she wants.
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[@James-3000]

I was waiting at a noisy, hot, smelly carwash over the weekend, feeling crummy about life in general and then I did the breathing meditation, just one breath, came into my body and suddenly the rusty steel awning over me was beautiful, the clanking of car engines and shouting from the guys was like music to my ears and an immense joy just flooded through me. True peace comes from within. Your happy place is your home and your home is your body and you take that thing everywhere you go (in this life, at least).

[@davidtanphilosophy]

Absolutely wonderful testimony! I can give a similar situation after centering myself with breathing

[@jerklecirque138]

Lately I've been focusing on the fact that each moment is a gift. How incredibly unlikely it is to experience anything at all. What a shame to squander my time not enjoying it.

[@intoxicatingmooneyes9150]

Beautiful 💕

[@donnabodel4113]

,,🙋💚

[@solveiglarsen33]

That is so wonderful! May this deep joy continue for you..."no matter what"...💝

[@simijamile1116]

I love this man. Thank you for being you, Mr Thich.

[@psingerman4778]

I am so thankful we live in a time when Thay's teachings are available even if we can't go to Plum Village and even though he is now ill. We are so lucky.

[@ivorybrown8961]

"...You have an appointment with life in the present moment. If you miss the present moment, you miss your appointment with life which is very serious..." DEEP!! I receive that golden nugget.!!!

[@gabrieleburian1138]

Since I practise this kind of breething I make every day the same experience: healing is possible. Also old wounds can heal. I am so happy, that Thay was sharing his wisdom with us, in his very special very heartful way.

[@SoulfulPaths]

So profound - 'You walk in such a way that each step makes you a free person' ❤❤❤

[@SoulfulPaths]

I'm am inspired and moved by the words of Thich Nhat Hanh...his wisdom lives on kzbin.info5FB5CABweRU?si=WJKvFMZVkPrZLKqZ

[@plumvillageonline]

finding peace and freedom while walking :) our on-going practice!

[@MisterTourmalet]

Thank you Thay.❤

[@symesn]

Wow. Finding plum Village talks have changed my life. Thank you

[@Dustinthewind607]

I really appreciate even the first minute and a half of Thich Nhat Hanh setting up the microphones/equipment because he puts a microphone on like a free person. The presence, lightness, and humor with which he engages in his task shines like beacon of light in a world that is prone to distraction and agitation. It's such a simple thing yet so powerful. It's the sort of tedious task that we do daily and which are often a source of so much irritation and distraction, yet he is fully with himself and deeply connected throughout the course of that action. That calm, buoyant attention is an exemplification of this teaching. What a subtle, though profound demonstration of the kind of freedom he describes in his talk. Thank you, Thay, for pointing the way with your words and deeds.

[@annetipa9257]

Exactly

[@mars1783]

Beautiful observation

[@bredtimestories]

Yeah, what I really love about it is that it shows that he's not trying to be overly performative; it isn't a big show. Just a sweet old man sitting down to tell us some sweet wisdom :). Reminds me a lot of watching Mister Rogers as a kid

[@danmcdaid]

What a terrific comment.

[@deejin25]

It's interesting to think we fought a war in his country, against his people and now he is a huge influencer in this country via his broadcasts of his speeches. Though his voice is gentle and soft, speaking healing words, I do hear the strength and perseverance that allowed them to fight for so long against multiple generations of different invaders, and made them formidable foes. So in that gentleness is strength.

[@mathematicsandstuff]

Keep your posture perfectly straight like a warrior. Reminder to own self.

[@ComradeLeonTrotsky]

It’s like I can feel his calmness through his voice.

[@frankdiceccoiii2881]

His voice is so incredibly soothing. When I read his words I can hear the soothing tone of it even after only hearing it once.

[@michaeldooley5331]

I lost my life and identity to injuries, surgeries, chronic pain and anxiety. I must find another way of living and being. I feel comfort and hope in his voice and what he says.

[@Monkey_PNut]

yes I too can relate to this, surgeries, chronic pain, and limited movements , I too fell deep comfort and hope in his voice

[@marytighe9393]

Just came across your comment and for some reason felt such compassion for your obvious suffering . I am blessed to only have experience of a minor degree of suffering and I know how difficult that can be ,so my prayer for you is that you have found some ease my in your life and possibly many moments of joy also.

[@istoppain62]

Hope you get better. Have you tried meditation

[@arlrmr7607]

In my own way I have suffered too. I am sorry for your terrible experiences. May God bless you. You are so right! Thay's simple focused gentle words are very soothing. God bless Thay.

[@KellySnow]

Me too.....it is your suffering that led you here so it’s a,ready showing you the way ❤️

[@jedipat204]

I could say more words than the algorithms could handle, but I'll just say I'm a middle aged Westerner, currently on lsd and listening to this whole Video for the sake of every one else besides me. If you took the time to read this I love you, and yes I also love the ones that didn't 🕉️

[@ullalu7227]

Your words touched me. If not yet done you should Listen to the video another time and than only for you. you can only give what you have. If there is no love in you for yourself how may it be possible to offer love?💚

[@agataj888]

It is not my culture, nor my religion nor my ethnicity. Yet I felt home

[@unknownroyalTV]

He makes me cry, such a beautiful being , feel honoured to learn about him , touched my life already . That Bell❤💯

[@sleepycat224]

Agree fully 🛐🕊💖

[@anoshya]

When I was young I was full of fear and anxiety.When I was 38 I found Thays teachings and over the years this fear and despair did not vanish but it has evaporated to a great extent and now I live my life with my family with much greater peace and stability.Im now 69and am so much in debt to Thay.Many of my neighbours live fast paced lives earning lots of money but I can see the true life is the one Thay teaches.Also these talks have no dogma ...no ideologies or regimes..thank you Thay

[@joycelee9018]

99l

[@shrimpscampin]

Thanks for sharing, I'm 25 and have come a long way from.where I was just a year ago, Thay has been a huge help. My dad had a major breakthrough in his 50s. It's never too late to heal

[@christineedwards7958]

@@shrimpscampin l

[@jerklecirque138]

I am 35 and feel I have hit the lowest point of my life. It is so encouraging to know that others have transformed their lives. I will continue to grow as a free person.

[@mr.mikaeel6264]

@@jerklecirque138 if that is so, one you are aware and two: there is only up from here. Don't lose hope!

[@Kenbomp]

Luv how the temple looks like home depot. So simple yet natural

[@yelenawhitmer1329]

I am so happy to find this Village. First time I so many years I am finally feel like human, not a Ghost ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mariav.267]

Yelena there is nothing bad with ghost because they serves a purpose, they just shows other forms of life, it's up to us to decide what do we choose now, in this marvelous instant! Love on you way always!

[@CannibalWHORE22]

I know that feeling. Although you aren’t a ghost and remember people do unconditionally like you, it is just about finding the right people even if it is a small amount.

[@PB78341]

🆓❤️

[@jennytan2301]

Buddhism is a teaching which shows us how to live a happy, fulfilling, and content life. We truly benefit from the Buddha's teachings when it is practiced in everyday life. The Ten Wholesome Ways 1. NO KILLING 2. No stealing 3. No sexual misconduct 4. No lying 5. No abusive speech 6. No slander 7. No enticing speech 8. No greed 9. No anger and 10. No ignorance/delusion/attachment Constantly chant : Amitabha Buddha, Repentance and Dedication of Merit.

[@laurenceerrington4139]

So often, it feels likeThay is speaking to me (and I guess others of u feel the same)!. His slow delivery gives me time to absorb the meaning of his words.

[@PB78341]

Yes and a lot of the time he says exactly what I need to hear for what I am going through at that moment in life

[@Dana9437]

@@PB78341 yes, I totally agree. Listening to him now.

[@eriosyce688]

Who is Thay?

[@Sunshine.]

@Rusell Jones - "Thầy" means "teacher" in Vietnamese referencing Master Thich Nhat Hanh!

[@beki1377]

I am watching so many dharma talks from Thay over and over again 😍🙏🏻🧡🤎 and it’s always fresh and helpful reminding...

[@Tanoaproductionsfiji]

When I watch Thay, I imagine the Buddha.

[@marlonthemarloncorp.kreuze3921]

so you hear only the eternal bliss of silence - just found him, after osho and krishnamurti

[@geovaniavaninha2640]

When I listen to Thay, I feel myself in peace and harmony!

[@lisamac8503]

He is a Buddha as we all are We just do not know it yet

[@Tanoaproductionsfiji]

@@lisamac8503 beautifully put. Thank you.

[@mernawells7839]

This is the single most beautiful and supportive spiritual talk I've ever heard. I am so grateful to have lived at a time when he was alive. I've been practicing yoga for 30 years and this kind of yoga body work and Buddhist psychology for about 17 but it's never been transmitted as clearly and profoundly as in this talk by this incredible human being who has obviously known and transformed profound suffering. Love forever.

[@Michelle-gv9mk]

To be able to generate compassion for others, “the first thing for you is to go home to yourself. The way out is in.” Just love the wisdom in Thay’s talks!❤️

[@eriosyce688]

Who is Thay?

[@DungPham-vq2te]

Thay is a Vietnamese term, means male teacher, referred to Thich Nhat Hanh.

[@eriosyce688]

@@DungPham-vq2te Ah thank you 😊

[@MisterTourmalet]

Thank you to all beings.❤

[@girijadogra8414]

Simply Divine...Gratitude...Gratitude 🙏🙏

[@ConexionHumanaOficial]

I love when you said; Listen to your own suffering inside. Go home to yourself. GREAT! Thank you Venerable Maestro. Evangelina Cortes.

[@ezequielsa6985]

Thank you, dear Thay! Thank you, Plum Village! I know you are there, and I am so happy! 🙏

[@drblaneyphysics]

thank you my beloved teacher.

[@satnamo]

A freeman is a warrior because a warrior is not a slave; He must require strength because otherwise he will never attain power.

[@MikeTrainormusic]

I'm just so very grateful for these teachings. Thank you very much

[@juliaphillips9436]

Kindness and humility, love and simplicity.

[@shoonyah]

Mindfulness is like a mother holding the pain like a baby. So beautifullY explained!... you validate so much about recognizing the cause of one's emotions Thich!

[@Amy-tx8zj]

i practice meditation by walking on the beach,mindful breathing per Thay .

[@oneseeker2]

I am watching this 2weeks after his death. I have, for many years now wished I had met him, became a student of his. Still, I suspect I would have been to restless, bored, far too immature, all sorts of reasons. And now, discontent continues. The moments and the years were there, maybe now, its time.

[@lucrecialetbetter2874]

Thanks this really fed my soul.

[@soozemecheek]

“Listen to the bell” He taught me what many before him could not. 🙏 Thank you.

[@maywin4204]

This topic is v.important now 2020 to breathe and walk as a free person with full mindfullness. Thank you and so calm to listen the speech..

[@menglooimok8602]

Dear Thay, Thankyou for your Wisdom. It is not too late for all of us to just start learning from you and your Sanga full of fortunate folks who have benefited from your wisdom already! I am now getting each day so much joy in seeing all their beautiful smiles from the bottom of their hearts and minds!!! Thank you for All as my teachers!! Meng Looi Mok 🙏🌹💕

[@galespressos]

So thankful to Thay.

[@TheOriginalRasheedat]

I love him so much. I’m so grateful.

[@yacovmitchenko1490]

This was beautifully surreal (or hyper-real) in a way. To see such a beautiful human being...

[@techibabe]

So much kindness in the face and smile. Wish more of the world looks like peace and kindness in their eyes.

[@helpingeachother7007]

How I wish the same! Maybe some day it will happen. Best wishes.

[@jasoncaldwell0613]

2 seconds in and im already smiling. putting on those microphones that face he makes. ❤

[@Tanoaproductionsfiji]

Wonderful insight! So true. ☺️

[@mellowttt14]

Thay has touched the hearts of so many with his integrity, courage, wisdom, resilience. He has walked the talk for so many years. I feel deep gratitude for having been in his presence, and even once with my dear Mother.

[@georgetang3489]

May his dharma stay with us

[@teagoldleaf4137]

Rest In Peace Thich Nhat Hanh 🙏 Thank you ❤

[@octoberred7394]

Thanks Health and prosperity for all of you.🙏🙏

[@TeraMangala]

When energy escapes at death, it merges with the universal cosmic energy.

[@ratanaun2960]

Yes, it's the only logical outcome. This goes for all living beings. This create conundrum for most people, myself included. So, the only solution for this is refrain from killing and eating all living beings. In the meantime, living in the here and now, is easy said then done! Who can dispute this mantra, living in the here and now!?

[@ebbyin.yangflo]

Freedom is in breath. That simple truth seems to elude many nowadays.

[@denicehall-ramharrack7840]

"The energy of compassion"

[@dylankoczwara6670]

1:00 look how effortlessly he transitions. Notice there is no separation from him getting ready and addressing the people

[@shirleyjones4041]

Yes i had lots of pain . As i was under a lot stress . My muscles were screaming with pain. I had to apologies to my mind and body to forgive me for putting them through such hardships . I asked my mind to help through a difficult time and thanked it for getting me through .I go

[@diegosaito2400]

Dear Thai, you are a manifestation of God.

[@yukiyau2733]

i'm so grateful for Thay's spiritual inspiration and guidance every day, your wisdom is so precious ❤🙏 LET'S SET THE WORLD FREE IN A DECENT MANNER!

[@yukiyau2733]

daily practice with you sets me free ♡ despite evils

[@westcoastresourcesreit7657]

Breathing has taught me to recognize that even as a very young child I focused on the suffering of life not the joyful beauty that we are able to walk through. I am 65 and seeing the sky, the flowers, the children smiling for the first time. I am able to live in joy every minute. What an amazing gift.

[@noraoduliomorales2588]

I am so moved by dear Thay’s very loving, compassionate, tender teachings! Thank you so very much! Your lectures generate so much calmness. I wish I have known about you long time ago. 🙏♥️

[@mellowttt14]

Very esteemed Thay has walked his talk for so many years. Tonight I was feeling very anxious. My precious Mom is 101 and far away in a Care Center. She can barely her or see. I remembered taking her to be with Thay years ago. She couldn't hear much but she loved how everything stopped when the bells were struck. And how people stopped eating and talking when you came to sit at their table. And acknowledged our presence as we sat with them. It was very "foreign" to her, but she really loved it and Thay. And getting up very early in the cold Estes Park morning and walking together in the dark to see the sunrise together. And the children in front holding his hands. Thank you Thay. "Today is Today's Day."❤

[@marthaestelafernandez1450]

I wish I had kown him many decades ago... You're a great genuine master ! You and the Dalai Lama sometimes moves me to tears just to see your the biggest miracles I've ever witnessed.! I'm eternally thankful for your wise teachings ( Budda's Dharma ) I postrate in front of you with my deepest admiration. Om mani paedme hum. May all beings be free from suffering, safe and happy. Amen.

[@bugsea54]

It is very sad that we all need to learn empathy for one another and understand we all suffer

[@TradeemperorsAu]

Your voice tone always brings peace and love for me ... sometimes tears in eyes..not sure why but I always call you master of love

[@jemb9896]

Thank you Thay dearly from my heart x

[@suecastillo4056]

Love and service… path to freedom from the bondage of self💕💕🦋🙏🏻✌🏾

[@elenipateraki9489]

What an inspiring teaching, it really touched me, thank you so much!!!

[@HGBLOG1]

OMG ALL THOSE PEOPLE SNEEZING AND COUGHING!!!!!!!

[@anagomes6100]

Blessings from above

[@IM2OFU]

thank you so much!

[@teresadeagle3079]

It's so beautiful to see the jou on his face and the love in his voice when he speaks about "the lady" or "the couple". He truly comes from love and peace. God bless you for being so kind and caring and for sharing these experiences with us. Love and Light 🙏

[@colleendeane7888]

Amazing life lesson. Thank you Thay.

[@Zamal512]

Thank you so much for this opportunity to listen to these teachings. I really love to listen and learn to be more conscious about my Life. Thank you Thay, May you be blessed!

[@mywodahs1]

Thank you for the simplicity of this beautiful teaching. Understanding is the key to freedom. May we all be free. Peace joy and wellbeing for all.

[@mondidenelli]

Pure wisdom through the enlightened Heart of this wonderful teacher ❤

[@truthiseverything9511]

I pray I will get the opportunity to speak with my estranged beloved soon.

[@wingedinfinity6715]

I pray you do too, as I pray for the same for my estranged daughter. God Bless you. 💞🙏💞

[@hdskl2150]

I feel so grateful to hear these messages

[@ConexionHumanaOficial]

Deer beloved Thay, Thank you very much for being so generous in every talk you share, you give us in full of hands. For me you are the best teacher around the world, because you live your teachings, you teach with your practice every moment, in every place where you are. I love you. Evangelina Cortes.

[@ConexionHumanaOficial]

Thank you so much Dear Thay. You're a great soul. Your compassion and generosity are amazing. Evangelina Cortes.

[@sheetal74]

Gratitude. Please visit Mumbai. Would love to see you in person.

[@Queenie-the-genie]

Listening to this man is so comforting. Thank you Thuy! Blessings always.

[@robbowden5765]

It’s amazing, something so simple yet with such positive effects on the mind body and spirit. It’s hard to believe the things that we as a technologically advanced civilisation have forgotten, we forget to actually live and experience being fully alive. I am only just reconnecting properly with myself after losing myself to my addictions and society in general, I’m hoping more and more people reconnect to this extraordinarily beautiful world we all share, we are all natives to this planet and we are all connected. Thankyou so much for your calm nature, your beauty, your time and for sharing.

[@madiberset9745]

did anyone else notice the red flower blossoming throughout the video?! love to all. ❤️

[@mariamargaritagarcia8049]

Oh yes ! How beautiful indeed .

[@giggy7951]

@@mariamargaritagarcia8049 stroke rebel book

[@techracer2003]

50.00 this is a skill and an act of compassion that if many couples these days can practice, I am sure that alot of their problems will be resolved and will love one another much more. Thank you Teacher.

[@ConexionHumanaOficial]

Thank you Venerable Thay, I love and appreciate the total of your teachings. I have been practicing don't lost my appointment with life and is great how wonderful I feel because of the result of this extraordinary practice. Evangelina Cortes.

[@shirleyjones4041]

I had lovely pockets of calm throughout the day. Where my mind was still and calm . Absolutely nothing going on .

[@gedman9527]

Stop thinking start living

[@carleylouw6911]

What a powerful teacher. I am so grateful for this wisdom. Thank you.🙏💚

[@ernestotironi1823]

Gracias Thay

[@fredvoto]

The art of suffering retreat first talk absolutely life-changing thank you Thick Nhat Hanh

[@DrMusicStarr]

can you post the link? thank you

[@Mackobacko]

Lovely smile💞🙏

[@beatrizdeguardo]

His voice and explanations make deep effect on me...

[@francesbernard2445]

This is the best advice I have heard all day. Wish I would have taken that advice once when being ordered by my government to take weeks of kick boxing lessons included 5 days a week too after someone accused me of not having enough life skills of my own.

[@bernadettemelsen7981]

Thank you so much dear respected That, for teaching me the secret of reconciliation, of peace. It makes me cry, with liberation 🙏🏼🍀🐳

[@nannan2790]

Thankyou Thay & Plum Village

[@martahelenahenaoaristizaba316]

I love Thay, Buddhism and all the teachins, Medellin, Colombia

[@greghoward5938]

lol

[@mariamargaritagarcia8049]

Lol Peace, love, connection for the here and the now... A Colombian in the Redland.

[@SKIADK]

His Mindful breathing exercises are shared to many of those whom I meet in counselling sessions. Each step we take is a step towards that final destination which exists among all our souls.

[@lilithschwarzermond7342]

Maybe the best news ever. Thank you! 🕊 "The way out is in."

[@mathematicsandstuff]

We owe each other that much to say we don't owe each other anything at all. :)

[@Maria-pu8wc]

I have so much love and gratitude to your being! so glad have found and i am open to this love. thank you

[@michelecraig9658]

I am so thankful that there are so many recordings from Thay's teachings. I had read his books, but these recordings and the Plum Village app have been wonderful blessings. I feel sad sometimes that he is no longer with us, but then I watched one of the Monks talking about setting up an altar and inter being and how he us always with us if we are one.

[@GaryCourtlandMiles]

Namaste

[@notme1777]

I'm checking out. Peace ✌️ be with you all.

[@bernadettemelsen7981]

What a deliberating opening Speech, with straight practice exercises 🐳☀️🙏🏼 The examples of mindful speech move me a lot. I am so happy with this practical tool...Thanxs tremendously 🙏🏼🐳

[@rebeccawinter3982]

Thank you for your service that is so precious. You awaken within me what it means to be human.

[@Maria-pu8wc]

yes me too, me too. a sense of intimacy and safety in my humaneness. so much need this

[@RegianeSteffen]

Excellent ♥️🙏🏽♥️ thank you so much ♥️🙏🏽♥️

[@bellydancerocks321]

Wonderful lecture! Thank you. Love from Canada

[@shirleyjones4041]

I was afraid . Then I remembered what he said . I was nervous and unstable. So,I said to myself . Lets bring up this feeling . I realise it was anger . When I reached my destination. There was things there to irritate me . What I did was kept silent and kept,working . And when they saw that I was not responding like I normally do with anger . They snapped of thier bad behaviour.