Work: How to Find Joy and Meaning in Each Hour of the Day

by Thich Nhat Hanh

Pratico, saggio e profondamente compassionevole, L’arte di lavorare in consapevolezza suggerisce un percorso concreto per ritrovare la gioia e l’ispirazione in ogni momento della giornata e in particolare nell’attività lavorativa.

Il lavoro occupa una parte importante della nostra vita e proprio per questo è spesso fonte di frustrazioni, tensioni e preoccupazioni. Eppure è possibile vivere con consapevolezza e presenza mentale l’impegno a scuola, in fabbrica o in ufficio trasformando le ore di lavoro o di impegno scolastico in un’occasione di crescita e in una preziosa opportunità in grado di arricchire la nostra esistenza.

In queste pagine Thich Nhat Hanh prende per mano il lettore incoraggiandolo a esaminare attentamente le proprie scelte quotidiane per contribuire a creare sul lavoro, così come nell’ambiente domestico, un’atmosfera serena e gratificante.

Un altro tema affrontato nel libro è quello di un nuovo modello di leadership consapevole e rispettosa, estremamente utile per vivere con serenità e senza stress i rapporti di lavoro con colleghi e superiori.

Con la sua impareggiabile profondità e saggezza Thich Nhat Hanh offre in questo volume un nuovo tassello per trasformare da subito la nostra vita, partendo dal qui e ora del quotidiano.

Genres: Nonfiction, Buddhism, Spirituality, Self Help, Philosophy, Personal Development, Business

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Thích Nhất Hạnh was a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, teacher, author, poet and peace activist who then lived in southwest France where he was in exile for many years. Born Nguyễn Xuân Bảo, Thích Nhất Hạnh joined a Zen (Vietnamese: Thiền) monastery at the age of 16, and studied Buddhism as a novitiate. Upon his ordination as a monk in 1949, he assumed the Dharma name Thích Nhất Hạnh. Thích is an honorary family name used by all Vietnamese monks and nuns, meaning that they are part of the Shakya (Shakyamuni Buddha) clan. He was often considered the most influential living figure in the lineage of Lâm Tế (Vietnamese Rinzai) Thiền, and perhaps also in Zen Buddhism as a whole.

Reviews

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thich Nhat Hanh is a wonderful teacher, I learned so much from him by reading two of his books. I am exploring buddhism and I really love his books because they are practical for this modern age, for this generation. Not a lot of us live somewhere where money, hate, rage, jealousy, competition, anger wouldn't appear, we don't live in the woods…surrounded by nature, we face a lot of challenges. And he so beautifully teaches us how to use Buda's philosophy at work in this book.

[Julian · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Some alternate title ideas.

Work: I sit and think all day and you work and should be happy about it.

Work: I made one sentence into an entire book to reach my word count and now you're reading it.

Work: I never done it but it sounds not that bad, why do you complain so much?

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I may read this again after a time. It challenged me and I needed to be challenged. I see I have very little faith that things can be different and I will have to begin to believe that I can be transformed.

I love the imagery in this book. The tree blowing in a storm, with the billowing leaves and sturdy trunk - a reminder to stay with the trunk, the core body, the breath, when strong emotions arise, and to stay out of the canopy of thinking during that time. The boat that holds the pebbles and rocks of burdens like stress, anxiety, fear, mistrust; the boat is your community of mindfulness-seekers.

I have only begun to touch the surface of this. There is much work to be done.

[Malvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few key takeaways from this book:
- Mindfulness can and should be done frequently through out the day.
- Recite gathas will help you focus in mindfulness activities. Use reminder to remind you to practice mindfulness. (Think clock bell or church bell sounds)
- Pay attention to your feeling on what you are doing instead of multitasking, like rest when you are using the restroom, enjoy the road while you are driving, or take a short break while you are working just to enjoy sitting on your chair.
- Practice mindfulness before picking up a phone call or going to a meeting by breathe deeply a few times.
- Don't try to suppress a strong feeling. Focus on your breath and embrace the feeling
- If you are mad at someone, go for a walk and focus on your steps/breath. If 24 hours have passed and you are still angry, tell them you are angry and ask for help.
- Powers like money, sex, and fame can turn you into a victim and cause you to hurt people. When you crave for something, it controls you. Powers like understanding, love, and letting go will make you happy.

[Cal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite book by Hanh. Fairly simple and is just examples to practice mindfulness in all facets of your life. Even in situations where you may not have previously thought the possibility to be peaceful and mindful. If you havent read a lot of works by Hanh I would highly recommend. If you have read multiple books on mindfulness/ by Hanh I think you could be better suited reading something else.

[Neeraj Adhikari · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book teaches you how to practice mindful work, how to apply zen to your workday from the moment you wake up to the end of the day. It guides you in applying these principles to your workplace so that you can work well and be at peace with yourself, your co-workers and the world.

I am a great believer in the efficacy of Zen principles - especially mindfulness - in increasing your overall well-being and happiness. That said, I really lack practice and I'm rarely, if ever, mindful. This book changed that a bit. Even though I remembered to pay attention to my breathing and be mindful (mostly) only while reading the book, I could feel my stress levels decreasing during the whole day. I was less frequently agitated and irritated.

[❀ Tina ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5*

[Tony Bogar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does an excellent job of helping you see the big picture and small details and understand how they are interconnected. Simple, engaging, and practical.

I learned that I am already practicing mindfulness - well, I am on my way. I have yet, however, to find my Right Livelihood. It's a journey for me.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this like a starving person. I'm eager to try out the concrete suggestions on Monday.

[Donniesands · Rating 3 out of 5]

If this were my first read from Thich Nhat Hanh I would give it 4 stars. Very good but some rehashing of ideas from his other great books.

[Milanonono · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: Whatever bad is happening to you just breathe and it will be alright. Dont argue when you're angry, breathe instead. Having a hard time focusing on your work? Breathe! Your grandma just got run over by a reindeer? You guess it, breath.

Jokes aside, its actually pretty solid advice, we often stress about the future or cringe about the past. Breathing helps you get back in the present. The book is just too ZEN for me.

[Sara Freels · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone experiencing any sort of deep emotion, this book is a great healing escape. I’ve been meditating the past three months, which Mr. Hanh has helped me start, (along with of course Dan Harris, Sharon Salzburg, Joseph Goldstein and Russel Simmons) to remember, how to remember, to be mindful and the ability to physically and mentally......START AGAIN.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy, short read written in plain language for everyone to understand. I appreciated how Hanh reminds us that mindfulness doesn’t require extra time. All we need is awareness and gratitude in everyday moments and how that can ripple positively to those around us. The idea of Right Livelihood especially resonated with me, affirming my search for work that aligns with my values and causes the least harm, and I finished the book feeling more peaceful.

[Anjanaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny to read books written pre-covid as the way we work has changed so much!

Yet, a must read for everyone working, no matter the kind of work!

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everythink he said was simple and true. Anyone could find use of his advice, because they are that general, but with specific exercises how to achieve this serenity he talks about. I loved the idea of "monotasking" he presents, in my working world where multitasking is still an advantage.

[Colleen McClowry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all Thich Nhat Hanh's writings, a pleasant read-before-bed book.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry! :(

[Ke · Rating 4 out of 5]

读书战线拉得太长，前几章现在已经不太记得。
在读完Why Buddhism is true?之后读这本书发现确实有很多相同的理念。这本书更注重与实操和应用，与工作相结合，提供正念的方法和不同场景下适合的偈语。

[Sokcheng · Rating 4 out of 5]

i've always wanted to read/her Thay's honest thoughts and recommendations on how to work mindfully as working on my own startup on its third year while being in my mid 20's has given me quite a lot of stress and personality conflict. who knew this book was published like 7 years ago? I surely didn't! But i'm glad it was.

the book details small exercises one can do to introduce more space into our work life. that's all fine and well but what's better is that Thay lays out his philosophy as to what attitude we should adopt in our work. that' the more difficult, but I speculate, more useful info as I put them into practise in the next few months to come.

because of this book, i've started to cut out commuting from my workweek, opting to staying home so as to have more time to relax. i also go from 9-5, five day a week to 10-4, four days a week. that's the privilege of low-paying entrepreneur life, i guess. i think the biggest lesson for me right now is that i first have to be happy, to work happy. and to be happy, one has to know one's limits and give oneself the time and space to relax, to be mindful and to enjoy other things as well. this is a very opposite philosophy compared to the ambition-driven climate of the enterpreneur's world, but i don't want to die young of exhaustion. so i'll gladly go along with thay's practise.

all in all, a very heavy book full of wisdom. i'm expecting to add more to this review as my understanding of his teaching deepens!

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love TNH, but sometimes he's a little tone-deaf toward cultures different than his own or his own life experiences. Some of the suggestions are great, but others, while well-meaning, just will not work in many work places, no way. If I told some arrogant jackass at work that I'm suffering because of him and I'd like us to work on it, he'd laugh in my face and probably gang up on me with his similar-minded bully friends. If countries didn't have weapons, they'd be bullied and taken over, and the people probably suppressed and/or otherwise treated horrifically simply because the other country could get away with it. It's a sad world where things like this can and do happen, but that's the reality. We do need to be as peaceful, honest and forthright as possible but it's imprudent to believe and live as if others will conduct themselves by our standards of peace at all cost. We must protect ourselves when necessary, and, unfortunately, that could mean practicing un-Buddhist-like actions and processes. But isn't protecting yourself a practice of honoring the self? Honoring a more peaceful, loving, compassionate existence? It seems to me a balance must be struck after considerable contemplation.

[Nini · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Work" by Thich Nhat Hanh is a refreshing oasis of wisdom and guidance in the often parched landscape of our daily, working lives. This book offers a profound and essential perspective on finding happiness and reducing suffering, especially in the context of our work. Thich Nhat Hanh's words are like a cool glass of water for a thirsty soul, offering a relief from the relentless demands of modern life.

Thich Nhat Hanh's insights into mindful work are invaluable. He helps readers navigate the complexities of their jobs and provides practical techniques to create a more harmonious and fulfilling work experience. By following his advice, you can dispel the mist of desire, neediness, and self-doubt, gaining clarity and recognizing your innate sufficiency.

His guidance on handling workplace difficulties, managing inner conflicts, and dealing with the stress of the daily life is both helpful and hopeful. "Work" is a beacon of light for anyone seeking joy and purpose in their professional life. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those who are struggling with the challenges of the workday and yearning to rediscover meaning and joy in their jobs.

[Lynnette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Our joy and happiness depend on how we live and the time we spend working. This book presents mindfulness as the key to positively impacting your life and the lives of those around you. Six short chapters cover the art of mindful living and working, beginning the day, mindfulness at work, coming home, a new way of working, and 30 ways to reduce stress at work.

This book is not for everyone. It may be a good introduction if you are unfamiliar with Buddhism or mindfulness. Most people would benefit from reading chapter six, which has 30 short tips on reducing stress at work.

If you struggle with mindfulness, applying the recommendations of mindful breathing, mindful eating, mindful walking, mindful meeting, etc., may be difficult. Personally, I struggled to get through this book. Even so, I was glad I persevered through it--there were some good nuggets.

For example, the five contemplations on mindful eating (p. 24): (1) Food is a gift. (2) Eat with mindfulness and gratitude. (3) Eat in moderation. (4) Eat to preserve living beings and our planet while reversing the effects of global warming. (5) Accept the food as nourishment for all.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came to this book looking for ways to find meaning at work and since I've read more than one book by Thich Nhat Hanh I felt kind of frustrated because I felt like I wasn't learning anything new. But then I read some sections near the end of the book about Right Livelihood and the explanation of interbeing as related to right livelihood and how we are all responsible on some level for the work other people do, it made me let go a little bit of the need to be doing something I find ultimately meaningful all the time and accept the direction of moving towards a meaningful job by being mindful and present now. It's less immediately satisfying but more actionable and less anxiety inducing than what I was doing for myself. Grateful for more skillful teaching and sending blessings to everyone out there feeling crushed by work that we may all find ways of being present and mindful for each other.

[Gabija · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some parts of this book almost make one want to say "yeah, and now let's all hold hands and sing about rainbows in our teddy-bear land office!", but you DON'T have to do everything that's suggested (I even think all of it is possible for certain people in certain workplaces). I noticed that when I held back my skepticism and tried it, I massively benefited from the practices presented in this book. They took some costumisation to feel natural, but that's how it should be I suppose. Also, the huggy-teddy-bear tone in which Thich Nhat Nhanh writes, though it may seem a little... too hippy, actually does miracles; you can FEEL how serene, calm and positive the author is by just opening his book, and the very act of reading all of it already produced a very calming effect for me, before I even could put it into practice.

[Nikky Raney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!!! This book is 115 pages short, but it is filled with SOOOOO MUCH WISDOM for your day to day life. We go through life in such a rush, we multi-task trying to get so many things done at once… instead of going on auto-pilot, we are encouraged to be present and mindful in EVERY waking moment. There are exercises for mindfulness when we brush our teeth, when we are eating… I loved the five contemplations as an alternative to a prayer before the meal and will try to do the practice as much as I remember. I honestly wish every person in my life would read this book - I wish the whole world would read this book. Mindfulness is so important and we can get into meditative states no matter what’s going on! ❤️

This is definitely a book I will continue to come back to throughout my days to help integrate the different exercises.

[Karen Chiang · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it’s a great book about mindfulness practices with great takeaway tips, it doesn’t really answer questions like - how should lay people think about money and career? Although the last section begin to touch on Right Livelihood and how one could begin to go about it - ensuring there is happiness at work as well as profit, or working an immoral job mindfully (how???) - it does not directly provide concrete suggestions.

Just like the rich guy who makes warheads, it sounds like he should leave his job, but also how about rent and providing for his family?

Will have to continue to seek answers within or elsewhere.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The heart of Thầy’s teachings adapted to a mindful workday format. I appreciated his career-specific insights on not overworking and right livelihood.

I think this thin guide could be good for anyone who wants a calmer take on work and how we can approach it in a more present, less monkey-brain way.

I take off two stars because as well-written as this book is, it feels made to sell and secularized in a way that compromises the transformative power found in his other writings, which I can more confidently recommend.

[hiaa123 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a good subway read commuting back and forth to work and home. I definitely found myself struggling to stay mindful and in the present even while reading as my mind was spinning with work tasks.

I read Thich Nhat Hanh's book on silence recently and this book read as more of the same. The gist of is to focus on the breath, be present and mindful in all tasks. Wise words to live by in moderation and quite difficult to execute. It's nice to have the reminder even if I don't usually put it into practice.

The idea of the peace treaties at work were a bit much for me.

[Alexandra Ralph · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a person who struggles to sit, I really appreciated the more expansive definition of mindfulness that this book introduced me to. If you want to learn how carry mindfulness techniques off the meditation cushion, this is the book for you. As with so much of Thich Nhat Hanh's teaching, I found this to be extremely accessible for laypeople looking for that peace and tranquility even in the drudgery of quotidian responsibilities. Yes, I do now practice mindfulness while washing dishes, folding laundry, brushing my teeth...and much much more!

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a few of his books and the basic principles are the same for each book so they can start to feel repetitive. Mindfulness can and should be practiced regularly throughout the day. Some of his suggestions as far as things to say to others kind of make me laugh because I get what he is saying and understand the meaning behind it, but some people would look at you like you were an alien if you said some of those things. It's just so proper and can be strange in our current culture. Overall though, I definitely resonate with his teachings.