How to Dream

Mindfulness Essentials #12

by Thich Nhat Hanh

In the final book of the best-selling Mindfulness Essentials series, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh shows us how to realize our dreams in this very moment.

We all want our lives to be useful and meaningful. The aspiration to transform suffering—our own, each other’s, and the Earth’s—can give us the energy we need to continue on a wholesome path. In How to Dream, Thich Nhat Hanh explains how to let our deep desire nourish us and, in turn, how to keep that desire alive. 

With inspiring illustrations throughout, this pocket-sized book explains how

• Get in touch with our deepest dream
• Live our dream in every moment of daily life
• Keep our dream alive with the help of a community
• Protect our dream from the dampening effects of our fast-paced modern life
• Direct energy towards lasting personal, social, and political change


If our aspiration is lost, depleted, or if we’ve slowly let it go, we must rekindle it. Whatever our role in society—activist, businessperson, teacher, parent, or politician—we can live into our deep aspiration and change the direction of civilization. And together, as a community with a collective aspiration, we have the energy to realize our dream.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

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

[Cindy Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this slim volume packed with wisdom about how to pursue one's dream while engaging in the day to day challenges of living. Each topic is covered in 1-2 pages making this an ideal book to dip in and out of as the mood strikes you. I underlined a lot of mindful reminders which I am certain I will return to again and again. I also loved that this book included simple line illustrations to emphasize some of the points. This is the 12th book in this mindfulness series, and I am interested in reading other titles.

[Trina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed several other books in the series, but this one was not for me. I didn't feel it fit the topic of "dream" very well.

[Saaket Jajodia · Rating 5 out of 5]

the final installation of this beautiful series of books which hold a special place in my heart for being a catalyst for me becoming really interested in mindfulness and buddhist philosophy. like every other book in the series, it beautifully and simply conveys deep existential ideas about life. though i've been exploring works by lots of different buddhist writers, it has reminded me to turn back to some more of Thich Nhat Hanh's books -- he has a very unique way of writing and expressing his ideas that connects well with me

[Artemisia Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read several of the books in this series and they’ve become some my favorite sources when I want a little Buddhist wisdom before I meditate, start or end my day, or anytime I need a little reminder to stay present. The theme of this one is especially meaningful to me as I try to envision a better world than the one we’re living through now. The hopeful tone of this little book is a nice reminder that our own inner health can bring healing to the world around us as well.

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book focuses on mindfulness and community. It teaches us that true happiness is found in loving acts of service. The premise is that we are all one and need to work together to reach our dreams. We need to take care of ourselves, one another, our earth, and all living things to find joy and purpose.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just a book about night dreaming, this little book is much more. We dream of happiness. We dream of a better life. This is what Thich Nhat Hang is covering and showing through the tenets of Buddhism how to attain these dreams. Wonderful book.

[Kiran Kannar · Rating 1 out of 5]

Misleading title, as the book spends a good chunk on how societal impact is the only way forward along with mindfulness. The book is more of "what to dream" than how to dream leaving aside inhibitions.

[Cat]

A good way to start the new year, esp ending with the five mindfulness trainings: 1) Revernece for life, 2 ) True Happiness, 3) True Love, 4) Loving Speech and Deep Listening, 5) Nourishment and Healing.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

peace emanating from every page 🪷

[Rrsbrown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short book, big thoughts