Mindful Movements: Ten Exercises for Well-Being

by Thich Nhat Hanh, Wietske Vriezen (Illustrator), Plum Village Community

Over the years, Thich Nhat Hanh and his monastic community in Plum Village, have developed more and more ways to integrate mindfulness practices into every aspect of their daily life. A few years back Thich Nhat Hanh began to develop gentle exercises based on Yoga and Tai Chi movements. Initially designed as mindful stretching breaks between long periods of sitting meditation, Mindful Movements became a popular tool to complement to sitting meditation extending Thich Nhat Hanh's trademark gentle approach to Buddhist teachings into a series of physical movements. These movements enjoy a growing popularity amongst his students and have become integral part of his retreats. These simple and effective practices are meant to reduce stress and tension to help the practitioner gain the serenity he needs to return to a state of mindfulness. When done as part of a full mediation practice, theses movements can address mental, emotional, and physical stress. 

Offered to the general public for the first time, the Mindful Movements have been lovingly illustrated by one of Thich Nhat Hanh's long-time practitioner, Wietske Vriezen. Drawn in a whimsical and immediately appealing style the booklet presents 10 routines that can be practiced by people of all ages and body types whether they are already familiar with mindfulness practices or not. The Mindful Movements are designed to be accessible to as many people as possible. Far from being another exercise program, Mindful Movements is for all those wanting to add a gentle but physical element to their meditation practice.They can be practiced before or after sitting meditation, at home, or at work - any time you have a few minutes to refresh your body and quiet your mind. For those new to meditation they are a great, non-threatening way to get acquainted with mindfulness as a complete and multi-faceted practice. For those who already have an established sitting practice Mindful Movements will come as a welcomed addition to their practice.

Includes 35 minute DVD of Thich Nhat Hanh and members of his Plum Village Sangha demonstrating Mindful Movements . With little film footage of Thich Nhat Hanh available the sequence of the enclosed DVD that feature him demonstrating these exercises will be a welcome bonus.

Booklet features a foreword by Thich Nhat Hanh and Introduction by Jon Kabat-Zinn [TBC]

Genres: Spirituality, Buddhism, Health, Nonfiction, Meditation, Self Help, Parenting

62 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1998

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

[Riobhcah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful and precious little book. Thich Nhat Hanh never ceases to amaze me that he can write so much meaning into his wonderful little books. The "mindfulness movements" that are the centre of this book are great low-stress exercises and definitely made me feel better when I was a little stressed. They don't take too long and are a great way to stop during the day and practice some mindful breathing. They will continue to be a part of my daily repertoire.

[Skathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this cute little thing! And the ten mindful movements! Just tried them after a crazy day, coming home exhausted and stressed out. Instead of collapsing on the couch with a thousand thougts whirling in my head I put on the dvd, did the program and felt grounded, calm and more like myself afterwards. The movements are lovely actually, feels good and does good :)

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gem! I always enjoy Nhat Hanh's work. This one feels especially magical because of the beautiful illustrations included. The ten mindful movements then are described carefully in the book, or you can watch them on the accompanying DVD. I just found them to be a great way to really wake up into the body, to quiet the mind, and start the day. :)

[Roozbeh Daneshvar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this kind of mindfulness: you are not committed to spending certain times for mindfulness and all you need to do is to be more mindful of you do daily. I liked this book as he introduced some simple movements, while doing them with being mindful of what we are doing.

This book was more of activities + simple drawings showing how to do them. It didn't have much text. Still, I bring a few quotes that I liked.

MINDFULNESS is our ability to be aware of what is going on both inside us and around us. It is the continuous awareness of our bodies, emotions, and thoughts.

Mindfulness helps us to come back to the here and now, to be aware of what is going on in the present moment, and to be in touch with the wonders of life.

No one can be successful in the art of meditation without having passed through the gate of breathing.

“There is no enlightenment outside of everyday life,” says Thich Nhat Hanh. Being present in the moment, he says, is what will bring us happiness.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this little book and use it often with my Pre-K class during Circle Time and transitions to get them calm, connected and ready for the rest of their day. It’s easy to follow, simple and peaceful. I highly recommend it to parents, grandparents and teachers!

[Trang Trangg · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://youtu.be/_oj8ZcFYZNg

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some simple movements for meditation and getting your energy centered. I love the illustrations, and the exercises, both.

[Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very simple mindfulness exercises. Perfect.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh, guides the reader through 10 exercises to promote mindfulness.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

a simple quick review of mindfulness and simple movements to add to mindfulness practice

[M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this book is 25 years old, it is timeless. A classic. It makes these movements simple and easy to understand. And doing the video alone is incredibly relaxing.

[David Monroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for beginners in meditation. The book is simple to read and the illustrations are cute.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations, but found it hard to enact the movements from the descriptions so looked for a video on YouTube of Thich practising them instead

[Christina Dendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Although I practice yoga, I don't always have the time I would like, and this is a nice way to still check out and check in with myself. It has also proven a great way to engage my children. My toddler is especially willing to engage in the process with me, which is enjoyable for both of us. My son is a little more resistant, being 9, but he's capable of doing all of the poses, and when he's in the mood, it's a good way to relax together. The book is highly accessible, with nice illustrations and explanations, and the entire exercise does not take long. The DVD is nice but has lots of padding, and you may need to skip over a great deal. I find the DVD to be more distracting actually. That said, if you're looking for a good DVD to do with kids, I would recommend this one: http://www.amazon.com/Storyland-Yoga-....

Great book! Thank you, Plum Village.

[Marissa Barbieri]

This is a reprint (with DVD!) of a book that came out a decade ago from Thay and the other fine folks at Plum Village (where I'd love to spend time some day) Now entering my 5th month of both a)being extremely mindful of my movements and b)losing my shit, I figured it'd be good for me. I can't do a lot of yoga poses without fear of dislocating a hip or two, but these are fairly simple and gentle, so I think I'll be cool. As long as I don't have to cross my legs, which is now forbidden. :(

[Melissa Fish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful little book! This would be an excellent and thoughtful gift. It's just a little picture book/DVD with very easy exercises that bring your mind to the present and leave you with a long-lasting feeling of well-being.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

10 mindful movements are described in detailed brevity. The illustrations are wonderful - very inclusive and welcoming. I'm hoping the book will be a great addition to my classroom library - the book as a whole is very kid-friendly. Will try the DVD with students soon.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, off the illustrations are super cute and secondly the simple easy to follow book was excellent. A great introduction for children or curious adults of mindfulness and how one could achieve it if sitting still is a struggle. The DVD was a nice touch!

[Ame]

this caught my eye right away; I stayed within budget and got a dvd to boot!!

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really calibrated to the kind of exercise I like. It's a little too quiet. That's probably the point. Good for kids though.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas for movement practice with children or older folks. I may do some of these with my students during our "brain breaks."

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reminder to live a mindful life.

[Nickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll use this book and it's movements along with the dvd for teaching children and adults. Another way to bring attention to the body and mind and preparing for yoga and meditation.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the exercises. Very calming.

[Sheneli Narangamuwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Precious lil handbook of mindfulness

[Carrie LeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ten great mindful movements to incorporate into a Yoga practice.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short book, but the 10 movements are well laid out and easy to follow. Worth the read.