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Sereniteit
Nadenken kan productief of creatief zijn. Maar als we ons lichaam en onze geest niet laten samensmelten, wordt veel van ons denken nutteloos en improductief. In 'Sereniteit' legt Zen-leraar Thich Nhat Hanh uit dat de fusie van lichaam en geest de enige manier is om op elk moment volledig te leven, zonder dat we in onze gedachten verdwalen terwijl we wandelen, koken, autorijden of met ons dagelijks leven bezig zijn. Thich Nhat Hanh brengt oude wijsheden en modern denken samen: 'Het is als hardware en software – als je ze niet allebei hebt, kun je er niets mee doen.' 'Sereniteit' biedt een fundament voor mindfulness-oefeningen en versterkt ons begrip voor de principes van geest/lichaam-bewustzijn. Door te leren dat ons fysieke lichaam en onze geest onafscheidelijk zijn bij het maken van waarnemingen en het opdoen van ervaringen, kunnen we beginnen te vertrouwen op ons vermogen om welzijn te creëren.
140 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
216 people are currently reading
1158 people want to read
About the author
Thich Nhat Hanh
985 books12.9k followersThích 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 13, 2021
some quotes I wanted to save
1. "There is the energy of pain, but there is also the energy of mindfulness that is embracing the pain. Those who don't know how to practice allow the pain to overwhelm them or they try to run away from the pain by bringing in something else to cover up the painful feeling. It may be eating something, listening to music; doing anything not to be confronted with the suffering inside...We have to be in touch with our pain in order to have an opportunity to heal the pain" (64).
2. "In the beginning we may not know where our suffering has come from, but because we're able to recognize and hold it tenderly, we suffer less already...If you're depressed, you may not know why that depression has come. It's as though it's come from out of the blue. But everything has its source, its roots" (66).
3. "We have to breath in and look deeply into the object of our craving and see the many dangers hidden within it. Running after that particular object of your craving may destroy your body and your mind" (74).
4. "If you're in a state of dispersion, you are lost. The thinking we do in this kind of state is very seldom beneficial. Thinking can be productive and good. But most of our thinking is not productive" (92).
5. "Instead of panicking or giving ourselves up to despair, we can put our trust in the power of self-healing, self-understanding, and loving within us. We call this the island within ourselves in which we can take refuge" (106).
6. "When there's an emotional storm going on inside you, don't get stuck up there in your head where thoughts are racing through. Stop the thinking. Go down and embrace the trunk of your body, down at the level of the abdomen" (117).
7. "We have the right and the capacity to be happy at every moment. If we can do that, we don't need to stress ourselves by trying to attain anything else" (148).
8. "When you take good care of yourself and reduce the suffering in yourself, you are helping other people" (154).
1. "There is the energy of pain, but there is also the energy of mindfulness that is embracing the pain. Those who don't know how to practice allow the pain to overwhelm them or they try to run away from the pain by bringing in something else to cover up the painful feeling. It may be eating something, listening to music; doing anything not to be confronted with the suffering inside...We have to be in touch with our pain in order to have an opportunity to heal the pain" (64).
2. "In the beginning we may not know where our suffering has come from, but because we're able to recognize and hold it tenderly, we suffer less already...If you're depressed, you may not know why that depression has come. It's as though it's come from out of the blue. But everything has its source, its roots" (66).
3. "We have to breath in and look deeply into the object of our craving and see the many dangers hidden within it. Running after that particular object of your craving may destroy your body and your mind" (74).
4. "If you're in a state of dispersion, you are lost. The thinking we do in this kind of state is very seldom beneficial. Thinking can be productive and good. But most of our thinking is not productive" (92).
5. "Instead of panicking or giving ourselves up to despair, we can put our trust in the power of self-healing, self-understanding, and loving within us. We call this the island within ourselves in which we can take refuge" (106).
6. "When there's an emotional storm going on inside you, don't get stuck up there in your head where thoughts are racing through. Stop the thinking. Go down and embrace the trunk of your body, down at the level of the abdomen" (117).
7. "We have the right and the capacity to be happy at every moment. If we can do that, we don't need to stress ourselves by trying to attain anything else" (148).
8. "When you take good care of yourself and reduce the suffering in yourself, you are helping other people" (154).
December 1, 2014
i love thich, and he seems to realy love tea.
this is the third book i've read by him, and i have to admit, they are all blending into one, but it's a really good one - full of wisdom and sweetness.
this is the third book i've read by him, and i have to admit, they are all blending into one, but it's a really good one - full of wisdom and sweetness.
Read
January 20, 2021I felt like this book maybe had 2 points and just repeated it over and over again throughout every chapter using different words.
It just didn't inspire or enlighten me in the way I had hoped and wouldn't recommend it to anyone if I'm honest.
Don't get me wrong, I completely agree with what it is trying to teach the reader I just felt like the teachings could have been described in more detail and in a more inspirational way? I don't know it just wasn't what I expected.
It just didn't inspire or enlighten me in the way I had hoped and wouldn't recommend it to anyone if I'm honest.
Don't get me wrong, I completely agree with what it is trying to teach the reader I just felt like the teachings could have been described in more detail and in a more inspirational way? I don't know it just wasn't what I expected.
April 30, 2014
This is a brief, but wonderful book with lots to teach. I finished it with about 20 earmarked pages to go back and review as I try to incorporate some of the lessons into daily life.
August 10, 2021
I will read this book again
Breathing in, I know I’m breathing in
Breathing out, I know I’m breathing out
Breathing in, I follow my in-breath
Breathing out, I follow my out-breath
Breathing in, I’m aware of my whole body
Breathing out, I’m aware of my whole body
Breathing in, I release the tension in my body
Breathing out, I release the tension in my body
I have arrived. I am home
In the here, in the now
I am solid. I am free
In the ultimate, I dwell
I hope that by the next time I read it I will no longer be making myself a prisoner of my past nor a prisoner of my future.
Update! I read it a second time
I allowed it to be more impactful than the first time
Practical
Applicable
I may be transformed
Breathing in, I know I’m breathing in
Breathing out, I know I’m breathing out
Breathing in, I follow my in-breath
Breathing out, I follow my out-breath
Breathing in, I’m aware of my whole body
Breathing out, I’m aware of my whole body
Breathing in, I release the tension in my body
Breathing out, I release the tension in my body
I have arrived. I am home
In the here, in the now
I am solid. I am free
In the ultimate, I dwell
I hope that by the next time I read it I will no longer be making myself a prisoner of my past nor a prisoner of my future.
Update! I read it a second time
I allowed it to be more impactful than the first time
Practical
Applicable
I may be transformed
May 23, 2021
I have been reading and absorbing this book for a long time and will probably continue to do so. If I could only follow Thich Nhat Hanh's advice, I know I would be a lot happier. The blurb on the front by Rick Hanson says, "You could spend the rest of your life reading and rereading this deceptively simple book, it is that deep." I totally agree with this statement. Since I started reading this book, I have been trying harder to be mindful (even as I type this review). It is not necessary to sit still and do a formal meditation. Eating, walking, cleaning, gardening, etc. can all be forms of meditation if done mindfully. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who wants peace of mind.
December 8, 2022
I adored this book. It was a constant comfort and its beautiful voice helped me return to the present simply by reading it. It flows and its method of repetition helps to establish the thoughts and methods of meditation. As someone who suffers from anxiety and being present this has been a delight. I can't wait to read again.
January 8, 2015
I really want to give this book more than two stars, but alas I cannot.
I think this is the 3rd book by Thich Nhat Hanh that I have read. I found my experience to be like the other two.
However I am thinking the problem is me, as the majority of people gush over his books. Don't get me wrong, each one that I have read has had some real pearls of insight that make you stop and take notice. Yet I always find his books to be repetition of what was written in the first couple of chapters. My eyes start to glaze over. I think the length could be reduced by at least half.
I think this is the 3rd book by Thich Nhat Hanh that I have read. I found my experience to be like the other two.
However I am thinking the problem is me, as the majority of people gush over his books. Don't get me wrong, each one that I have read has had some real pearls of insight that make you stop and take notice. Yet I always find his books to be repetition of what was written in the first couple of chapters. My eyes start to glaze over. I think the length could be reduced by at least half.
January 21, 2018
"We are like a boat crossing the ocean. If the boat encounters a storm and everyone panics, the boat will turn over. If there is one person in the boat who can remain calm, that person can inspire other people to be calm."
April 24, 2023
Great perspective on every day living.
January 7, 2025
Great book! It has helped me rethink how I go through my daily activities. I read it slowly, there is so much to take in! This book has motivated me to live more mindfully. And my first steps for this are a) to spend less time on my phone, b) to eat more mindfully (no phone, videos or shows!!) 🙂↕️
December 7, 2017
I liked this book! Very soothing, and thoughtful. It does repeat a bit, as others have mentioned, but I chose to consider it a guided meditation in written form. Reading a few pages per day and letting the words stay in my head gave me a lot.
June 3, 2014
Beautiful and very simple book about meditation, written in a gentle way that makes meditating seem like something joyful to do.
February 21, 2023
Although extremely repetitive, this book is a friendly hug. It told me I was going to be okay through highlighting the importance of myself as the beacon of my true happiness. My inner wisdom, my 'Dharma body', is the true strength inside me. I can pull happiness from anywhere at anytime as I trust in the island within myself, and realising the beauty of the world and the fortune of my being. My resilience is able to battle uncomfortable feelings by simply being mindful of them and realising that insight can conquer.
Some things I did take with a pinch of salt and when I read them it grounded me. It reminded me not to take Thich Nhat Hanhs words as gospel. For example, the concept of getting rid of thought, and thinking as little as possible to truly exist in the present. I believe our thinking and imagination creates the world we live in. So to be present at all times, without the comfort of your great imagination, or to relish in the gift of daydreaming, seems harmful. For me at least my imagination is a great source of my happiness and I enjoy daydreaming about GOOD things. Do our thoughts (if positive, optimistic and unharmful) not give us a break from the present? Isn't that sometimes necessary?
Thich Nhat Hanh writes without judgement and makes you feel understood and I can't wait to read another of his books.
Some quotes that deeply resonated with me:
1. When we have more peace in ourselves, we begin to see things more clearly. Without peace, clarity isn't possible.
2. If you don't have enough compassion for yourself and others, you won't have the courage you need to cut off the afflictions that have been making you suffer.
3. Anyone who enjoys walking or sitting can feel satisfied. We have nothing else to look for, nothing more to long for.
4. We cultivate joy and happiness to nourish ourselves so we have the capacity and energy to take care of the painful feelings.
5. We don't always want to go directly to the painful feeling. It's better to nourish ourselves with feelings of joy and happiness first.
6. Breathing in, I observe the
impermanent nature of all things.
Breathing out, I contemplate the
impermanent nature of all things.
7. There are those among us who have the ability to appreciate the presence of the sun, who can get in touch with the trees, the fog, and all the wonders of life that are around us and inside us. But there are some people who don't have the ability to get in touch with these wonderful things.
8. Enjoy the time when you take your shower. Enjoy the time when you prepare your breakfast. Enjoy the time when you urinate or defecate. It can be very pleasant. ... This time is given to us to live.
9. Instead of panicking or giving ourselves up to despair, we can put our trust in the power of self-healing, self- understanding, and loving within us. We call this the island within ourselves in which we can take refuge. It is an island of peace, confidence, solidity, love and freedom. Be an island within yourself. You don't have to look for it elsewhere.
10. Breathing in, I go back to the island within myself.
There are beautiful trees within the island.
There are cool streams of water,
there are birds sunshine and fresh air.
Breathing out, I feel safe.
11. You are not only an emotion you are having, you are more than one emotion.
12. Why must we keep on locking ourselves away in the prison of the past? We need to return to the present moment, to be in contact with the miracles that are here in the present moment so that we can live. We shouldn't be tired down by the past.
13. You can see that your children and grandchildren are already there inside you, even if they haven't been born yet.
September 3, 2021
5/5
Една наистина невероятна за мен малка книжка. В нея Тик Нят Хан директно и умело представя будистката медитация за осъзнатост и нейните ползи. Бихте могли веднага да започнете да практикувате и да ги усетите сами. Действието ѝ е почти магическо, колкото да не ми се иска да правя това сравнение. Просто начинът, по който Нят Хан говори е като на един любящ баща към своите страдащи и ревящи деца; успокоява ги и им вдъхва надежда и любов.
Единственият минус на книгата е, че изисква преди това някакво познание по медитация от читателите. В случай, че такова няма, следващото изискване е огромно доверие в учението и думите и най-важното - практикуване. Дори и да не знаете нищо, ако се доверите и следвате инструкциите ще разберете, че това, за което той говори е истинско и действа. Обаче ако не се интересувате от будизма и неговата философия или не сте медитирали ще ви се стори доста догматично дори и реално да не е така. Някои от похватите или теориите, описани в книгата, всъщност се използват в някои видове терапии и са доказани, че работят.
Една наистина невероятна за мен малка книжка. В нея Тик Нят Хан директно и умело представя будистката медитация за осъзнатост и нейните ползи. Бихте могли веднага да започнете да практикувате и да ги усетите сами. Действието ѝ е почти магическо, колкото да не ми се иска да правя това сравнение. Просто начинът, по който Нят Хан говори е като на един любящ баща към своите страдащи и ревящи деца; успокоява ги и им вдъхва надежда и любов.
Единственият минус на книгата е, че изисква преди това някакво познание по медитация от читателите. В случай, че такова няма, следващото изискване е огромно доверие в учението и думите и най-важното - практикуване. Дори и да не знаете нищо, ако се доверите и следвате инструкциите ще разберете, че това, за което той говори е истинско и действа. Обаче ако не се интересувате от будизма и неговата философия или не сте медитирали ще ви се стори доста догматично дори и реално да не е така. Някои от похватите или теориите, описани в книгата, всъщност се използват в някои видове терапии и са доказани, че работят.
October 4, 2019
1. I loved this book. Took 17 pages of notes.
2. I don’t think mindful of mindfulness is used consistently to mean the same thing. Sometimes, it’s used to mean become aware of your social reality. Other times it means be aware of your body processes. It’s a great idea, but I see many people who use mindfulness, for it to mean whatever they want it to mean. Just calming and relaxing the mind won’t necessarily change someone’s political ideology, as much as I wished that were the case.
3. That’s why the Buddha invoked the eightfold path, not the one-fold path of mindfulness meditation. In the West, the sole element of Buddhist philosophy and of the eightfold path that seems to have become popular seems to be mindfulness meditation, while other elements like the 5 precepts or the other 7 elements of the path are ignored.
That’s my opinion. I have rated a few of his other books 5 stars, where I think mindfulness is defined more clearly.
2. I don’t think mindful of mindfulness is used consistently to mean the same thing. Sometimes, it’s used to mean become aware of your social reality. Other times it means be aware of your body processes. It’s a great idea, but I see many people who use mindfulness, for it to mean whatever they want it to mean. Just calming and relaxing the mind won’t necessarily change someone’s political ideology, as much as I wished that were the case.
3. That’s why the Buddha invoked the eightfold path, not the one-fold path of mindfulness meditation. In the West, the sole element of Buddhist philosophy and of the eightfold path that seems to have become popular seems to be mindfulness meditation, while other elements like the 5 precepts or the other 7 elements of the path are ignored.
That’s my opinion. I have rated a few of his other books 5 stars, where I think mindfulness is defined more clearly.
March 20, 2023
Honestly, this was the first book of Thich Nhat Hanh that did not touch me at all. I don't know if it is because I have read so many of his earlier books but this seems like a very watered down version of his teachings. I generally have no issue with the same ideas being presented with a different perspective. A lot of his books do this and I enjoy reading them and re-thinking about these ideas. What I enjoy about his writing is that it puts me in a meditative state - even if I am familiar with the concepts and ideas expressed. This book failed to do that and I was a bit disappointed.
October 13, 2019
I enjoyed this book immensely. I read it slowly and took it on a beautiful camping trip this summer. I’m sad to say I have finished it because it was like a close and wise friend to me for many months.Thich Nhat Hanh has so many insights about practicing mindfulness in everyday things. I enjoyed his description of how to eat a piece of bread. I love his phrase “I am solid. I am free.” Also “Only when we’re in touch with our body and our mind can we be in touch with Mother Earth.”
April 1, 2020
I liked that he gave tangible meditation practices you can use. The way the book is written kind of seems like meditation in itself and in that way it’s enjoyable. It can be a bit repetitive, but the repetition help solidify the concepts. It’s a good book to reference if you’re looking for simple ideas to enhance your meditation or inspire interest in the practice.
March 15, 2024
As I get deeper into reading Buddhist teachings the thing I am discovering is the hardest is to be fully present. Many of the theories around the faith I can learn and understand but the practice of being mindful is one that is going to lead to being a challenge. What I like in this book Tich Nhat Hanh gives the reader all the tools to be successful at the practice.
November 29, 2025
quick and easy read about wellness and learning to be more present in daily life. I really enjoyed it. I love the way Thich Nhat Hanh simplifies wellness and breaks it down into gentle, practical steps. Each chapter adds something small and meaningful, and by the end it feels like you’ve quietly built a more mindful routine without forcing anything.
September 4, 2022
" The past is no longer here, the future has not yet come; the present moment is the only moment we can live. Every breath and every step brings us home to the present moment." I really enjoy this book.
December 29, 2022
Yes yes, I am a Generation Y douchebag. I surely could benefit from incorporating some of the Buddhist teachings within this book. It just doesn’t seem to stick.
Found this book outrageously repetitive. A short book but a slog to get through.
3 Stars 6.5/10
Found this book outrageously repetitive. A short book but a slog to get through.
3 Stars 6.5/10
April 17, 2025
It’s not just about stress relief, but about transforming suffering and finding genuine joy in everyday life. A beautifully written book, perfect for both beginners and longtime mindfulness practitioners.
May 13, 2017
Loved. Loved learning more about mindfulness and meditation.
July 26, 2017
This book contains excellent mantras for becoming more mindful in everyday life, but is very repetitive.
October 27, 2017
It's a beautiful book, worth reading.
February 13, 2018
Peace of Mind is a relaxing book full of wisdom. Thich Nhat Hanh’s voice is friendly and calm, and I found myself taking a few notes on some of his teachings. I think I will read this one again.
October 8, 2018
It took me a longtime to read this book because every page is brilliant.
February 20, 2020
Such a wonderful book. Among the best awakening book i read. Some text are repetitive but its worth it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews