November 2001

Life is filled with suffering, but…

by Thich Nhat Hanh

Life is filled with suffering, but it is also filled with many wonders, like the blue sky, the sunshine, the eyes of a baby. To suffer is not enough. We must also be in touch with the wonders of life. They are within us and all around us, everywhere, any time… Do we have to need to make a special effort to enjoy the beauty of the blue sky? Do we have to practice to be able to enjoy it? No, we just enjoy it. Wherever we are, any time, we have the capacity to enjoy the sunshine, the presence of each other, even the sensation of breathingƒ We can be in touch with these things right now. It would be a pity if we are only aware of suffering.