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Ah, so interesting because my social media has been full of Thich Nhat Hanh - more so than anyone else except Betty White! That said, I am deeply aware of him because I have learned from teachers who learned from him, though I came late to these teachings (read, during the pandemic). They are saving my life - or at least my quality of life - for sure. I want to get a copy of that book, I wasn't sure which one to get.

Also - congrats to your Bengals. Having grown up in KC going to games all the years we were not-even-close-to-the-playoffs, I really do know what it's like to finally have some things go your way. :) Enjoy - and please win the Super Bowl.

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Clearly, I have the wrong social media, Karen! Yes, the meditation practice I started with the guidance of Thich Nhat Hanh's books have saved my life many times. Sorry we beat your Chiefs (a little bit). Thanks for the very gracious congratulations.

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Also - it is true, death has been all around us. That poem really hits me because though I hadn't read it, I have often found myself over the past year breathing and listening to my dad and hearing the scared little boy he wants was mixed with the man he is. My mom died a year ago, at the height of last winter's surge, pre-vaccination, so my dad and I have had to walk this path of being with death (and a sudden, unexpected death at that) together.

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Yes, that's just it. We are all scared children pretending to be adults much of the time. So sorry for the loss your mother.

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Robyn - wonderful post. I've been reading daily meditations of Thich Nhat Hahn this year after being introduced to him by a writer I admire and by my wife. I appreciate your take on his work and impact, and your recommendations. Also, I join Karen in congratulating you on the Bengals. What a great story (and I don't even follow pro football much these days). Good luck in the Super Bowl. I see that Cincinnati is the underdog and has to go on the road...so you have the Rams just where you want them!

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Thanks for reading, David! And for the sports congratulations. I'm biased, but I think our team is the sort it's easy to root for.

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Feb 1, 2022Liked by Robyn Ryle

Happy I was able to find your post! Thank you for sharing. Reading TNH's work is like pressing a re-set button. So many valuable lessons and ideas.

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Yes, one of those books I go back to again and again.

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