How to Relax - Deepstash
How to Relax

Gözde Yeşiltaş's Key Ideas from How to Relax
by Thich Nhat Hanh

Ideas, facts & insights covering these topics:

11 ideas

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321 reads

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Chapter 1: The Power of Stopping

Key Teaching: When we stop—truly stop—we give our body and mind a chance to heal.

Practice: Take 3 conscious breaths before any new activity. Say quietly, “I have arrived.”

Reflection: What am I running from when I keep myself busy?

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44 reads

Chapter 2: Coming Home to the Body

Key Teaching: Awareness of the body is a doorway to peace.

Practice: Breathe in and say silently, “I am aware of my body.” Breathe out and relax your body.

Reflection: Where am I holding tension right now?

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35 reads

Chapter 3: Letting Go of Tension

Key Teaching: Our body stores stress. Deep breathing and smiling help release it.

Practice: During any moment of stillness, scan your body and send love to areas of tightness.

Reflection: What helps me relax—genuinely, deeply?

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34 reads

Chapter 4: The Art of Doing Nothing

Key Teaching: Doing nothing isn’t wasting time—it’s sacred space for being.

Practice: Spend 5 minutes doing nothing at all. Sit, breathe, and be.

Reflection: Why do I feel guilty when I rest?

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30 reads

Chapter 5: Resting Is a Sacred Act

Key Teaching: True rest isn’t sleeping; it’s surrendering effort.

Practice: Lie down and follow your breath. With each exhale, whisper “Let go.”

Reflection: When did I last give myself permission to rest?

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29 reads

Chapter 6: The Nourishment of Nature

Key Teaching: The sky, the trees, and the breeze are constant teachers of calm.

Practice: Go outside and sit silently under a tree. Let nature hold you.

Reflection: How does nature reset my nervous system?

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23 reads

Chapter 7: Smiling Like a Buddha

Key Teaching: A gentle smile relaxes the whole nervous system.

Practice: As you breathe, form a half-smile—soft and natural.

Reflection: What happens to my thoughts when I smile gently?

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25 reads

Chapter 8: Resting in the Present Moment

Key Teaching: Peace is not found in the future. It’s now, or never.

Practice: Say to yourself: “This moment is enough.” Notice how your body responds.

Reflection: What does “enough” feel like in this moment?

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25 reads

Chapter 9: Sleep with Awareness

Key Teaching: Falling asleep mindfully creates deep, healing rest.

Practice: Before bed, place your hand on your heart. Breathe and say: “I am safe. I am home.”

Reflection: How does bedtime feel when I bring mindfulness to it?

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30 reads

Chapter 10: Walking in Peace

Key Teaching: Each step can carry us into presence and freedom.

Practice: With each step, say “I have arrived” (inhale), “I am home” (exhale).

Reflection: How do mindful steps change how I carry myself?

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22 reads

📌 Summary of Core Practices

Conscious Breathing: Calm the nervous system

Body Awareness: Release physical tension

Doing Nothing: Create space for healing

Mindful Walking: Return to the present

Smiling: Soften the heart and mind

Resting in Nature: Receive nourishment from the Earth

Sleep Ritual: End the day with peace

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24 reads

IDEAS CURATED BY

CURATOR'S NOTE

Letting go of tension and cultivating inner calm.

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