“Joy does not exist outside of the breathing,” writes Thich Nhat Hanh. “The breathing is joy itself.”

His message is intended to reinforce an often ‘missed’ point. That is to say, in practicing we become the practice. Every moment refined by stillness underpins the true essence of mindfulness. As such, even something as simple as breath become the means by which we learn to embrace and transform our suffering.

Likewise, it serves as a reminder that practice needn’t precede joy. As such, we must learn to manifest as one in the same.

Just as our breath becomes the joy, so too may our suffering be likewise transmuted. It is this very realization that allows us to connect to the vitality of this present moment.

This physical realm is neither an obstacle nor a hindrance; rather, it is the means itself.

“People who study the path clearly know there is such a thing,” shares Zen master, Foyan. “why do they fail to get the message, and go on doubting? It is as though you have an eye that sees all forms, but does not see itself. This is how the mind is. its light penetrates everywhere and engulfs everything. So, why does it not know itself?”

A little something to consider on this day, my loves – and a reminder that we mustn’t allow our practice to become our impediment.

In peace…

Namaste <3