Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
How to Sit summary
Brief summary
How to Sit by Thich Nhat Hanh is a guide to practicing mindfulness through the simple act of sitting. It offers practical instructions and gentle wisdom for finding peace and joy in the present moment.
Topics
Table of Contents
How to Sit
Summary of key ideas
The Art of Sitting
In How to Sit by Thich Nhat Hanh, we are introduced to the art of sitting meditation, a practice that can help us find peace and joy in our lives. The book begins with the author sharing his personal experiences with sitting meditation. He emphasizes that sitting is not just a physical act but a way to calm our minds and be present in the moment.
Thich Nhat Hanh continues by explaining how to sit properly. He advises us to sit in a relaxed but dignified manner, with our back straight but not rigid. He also suggests sitting on a cushion or chair that supports us and allows us to be comfortable. The author stresses that the key to sitting meditation is to be at ease, both physically and mentally.
Breathing and Letting Go
The next part of the book focuses on the breath. Thich Nhat Hanh introduces us to the concept of mindful breathing, where we pay attention to our breath as it moves in and out of our bodies. He explains that this simple act of awareness can help us calm our minds and let go of our worries and anxieties.
The author then guides us through a series of breathing exercises. He encourages us to breathe in and out slowly, allowing our breath to soothe and relax us. He also suggests using phrases like "breathing in, I calm my body" and "breathing out, I smile" to deepen our practice and cultivate positive emotions.
Being Present and Embracing Life
In the later chapters of How to Sit, Thich Nhat Hanh delves into the importance of being present. He explains that when we are fully aware of the present moment, we can experience life more deeply and appreciate its beauty. He encourages us to let go of our regrets about the past and worries about the future, and instead focus on the here and now.
The author also discusses the concept of interbeing, the idea that everything in the universe is interconnected. He emphasizes that when we realize our interconnectedness with all things, we can live more compassionately and joyfully. Thich Nhat Hanh encourages us to embrace life with open hearts and minds, accepting both its joys and its sorrows.
Practical Tips and Conclusion
To conclude How to Sit, Thich Nhat Hanh offers some practical tips for integrating sitting meditation into our daily lives. He suggests setting aside specific times for meditation, such as in the morning or before bed, and creating a peaceful environment for our practice. The author also advises us to start with short meditation sessions and gradually increase their duration as we become more comfortable.
In essence, How to Sit by Thich Nhat Hanh is a gentle and practical guide to sitting meditation. Through the author's wisdom and guidance, we learn how to sit with ease, breathe mindfully, be present, and embrace life in all its fullness. Whether we are new to meditation or seeking to deepen our practice, this book offers valuable insights and techniques for cultivating peace and happiness in our lives.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is How to Sit about?
How to Sit by Thich Nhat Hanh is a guide to the practice of sitting meditation. It offers practical instructions and insights on how to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace through the simple act of sitting. Whether you are new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, this book provides valuable wisdom and guidance.
How to Sit Review
How to Sit (2014) is an insightful guide by Thich Nhat Hanh on the art of mindful sitting. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- It offers practical techniques for cultivating mindfulness through the simple act of sitting, helping readers find peace and presence in everyday life.
- The book emphasizes the connection between body, mind, and breath, providing a holistic approach to self-awareness and relaxation.
- Through clear explanations and gentle guidance, the book transforms the mundane act of sitting into a profound practice of self-discovery and inner peace.
Who should read How to Sit?
Individuals who want to learn the art of mindfulness and meditation
People who struggle with stress, anxiety, or a busy mind
Readers interested in exploring the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh
Categories with How to Sit
Book summaries like How to Sit
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
How to Sit FAQs
What is the main message of How to Sit?
Learning the practice of mindful sitting for inner peace and self-awareness.
How long does it take to read How to Sit?
Reading How to Sit takes a short time. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is How to Sit a good book? Is it worth reading?
How to Sit is a valuable read for those interested in mindfulness. It offers practical guidance for achieving mental clarity.
Who is the author of How to Sit?
Thich Nhat Hanh is the author of How to Sit.
What to read after How to Sit?
If you're wondering what to read next after How to Sit, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- Positivity by Barbara L. Fredrickson
- The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
- The Antidote by Oliver Burkeman
- Focus by Daniel Goleman
- The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt
- Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi