In "You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment," Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh offers a gentle and profoundly practical guide to the practice of mindfulness. The book’s core teaching is that the present moment is the only moment we truly have, and that by learning to be fully present, we can find a deep sense of peace, joy, and freedom. Thich Nhat Hanh uses simple, accessible language to demystify mindfulness, teaching that it is a practice that can be done anywhere, at any time, simply by returning our attention to our breath.

The book provides clear instructions for conscious breathing, mindful walking, and other simple practices that help to anchor us in the here and now. Thich Nhat Hanh teaches that by being fully present, we can release the burdens of the past and the anxieties of the future. He also addresses how to work with difficult emotions, transforming them with compassion and awareness. For those in recovery, "You Are Here" is a beautiful and invaluable resource for learning to live without the crutch of a substance and for discovering that a life of inner peace is available to us, right here, in this very moment.

Study Guide for Recovery

This study guide is designed to help you explore the concepts in "You Are Here" and apply them to your own journey of recovery.

Key Themes & Concepts

• The Present Moment: The book emphasizes that true life is only available to us in the present moment, which is a powerful message for those who have lived in the past or the future due to addiction.
• Conscious Breathing: The simple practice of mindful breathing is presented as a foundational tool for anchoring ourselves and calming the mind, a vital skill for managing triggers and cravings.
• Finding Joy in the Everyday: Thich Nhat Hanh teaches that we can find joy and beauty in the simple, mundane moments of our lives by bringing a mindful awareness to them.
• Mindful Living: The book provides a framework for bringing a mindful presence to every aspect of life, from eating to walking, which can help to build a new, healthy routine.

Discussion Questions

1. What is one feeling or memory that often pulls you away from the present moment? How can the practice of conscious breathing help you return to the here and now?
2. The book suggests that true life is only available in the present. What does it feel like to be fully present in a moment of peace in your recovery?
3. Thich Nhat Hanh encourages us to find the "magic" in the everyday. What is one simple thing in your life today that you are willing to bring your full attention to and find joy in?
4. Think about the book's title, "You Are Here." How can you use this simple phrase as a mantra to help you in a difficult moment?
5. What is one way you can practice mindful walking today, and how does it feel to bring your full attention to each step?

Additional Resources

• Website: The Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation:
  • Explore the official website for Thich Nhat Hanh's foundation, which offers extensive resources, guided meditations, and teachings from his community. https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/
• Video: "Thich Nhat Hanh's Teachings on Mindfulness"
  • Watch a short video clip of Thich Nhat Hanh teaching the practice of conscious breathing. (Search "Thich Nhat Hanh conscious breathing" on YouTube.)
• Article: "Mindfulness and the Brain"
  • This article from the American Psychological Association provides a scientific perspective on how mindfulness meditation can change the brain, offering a great complement to the spiritual teachings in the book. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/07-08/ce-corner
• Resource: The Buddhist Recovery Network:
  • This organization supports the use of Buddhist principles and practices to support recovery from addiction, including guidance on mindful approaches. https://www.buddhistrecovery.org/