At Home in the World: Stories and Essential Teachings from a Monk’s Life

In At Home in the World, Thich Nhat Hanh shares experiences of his life through vignettes from his childhood in Vietnam and his life as a monk. He recalls encounters with people he has met though his travels as he teaches meditation and mindful breathing.

The central message is one we desperately need at this moment: slow down, learn to truly experience life moment by moment, and don’t ever give up hope. His wisdom is based in natural beauty and the ability to learn important lessons from it.

The lessons of Thich Nhat Hanh are simple but not easy. For those of us who pride ourselves in multitasking, there is much to learn and master in order to find a more peaceful life and to find our “home.” Ultimately this book teaches that home is not a place but the ability to connect with the present moment and, in doing so, discover our entire heritage.

This is the season for celebrating students’ graduations from high school and college. At Home in the World would be a fine gift for anyone but especially for a graduate or someone who is at a crossroads in life.