This primer presents the methodology behind the practice of mindfulness in very simple and straightforward terms. Weaving poetic verse into his writings, Nhat Hanh effortlessly converts what could be a complex topic into a pleasant and easy read. Peace is Every Step highlights the many opportunities that exist in everyday life to be mindful by transforming common tasks such as driving, eating and washing dishes into concrete mindfulness practices. Going beyond practical examples, Peace is Every Step delves into core concepts such as interbeing, aimlessness and non-duality to more comprehensively define mindfulness. The book also conveys how our habitual patterns of thinking and feeling can resist our efforts to live more mindfully. By breaking down the fundamentals behind this trend of resistance, a more realistic and resilient path to mindfulness is presented.

Rounding out the book, Nhat Hanh describes how mindfulness practice can go beyond benefiting the self. He shows how relations between people, between nations and between humans and the environment can be improved, thus providing a unique perspective to understanding social, political and environmental relations. With understanding, compassion and peace naturally flow. Whether it is for personal or interpersonal development, an aid to peacebuilding efforts or satisfying a need for greater environmental awareness, many regard Peace is Every Step as a reference manual–regularly referring to it for direction on their path to mindfulness and a better life for all.

Kevin Bottero publishes a journal of engaged living named The Mindful Word. www.themindfulword.org