Thich Nhat Hanh on Breathing

“Breathing in, I calm my body.” Reciting this line is like drinking a glass of cool lemonade on a hot day—you can feel the coolness permeate your body. When I breathe in and recite this line, I actually feel my breath calming my body and mind. “Breathing out, I smile.” You know a smile can relax hundreds of muscles in your face. Wearing a smile on your face is a sign that you are master of yourself. “Dwelling in the present moment.” While I sit here, I don’t think of anything else. I sit here, and I know exactly where I am.”

— Thich Nhat Hanh