How to Fight (Mindfulness Essentials) Paperback – Illustrated, September 19, 2017

This is another wonderful novella in the Mindfulness Essentials series. Each one can be read on its own or in any order.This installment focuses on tempering anger and practicing loving speech. I feel like this one, along with How to Love, has been the most impactful in the series for me—perhaps because they emphasized ideas and concepts I personally needed to hear.It follows the same format as the others, with short chapters of teachings and allegories, mixed with simple but elegant drawings. The end includes practices and mantras. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration.I loved this essential book in the Essentials collection. It’s going on my reread list, and I can’t wait for the next installment, How to See.Favorite quotes:“We “kill” our anger by smiling to it, holding it gently,looking deeply to understand its roots and transforming it with understanding and compassion.”“Practice embracing and looking deeply to see the real roots of your anger. When insight is born, you will be free.”“When you remove the conflict within yourself, you also remove the conflict between yourself and others. One arrow can save two birds at the same time—if the arrow strikes the branch, both birds will fly away.”My Enjoyment 5/5

Such a good book! Easy read, perfect buffer for when you’re trying to deal with mad emotions with friends or loved ones definitely puts things into perspective!!

I’ve got some struggles, part of it is anger, part of it is not being able to process my emotions well. When I read this book and saw that it was not just a few insights but also somewhat of a guide (and essentially includes instructions - how to process anger for example) I started doing it and it helped me change as a person. I now keep 2 copies, one in my car as a reference and one to give away.

I’ll say the one thing that bugs me first. There’s a lot of repeat ideas and you’ll be like, “He already said this, but now this is just a different story to say this.” It’s a little annoying… howeverI can understand why he says the same idea in a different way because one way of saying it might not resonate with you. So basically you have to read the whole book and extract whatever concepts you want. I thought I didn’t care about the tree trunk and the branches passage, but naturally my brain took hold of that one. I’m also not going to tell you what it means. You’ll just have to read it.I will say that this book has helped a little bit (I’m no saint after reading it). You have the power to catch yourself being angry and try to chill yourself out. I do have a favorite line that I remember daily, still not going to tell you, but you know, you gotta try not to be pissy all the time.And as a side note, there was 1 or 2 passages that I completely disagreed with (reconciling with people who have already died… I don’t have the book in front of me, but there was another passage about smiling to someone who’s angry at you. I’m about to break my rules because the book is worth a read, but I think if you do that to a pissed off guy that seems like he has no problem with violence, you’re going to get clocked or worse. Read the room peeps. Know when you’re in actual danger). The end section has techniques to deal with your anger (which I think most of the answers to deal with your anger come from the first 90 something pages, but I digress), and the suggestions were eh. The peace treaty and the peace note are not for me. But I’m not docking points for this because I can disagree and riff off his ideas to make my own theory on matter. As long as your idea makes you suffer less without anyone else suffering, I think Thich Nhat Hanh will be cool with it.Overall, I did get something out of this book. Thus 5 stars.

A simple clear roadmap for navigating the complex, anger, resentment and violent thoughts and feelings inside ourselves and with others.

Simply written, engaging and impactful.

How to fight is an inspiring and empowering book that’s teaches you not only physical combat skills but also the important of mental toughness and resilience. The author does an excellent job of blending practical techniques with life lessons making it a must read for anyone looking to improve their confidence and strength. whether you r a beginner or experienced fighter this book offers valuable insights that can help you become both a better fighter and stronger her person.

A wonderful small book with a big punch! I return to these pages over again for inspiration and insight. Another gem from Thich Nhat Hanh.