Please enjoy this extract from Thich Nhat Hanh’s book, “Answers From the Heart”:

“When we’re able to breathe mindfully and joyfully, when we’re able to make steps joyfully, happily, we’re not being selfish; we’re doing that for all our ancestors and for all the children in the world.

There’s no wisdom in practicing walking meditation and not enjoying it. If you’re able to practice walking meditation peacefully, then the world has a chance.

You have to look at things in that way. That is insight, the fruit of mindfulness. When you know that in every moment of your daily life you can make a contribution, you won’t become a victim of despair and you’ll encourage other people around you.

If the pessimistic feeling comes, don’t allow it to stay. Of course there is suffering everywhere in the world, there is suffering in ourselves, in our family, in our society. But if you are doing your best as a person, then there is hope that other people will do the same.

Doing your best is your part, your contribution. And that is contagious; people see you and they will be inspired to try to do their best. The courage to live our daily life with compassion and awareness is our positive contribution.”

-Thich Nhat Hanh