#Review: Breathe! You Are Alive by Thich Nhat Hanh

Reading Breathe! You Are Alive felt like being gently reminded of something I already knew but often forget—that my breath is always with me, quietly anchoring me to the present. Thich Nhat Hanh’s way of presenting the Buddha’s sixteen exercises of conscious breathing is disarmingly simple, and I appreciated how accessible the practices were. Even as someone who has dipped in and out of mindfulness books before, I found the clarity of his explanations refreshing. There’s no heavy jargon here, only a calm voice inviting me to slow down.

What worked best for me was the book’s progression. It begins with awareness of the body, then gradually leads to the more subtle dimensions of mind and spirit. This layering made it feel like I was being guided step by step, rather than overwhelmed all at once. I also liked that Hanh does not present mindfulness as an escape, but as a way of being fully present—even with pain or discomfort.

That said, I wouldn’t call this an easy read for everyone. The repetition of certain phrases and exercises, while intentional, may feel monotonous to those looking for variety or a more fast-paced narrative. At times I wished for more real-life applications or anecdotes to balance the meditative instructions.

Still, the book does what it promises—it slows you down, opens a little space for reflection, and leaves you with practices you can carry anywhere. For me, it wasn’t just a book to read once, but one to return to whenever life feels too hurried.

Find this book here.