Go Slowly, Breathe and Smile

Thich Nhat Hanh was born in central Vietnam in 1926 and lived in a country at war until he was forced into exile in the 1960s for advocating peace between the warring sides. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., described by H. H. the Dalai Lama as someone whose teachings "can change individual lives and the life of our society, ... [drawing] the connection between personal, inner peace and peace on Earth." Thich Nhat Hanh returned to Vietnam after more than half a century in exile and died in January 2022.


Rashani Réa has been a social activist and prolific artist since childhood. She has written dozens of songs inspired by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, as well as setting his poetry to music and conjoining his wisdom sayings with her colorful collage art. She lives at an eco-sanctuary she created on the Big Island of Hawai'i, where she offers trainings, builds stone walls, and gardens.

"I am very happy Rashani has put together this wonderful book of her art with Thây's sayings for you to benefit from and enjoy."
-Sister Chân Không, author of Learning True Love

"This beautiful book is a feast for the senses and pure nourishment for the soul."
-Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance

"Go slowly, breathe and smile; and allow Rashani's beautiful art and Thich Nhat Hanh's deeply wise sayings to accompany you along the way."
-Joan Halifax, author of Standing at the Edge

"These simple and deep words from Thich Nhat Hanh interwoven into the delightfully tender and colorful collages by Rashani Réa make the living dharma available to all."
-Peter Russell, author of The Global Brain

"Rashani's extraordinary collages perfectly mirror Thich Nhat Hanh's simple yet powerful teachings. An exquisite collection."
-James Baraz, author of Awakening Joy

"Rashani's art perfectly complements Thây's poetic words. Both tap deeply into the web of life that underlies and connects all."
-Paul Tingen, author of Miles Beyond: The Electric Explorations of Miles Davis

"Go Slowly, Breathe and Smile is simply beautiful. As a profoundly co-creative interaction, it touches my heart, inspires my spirit, and gives me faith in existence."
-Carol Stewart, The Mystery School, Nelson, British Columbia

"Thich Nhat Hanh said, 'The more you understand, the more you love. The more you love, the more you understand.' Seeing Rashani's stunning collages, I have the distinct feeling that I'm understanding and loving the moment in a way I hadn't before. Her art and this book will grow your capacity to understand, and your capacity to love."
-Dawna Markova, author of Living a Loved Life

"Thich Nhat Hanh writes, 'Our own life has to be the message.' Thây's life has touched millions in this world-a message of peace, interbeing, love, and present-moment awareness. Rashani's life, like her art, also conveys a beautiful message of truth. This book is a