Water flows over these hands May I use them skillfully to preserve our precious planet. These and other verses, or gathas, are designed to make everyday activities - such as washing the dishes, driving the car, or turning on the television - opportunities to return to a state of mindfulness. As exercises in both meditation and poetry, gathas are very much in keeping with the Zen tradition. They help readers become attuned to each action, imbuing even the most mundane activity with heightened awareness. Reciting these poetic yet practical verses helps us to slow down and savor each and every moment. Thich Nhat Hanhs warm, thoughtful commentary provides insight and inspiration...THICH NHAT HANH is a Vietnamese Buddhist monk whose lifelong efforts to generate peace and reconciliation moved Martin Luther King, Jr. to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967. He travels regularly, leading retreats on the art of mindful living. He lives in southwest France, where he teaches, writes, and gardens. He is author of Energy of Prayer, Being Peace, and many other books.