As the holidays grow near, we are often encouraged to be “thankful.” Although the two often go hand in hand, thankful and happy are two distinctly different concepts. Dictionary.com defines thankful as “feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative” and happy as “delighted, pleased, or glad.” So how can you be appreciative, thankful, when you’re ill, or lonely, or in dire financial straits? Again, we turn to the wisdom of Thích Nhất Hạnh. As described by the publisher, You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present is “Based on a retreat that Thích Nhất Hạnh led for Westerners, this book offers a range of simple, effective practices for cultivating mindfulness, including awareness of breathing and walking, deep listening, and skillful speech. You Are Here also offers guidance on healing emotional pain and manifesting real love and compassion in our relationships with others.” I highly recommend that you read this book to learn (ore review) practical, doable techniques that will allow you to be appreciative of the life you are currently living, despite the challenges you’re experiencing.