I happened across the teachings of a Vietnamese monk recently as part of an online search of something entirely unrelated. Fortunately, I had a few moments to light on that page and I found a question.

I think it might be a pearl. Something you are so lucky to find … and it’s so very simple.

Thich Nhat Hanh believes that we should ask our loved ones closest and dearest to us one very straight forward question – and then stop to really listen.

What is this powerful and transforming question?

“Please tell me how I can love you better.”

Can you imagine asking your children, spouse, parent such an empowering question?

What a simple yet touching gesture.

It signifies that you aren’t going to define love through your filters but rather inquire about the way that someone else important to you wants to be loved.

It is unselfish and doesn’t impose your experiences, values or needs upon them. Rather, it gives that person the freedom to teach you something that only they know.

It’s amazing in it’s simplicity.

It’s no surprise that Thich Nhat Hanh was nominated by Martin Luther King for the Nobel Peace Prize!

Jeanette