Thich Nhat Hanh opens by presenting genuine peace and mindful presence as available within each ordinary present moment, rather than requiring extraordinary circumstances or extensive dedicated practice time to access.

Why this present-moment accessibility framing matters:

• Many people assume genuine peace requires significant life change or extensive dedicated practice, while Nhat Hanh's approach emphasizes this peace's accessibility within ordinary present-moment awareness, available immediately regardless of external circumstances
• This framing, drawing on Nhat Hanh's extensive Buddhist contemplative teaching background, provides accessible entry point for readers new to mindfulness practice
• This opening establishes the book's foundational premise, motivating its subsequent detailed practical guidance for accessing this present-moment peace

This opening establishes the book's foundational premise, positioning genuine peace and mindful presence as immediately accessible within ordinary present-moment awareness.