Pewter pendant cast like an old wax seal, stamped with ‘this is it’ in Thich Nhat Hanh’s own handwriting. The phrase is a Zen teaching on presence, hung from a plum rope cord that nods to Plum Village in France. Slip it on in the morning, or give it to a student or teacher of Zen.
Details
- Design: Hand-shaped pewter pendant cast like an old wax seal, stamped with the handwritten words ‘this is it’ in Thich Nhat Hanh’s own script, hung from a plum-colored rope cord
- Size: Pendant approx. 1 x 0.75 inches. Cord adjustable up to 27 inches
- Material: Pewter pendant, plum rope cord with pewter slider closure
- Care: Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth and store away from moisture. Intended for delicate use
- Note: Handmade, so slight variations in size, shape, and finish are natural and part of each pendant’s character
- Origin: Handmade in Canada
Meaning & Intention
The words ‘this is it’ come from Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh — a disarming phrase that the present moment is not a stepping stone toward a better one, but the whole of life, already complete.
Cast in his own handwriting, the pendant holds not only his words but a small trace of his hand, pressed into metal.
Its seal-like shape recalls the wax stamps once used to authenticate letters, framing the phrase as a signature on the present rather than a promise of striving. Nothing is polished into symmetry, which suits a teaching about accepting things as they are.
The plum cord nods to Plum Village, the monastery he founded in southern France, linking the piece to the community that shared his teaching with the world.
Essence & Elements
Intention: Presence, mindfulness, acceptance
Ideal for: Building a mindfulness practice, sitting with Thich Nhat Hanh’s writings, or a thoughtful gift for a teacher or student of Zen
Suggested mantra: This is it
Symbol: Old wax seal — a stamp of presence and authenticity
Questions & Guidance
How might I use this pendant in a mindfulness practice?
Touch it or glance down at it when your attention drifts, and let the words return you to the breath. Some people pair it with a pause between tasks, using it to mark the shift from doing to being.
Is it a suitable gift for someone new to Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings?
Yes. The phrase stands on its own as an invitation to presence, so it lands for anyone drawn to mindfulness. Pairing it with one of his short books makes a thoughtful introduction.
Does it work for different necklines and styles?
The pendant is modest in size and the rope cord suits most necklines. Because it adjusts up to 27 inches, it can sit high near the collar or lower on the sternum.
