We live in a rush-rush world, bombarded by the latest news, celebrity gossip and political ads; we’re pulled by trends and pushed by an erratic economy. Slow down, take a break and turn to your contemplative side with Vietnamese monk and Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh’s Living Buddha, Living Christ (Riverhead Trade, 2007). Nhat Hanh ties Christianity and Buddhism together through his examination of mindfulness. He points out that it is an integral part of all religious practice and offers suggestions about how we can use both religions to cultivate it. During this scorching weather, take a long, cool spiritual sip.