Zen Steps For Calming Down Easily
It’s easy to calm down quickly. No matter what is happening around us, we never have to become trapped in stress or anxiety. It’s important to learn how to calm down quickly this as negative emotions can easily become addictive. The longer we hold onto them, the harder it can be to let go. Zen offers many pathways to becoming free of negativity. This article is based upon Zen principles and value-centered counseling. It offers enjoyable and effective steps to calming down, feeling good about yourself and finding that peaceful place in the storm.
Open The Treasure House Within
In Zen students are told: “Open the treasure house within.” This is a reminder that we are all are endowed with many resources hidden within. In order to access our innate abilities, we must stop looking everywhere else and forget about depending upon others. Instead, we are told to spend time each day taking responsibility for what’s going on inside. We turn our attention within, discover who we truly are and stop rejecting ourselves and others. As we do this, we are beginning to open the treasure house within.
Pay Attention
We are what we think about. When we stay fixated on one person, thought or situation, it is easy to become caught in the grip of self centered, obsessive thoughts. The more we pay attention to that which is negative or upsetting, the more strength it has to rule our lives. This can be counteracted easily.
Take control of your attention and what you’re focusing upon. Spend time each day developing concentration. This is also called meditation (or zazen). Sit with a straight back, do not move, follow your natural breath. Let random thoughts come and go. Do not suppress them, but do not let them grab your attention away. (At first you may be besieged by many surprising thoughts and feelings, but if you simply notice them and then return your attention to your breathing, these will soon die down). Count your breath from one to ten, then all over again. Do this for at least ten to fifteen minutes without moving. By not moving we are stopping what is called the monkey mind.
Stop The Monkey Mind
The monkey mind is the mind that jumps from one thing to the next, fears, demands, criticizes and sabotages our lives. It is the part of ourselves, which causes sorrow and fear. By taking charge of our focus, by not paying attention to or responding to the many negativities the monkey mind throws our way, we become balanced and calm. As we do this regularly, we are no longer carried away by passing feelings and thoughts. Instead, we discover a peaceful place in the storm to which we can always return for comfort and strength.
Focus on Strengths not Weaknesses
As we focus upon our strengths, not our weaknesses, little by little, fear, anger and depression fade. Rather than struggle with problems, we learn to become available to solutions. This is accomplished by working with focus. The question we always keep before us is: What am I focusing on this moment? Am I dwelling on problems or open to solutions and new ideas? Am I aware of where I am right at this moment, or lost somewhere in a dream? Am I grateful for what I have, or dwelling upon the wrongs I think others have done me?
Life continually renews and confronts us with new tasks, challenges, opportunities and solutions, day after day. Are we in touch with this ever-flowing reality? Are we focusing on the gifts we are always receiving, and ways we can give back to others as well? By choosing to take charge of our focus we dissolve the primary cause of our suffering - a monkey mind that has run wild.
Take Constructive Action
Once we take charge of our focus, we place it upon what we are receiving, what we have to be grateful for. Then it is easy to take the next step and naturally become aware of what others need from us, what we have to offer, how we can give back. Then we do it. We take action. We do not hesitate. We focus upon simple, daily actions, which are constructive for ourselves and others.
We spend some time each day doing “deeds of service”, finding ways we can give to others, make their days easier and happier. As we focus upon giving and encouraging others, a strange thing happens - our personal anxiety vanishes, and we, ourselves, become filled with joy. Before long, we become filled with something even more important than joy - self respect.
A primary source of stress and anxiety is low self esteem; feeling badly about ourselves. The most powerful way to get rid of this is to have a healthy dose of self respect. When we fill our lives with constructive actions, self worth develops naturally. It does not come about through artificially boosting self esteem, but as a result of living a life worthy of respect. In this manner we grow able to handle any situation life presents us with.
When we are able to do that, not only do we calm down easily, but enjoy all aspects of our days. We feel like life is a gift we are receiving; and we become a gift to life as well.
Cc/author/2007
Open The Treasure House Within
In Zen students are told: “Open the treasure house within.” This is a reminder that we are all are endowed with many resources hidden within. In order to access our innate abilities, we must stop looking everywhere else and forget about depending upon others. Instead, we are told to spend time each day taking responsibility for what’s going on inside. We turn our attention within, discover who we truly are and stop rejecting ourselves and others. As we do this, we are beginning to open the treasure house within.
Pay Attention
We are what we think about. When we stay fixated on one person, thought or situation, it is easy to become caught in the grip of self centered, obsessive thoughts. The more we pay attention to that which is negative or upsetting, the more strength it has to rule our lives. This can be counteracted easily.
Take control of your attention and what you’re focusing upon. Spend time each day developing concentration. This is also called meditation (or zazen). Sit with a straight back, do not move, follow your natural breath. Let random thoughts come and go. Do not suppress them, but do not let them grab your attention away. (At first you may be besieged by many surprising thoughts and feelings, but if you simply notice them and then return your attention to your breathing, these will soon die down). Count your breath from one to ten, then all over again. Do this for at least ten to fifteen minutes without moving. By not moving we are stopping what is called the monkey mind.
Stop The Monkey Mind
The monkey mind is the mind that jumps from one thing to the next, fears, demands, criticizes and sabotages our lives. It is the part of ourselves, which causes sorrow and fear. By taking charge of our focus, by not paying attention to or responding to the many negativities the monkey mind throws our way, we become balanced and calm. As we do this regularly, we are no longer carried away by passing feelings and thoughts. Instead, we discover a peaceful place in the storm to which we can always return for comfort and strength.
Focus on Strengths not Weaknesses
As we focus upon our strengths, not our weaknesses, little by little, fear, anger and depression fade. Rather than struggle with problems, we learn to become available to solutions. This is accomplished by working with focus. The question we always keep before us is: What am I focusing on this moment? Am I dwelling on problems or open to solutions and new ideas? Am I aware of where I am right at this moment, or lost somewhere in a dream? Am I grateful for what I have, or dwelling upon the wrongs I think others have done me?
Life continually renews and confronts us with new tasks, challenges, opportunities and solutions, day after day. Are we in touch with this ever-flowing reality? Are we focusing on the gifts we are always receiving, and ways we can give back to others as well? By choosing to take charge of our focus we dissolve the primary cause of our suffering - a monkey mind that has run wild.
Take Constructive Action
Once we take charge of our focus, we place it upon what we are receiving, what we have to be grateful for. Then it is easy to take the next step and naturally become aware of what others need from us, what we have to offer, how we can give back. Then we do it. We take action. We do not hesitate. We focus upon simple, daily actions, which are constructive for ourselves and others.
We spend some time each day doing “deeds of service”, finding ways we can give to others, make their days easier and happier. As we focus upon giving and encouraging others, a strange thing happens - our personal anxiety vanishes, and we, ourselves, become filled with joy. Before long, we become filled with something even more important than joy - self respect.
A primary source of stress and anxiety is low self esteem; feeling badly about ourselves. The most powerful way to get rid of this is to have a healthy dose of self respect. When we fill our lives with constructive actions, self worth develops naturally. It does not come about through artificially boosting self esteem, but as a result of living a life worthy of respect. In this manner we grow able to handle any situation life presents us with.
When we are able to do that, not only do we calm down easily, but enjoy all aspects of our days. We feel like life is a gift we are receiving; and we become a gift to life as well.
Cc/author/2007
Two Wings of a Bird: The Practice of Judaism and Zen
Today a great spiritual hunger is surfacing as many seek comfort, support, and meaning in a world that has spun out of control. Yet, times of loneliness, confusion, fear, or separation come for a powerful reason-so we can stop our usual way of being and discover where true strength, connection, and understanding lie. These difficult times are actually a blessing, removing us from preoccupation with externals and inviting us to embark on a journey into the heart and meaning of our lives. Both Jewish and Zen practice call us to enter the journey, though in different ways.
In a sense, Judaism and Zen represent two opposite ends of a continuum: Zen is based upon radical freedom, letting go, being in the present and nonattachment. Judaism comes rooted in family relationships, love, prayer to a Higher Power and the injunction to hold on and remember. A Jewish heart is warm, giving, human, devoted to family and friends. A Zen eye is fresh, direct, spontaneous, unencumbered by ideas, beliefs, hopes or expectations. These two practices are like two wings of a bird; both are needed to be able to fly.
Each tradition addresses the primal questions that drive our lives and provides keys for finding answers. In Zen practice, you take time to remove yourself from family and friends, do zazen, journey within and awaken for the good of all. Jewish practice is done in the midst of the community. Relationships are central. It is said that God is to be found at the kitchen table, with family, friends and food. In Jewish prayer you go to God and ask for everything. In this way you always know the Source of your good and constantly offer thanks.
In Zen practice you do not pray for help at all. You do zazen, (zen meditation), sit, back straight, legs crossed, eyes down, facing the wall. You do not speak, reach out, touch, or listen to the troubles of others. You do not offer consolation or turn to others for support. In fact, what you thought of as support is taken away. If others are having trouble on the cushion, experiencing sorrow or pain, you do not interfere. Their experience is precious and they are now being given the opportunity to face it fully. The support you offer is silent and profound, just sitting strongly beside them, facing your own experience as well.
The need to combine Zen and Jewish practice always felt important to me. I was born into an Orthodox family where everybody had a different opinion about what God wanted from us. And I had a lot of questions: what was the true way, and why did people who were serving God with all of their hearts have trouble living in the same house? Today, many who feel displaced as well. They wish to relate to their original religion in a way that feels healing and congruent for them. It is easy to lose sight of the true purpose of any practice. Even with the best intentions, anger, judgmental attitudes and domination can easily replace the kindness, generosity and wisdom that are at the heart of all the teachings.
The practice of zazen (zen meditation) creates an atmosphere of acceptance, respect, clarity, kindness a illuminate your original teachings, and provides a deeper experience of them. And, your religion of origin can ground you in the reality of who you are. In this way, practicing both Zen and Judaism provides balance and richness as each practice enriches, illuminates and challenges the other.
In a sense, Judaism and Zen represent two opposite ends of a continuum: Zen is based upon radical freedom, letting go, being in the present and nonattachment. Judaism comes rooted in family relationships, love, prayer to a Higher Power and the injunction to hold on and remember. A Jewish heart is warm, giving, human, devoted to family and friends. A Zen eye is fresh, direct, spontaneous, unencumbered by ideas, beliefs, hopes or expectations. These two practices are like two wings of a bird; both are needed to be able to fly.
Each tradition addresses the primal questions that drive our lives and provides keys for finding answers. In Zen practice, you take time to remove yourself from family and friends, do zazen, journey within and awaken for the good of all. Jewish practice is done in the midst of the community. Relationships are central. It is said that God is to be found at the kitchen table, with family, friends and food. In Jewish prayer you go to God and ask for everything. In this way you always know the Source of your good and constantly offer thanks.
In Zen practice you do not pray for help at all. You do zazen, (zen meditation), sit, back straight, legs crossed, eyes down, facing the wall. You do not speak, reach out, touch, or listen to the troubles of others. You do not offer consolation or turn to others for support. In fact, what you thought of as support is taken away. If others are having trouble on the cushion, experiencing sorrow or pain, you do not interfere. Their experience is precious and they are now being given the opportunity to face it fully. The support you offer is silent and profound, just sitting strongly beside them, facing your own experience as well.
The need to combine Zen and Jewish practice always felt important to me. I was born into an Orthodox family where everybody had a different opinion about what God wanted from us. And I had a lot of questions: what was the true way, and why did people who were serving God with all of their hearts have trouble living in the same house? Today, many who feel displaced as well. They wish to relate to their original religion in a way that feels healing and congruent for them. It is easy to lose sight of the true purpose of any practice. Even with the best intentions, anger, judgmental attitudes and domination can easily replace the kindness, generosity and wisdom that are at the heart of all the teachings.
The practice of zazen (zen meditation) creates an atmosphere of acceptance, respect, clarity, kindness a illuminate your original teachings, and provides a deeper experience of them. And, your religion of origin can ground you in the reality of who you are. In this way, practicing both Zen and Judaism provides balance and richness as each practice enriches, illuminates and challenges the other.
The Art of Zen Massaging
Massage is the practice of applying structured or unstructured pressure, tension, motion, or vibration — manually or with mechanical aids. Zen massage incorporates a variety of techniques inspired by eastern philosophies to create a seamless, effortless, relaxation experience. The Zen principle is based on relaxation, relief of tension and acupressure.
Shiatsu Massage
Shaiatsu is the Japanese equivalent of the Chinese method of acupressure. It is derived from the Japanese words “shi” and “atsu,” meaning “finger pressure. It is a finger pressure massage technique. The therapist applies pressure with his thumbs, finger, and palms to specific areas of the client’s body that need to be healed.
Shiatsu massage, sometimes called Zen shiatsu, unifies spiritual, philosophical, and medical aspects of the body. According to shiatsu energy, qi or chi circulates along channels called meridians. When it is freely flowing, chi brings fresh, strong energy and carries away toxins. Blocked or diverted chi must be cleared and restored otherwise the body falls prey to disease. Pressure points lie along fourteen meridians running the length of the body. The therapist gently but firmly applies pressure using, knuckles, thumbs, palms, toes, feet, knees, and elbows. Shiatsu involves deep breathing, rotating and stretching your joints, as well as manipulating pressure points.
Shaitsu is believed to alleviate disorders such as depression, anxiety, nausea, stiffness, headaches, arthritis, cramps, or pulled muscles. It can be practiced on people of all ages.
Water Massage - Watsu
Water is a symbol of relaxation and peace and tranquility. Massage is also relaxing, but when it joins forces with water the effect can be profound. Hence the birth of Watsu, a combination of the words water and shiatsu it was invented by a Zen Shiatsu therapist named Harold Dull in the early 1980’s.
It combines the major principles of shiatsu: relaxation, relief of tension and acupressure, though it is not a traditional shiatsu method. Many of the movements used in Watsu are similar to those seen in other water exercises or water ballet.
Watsu massage is performed in chest-high body-temperature or warm water. The therapist guides the client through a series of dance like movements while using Zen shiatsu techniques in order to release obstructions in the body’s meridians. The therapist is able to rotate, flex and move muscles in ways that are not possible on a massage table, which results in a fuller, more relaxing massage. The water allows for freedom of the spinal vertebrae, wide rotation of the joints and maximum elongation of the muscles. Breathing patterns are also included heighten the sense of self awareness.
Watsu can be done by anyone, Children, teenagers, middle age and the elderly. The calming, fluid surface of water alleviates pressures and relaxes and soothes the mind, body and soul. The entire point of Water Shiatsu - Watsu - is to free the mind from everyday stress.
Be it the Shaitsu massage or the Watsu massages, both are great methods of achieving health and relaxation. They help you attain tranquility and peace in today’s fast paced world and take introduce you to the harmonious world of Zen.
Shiatsu Massage
Shaiatsu is the Japanese equivalent of the Chinese method of acupressure. It is derived from the Japanese words “shi” and “atsu,” meaning “finger pressure. It is a finger pressure massage technique. The therapist applies pressure with his thumbs, finger, and palms to specific areas of the client’s body that need to be healed.
Shiatsu massage, sometimes called Zen shiatsu, unifies spiritual, philosophical, and medical aspects of the body. According to shiatsu energy, qi or chi circulates along channels called meridians. When it is freely flowing, chi brings fresh, strong energy and carries away toxins. Blocked or diverted chi must be cleared and restored otherwise the body falls prey to disease. Pressure points lie along fourteen meridians running the length of the body. The therapist gently but firmly applies pressure using, knuckles, thumbs, palms, toes, feet, knees, and elbows. Shiatsu involves deep breathing, rotating and stretching your joints, as well as manipulating pressure points.
Shaitsu is believed to alleviate disorders such as depression, anxiety, nausea, stiffness, headaches, arthritis, cramps, or pulled muscles. It can be practiced on people of all ages.
Water Massage - Watsu
Water is a symbol of relaxation and peace and tranquility. Massage is also relaxing, but when it joins forces with water the effect can be profound. Hence the birth of Watsu, a combination of the words water and shiatsu it was invented by a Zen Shiatsu therapist named Harold Dull in the early 1980’s.
It combines the major principles of shiatsu: relaxation, relief of tension and acupressure, though it is not a traditional shiatsu method. Many of the movements used in Watsu are similar to those seen in other water exercises or water ballet.
Watsu massage is performed in chest-high body-temperature or warm water. The therapist guides the client through a series of dance like movements while using Zen shiatsu techniques in order to release obstructions in the body’s meridians. The therapist is able to rotate, flex and move muscles in ways that are not possible on a massage table, which results in a fuller, more relaxing massage. The water allows for freedom of the spinal vertebrae, wide rotation of the joints and maximum elongation of the muscles. Breathing patterns are also included heighten the sense of self awareness.
Watsu can be done by anyone, Children, teenagers, middle age and the elderly. The calming, fluid surface of water alleviates pressures and relaxes and soothes the mind, body and soul. The entire point of Water Shiatsu - Watsu - is to free the mind from everyday stress.
Be it the Shaitsu massage or the Watsu massages, both are great methods of achieving health and relaxation. They help you attain tranquility and peace in today’s fast paced world and take introduce you to the harmonious world of Zen.
Zen Estilo is Maruti Playing on Its Strengths
The Zen Estilo is a cute car, though not cute as a rabbit like the Matiz. It is more of a warped cuteness. It’s more like a cross between Drew Barrymore and the Mogwai from Gremlins. To put it in perspective, I loved it, my wife hated it. It should have been the other way around since it is supposed to be a cute car.
But it’s not the cuteness that the Zen Estilo is about. The new hatchback from Maruti is all about the company playing on its strengths and playing to the gallery. So what we have is a very dependable package at a very attractive price.
The dependable package comes from the ALTO platform which already provides the underpinnings for the Alto and Wagon R models from Maruti. The ALTO platform is recognized in Suzuki under a large number of names (YC3 / YC4 / YC5 / YR3 / YR6 / YL6 etc etc) though the iteration which provides the underpinnings here is the YL6 version. The body shell look quite similar to the just out-of-production MR Wagon though I am not sure if Maruti shipped some moulds and dies from Japan to India.
The Estilo comes with the same engine as the Wagon R and some bits and pieces in the interiors can be traced to some other Maruti models. Sure cost saving is the buzzword here, though it walks the thin wire of adding to the sales volumes and eating the Wagon R for breakfast. The closeness to the Wagon R cannot be avoided and Maruti marketing will have a tough task of positioning the Wagon R and Zen Estilo with minimum cannibalization.
Maruti is again playing the introductory price gimmick with the Estilo - the car will be available for an unbelievable price of INR 319,000 till the time Maruti marketing boffins decide that enough is enough. The gimmick worked very well with the Swift and it seems to be working fine with the Estilo - with 10,000 bookings in 10 days.
But it’s not the cuteness that the Zen Estilo is about. The new hatchback from Maruti is all about the company playing on its strengths and playing to the gallery. So what we have is a very dependable package at a very attractive price.
The dependable package comes from the ALTO platform which already provides the underpinnings for the Alto and Wagon R models from Maruti. The ALTO platform is recognized in Suzuki under a large number of names (YC3 / YC4 / YC5 / YR3 / YR6 / YL6 etc etc) though the iteration which provides the underpinnings here is the YL6 version. The body shell look quite similar to the just out-of-production MR Wagon though I am not sure if Maruti shipped some moulds and dies from Japan to India.
The Estilo comes with the same engine as the Wagon R and some bits and pieces in the interiors can be traced to some other Maruti models. Sure cost saving is the buzzword here, though it walks the thin wire of adding to the sales volumes and eating the Wagon R for breakfast. The closeness to the Wagon R cannot be avoided and Maruti marketing will have a tough task of positioning the Wagon R and Zen Estilo with minimum cannibalization.
Maruti is again playing the introductory price gimmick with the Estilo - the car will be available for an unbelievable price of INR 319,000 till the time Maruti marketing boffins decide that enough is enough. The gimmick worked very well with the Swift and it seems to be working fine with the Estilo - with 10,000 bookings in 10 days.
The History Of Zen Meditation
The history of Zen meditation has its origins in Mahayana Buddhism and Taoism. Some believe that it originated from yogic methods. Buddhism entered China centuries ago via a monk called Bodhidharma who visited China to teach Buddhism and blended with Taoism and its principles and practices were adopted. These practices include vegetarianism, avoiding alcohol, emptiness, etc. Gradually ‘Chan’ or Zen Buddhism became a major part of Chinese Buddhism and also created a huge body of scriptures, in spite of the fact that the transmission of these principles does not involve words. Zen meditation has also spread to the Americas and Europe and is widely practiced.
There is hardly anyone who has not heard about the history of Zen meditation today, with the concept of Zen so popularly being discussed wherever there is any talk about meditation. Zen or sitting meditation, as it is called, involves sitting in a series of positions and relaxing the body and mind to bare oneself to oneness with nature. As the specific positions are followed, distracting thoughts exit as the heart rate lowers, gentle breathing follows and the individual transcends to the meditative state of reflection. The energy that results from this leads to a connection between the soul, mind and body.
Throughout the history of Zen meditation, the practice is to have your mind in the current moment - there is no contemplation on the past or future. Zen meditation focuses the mind on the thought of the moment, which basically means that you mentally travel to nothingness. Instead you aim for a blank mind that is clear, clean, and calm.
The Sequence Of Steps Involved In A Typical Zen Meditation Practice:
* Become conscious of your inhaled breath and exhaled breath.
* As the breathing gets deeper and slower, focus on them and feel the sense of peace.
* During the inhaled breath focus on the physical body. During the exhaled breath get each part of your body to relax starting with the shoulders and gradually working towards other parts of the body.
* The inhaled breath helps you relax the various parts of the body and the exhaled breath helps you appreciate and empathize with its needs.
* Next, get your facial muscles to relax one by one and in the process, relay a gentle smile to different parts of your body.
* As you experience oneness with your body, ensure that all the muscles are relaxed.
* Your inhaled breath will make you conscious to the joy of life, the wonders of breathing, seeing and hearing.
* Bring yourself back to focusing on your inhaled and exhaled breath - to the current moment.
* Your posture of sitting at this stage will make you feel in control of yourself, your body, your soul and mind.
The above steps flow into each other through regular practice of Zen meditation.
Za’zen is said to be the core of the Zen meditation process and aims at making a major shift in our attitude towards life. It tries to release the pressure of expectations and develop acceptance and appreciation for what is, and not what is expected. This is the basis from which the history of Zen meditation evolved.
There is hardly anyone who has not heard about the history of Zen meditation today, with the concept of Zen so popularly being discussed wherever there is any talk about meditation. Zen or sitting meditation, as it is called, involves sitting in a series of positions and relaxing the body and mind to bare oneself to oneness with nature. As the specific positions are followed, distracting thoughts exit as the heart rate lowers, gentle breathing follows and the individual transcends to the meditative state of reflection. The energy that results from this leads to a connection between the soul, mind and body.
Throughout the history of Zen meditation, the practice is to have your mind in the current moment - there is no contemplation on the past or future. Zen meditation focuses the mind on the thought of the moment, which basically means that you mentally travel to nothingness. Instead you aim for a blank mind that is clear, clean, and calm.
The Sequence Of Steps Involved In A Typical Zen Meditation Practice:
* Become conscious of your inhaled breath and exhaled breath.
* As the breathing gets deeper and slower, focus on them and feel the sense of peace.
* During the inhaled breath focus on the physical body. During the exhaled breath get each part of your body to relax starting with the shoulders and gradually working towards other parts of the body.
* The inhaled breath helps you relax the various parts of the body and the exhaled breath helps you appreciate and empathize with its needs.
* Next, get your facial muscles to relax one by one and in the process, relay a gentle smile to different parts of your body.
* As you experience oneness with your body, ensure that all the muscles are relaxed.
* Your inhaled breath will make you conscious to the joy of life, the wonders of breathing, seeing and hearing.
* Bring yourself back to focusing on your inhaled and exhaled breath - to the current moment.
* Your posture of sitting at this stage will make you feel in control of yourself, your body, your soul and mind.
The above steps flow into each other through regular practice of Zen meditation.
Za’zen is said to be the core of the Zen meditation process and aims at making a major shift in our attitude towards life. It tries to release the pressure of expectations and develop acceptance and appreciation for what is, and not what is expected. This is the basis from which the history of Zen meditation evolved.
The Secret to Understanding Zen Meditation
The key to understanding Zen Buddhism is to understand the phrase “I don’t know.” In this phrase is hidden the secrets of Zen and Zen Meditation. At first glance this may seem counter intuitive or just a play on words, but I assure you that is not the case. This is really the essence of Zen and once you grasp what is being implied here, all the Zen teachings will start to make sense.
The problem, according to Zen is not “not-knowing”, it is in fact knowing too much. What needs to be qualified here is the type of knowledge that is being referred to. There is knowledge that is factual, such as the distance to the moon or the elemental makeup of water, but the knowledge that is being indicated here, is the knowledge having to do with our security and happiness. In other words, all that we know about what we ought to be doing to get out of life maximum happiness, is the knowledge that we need to purge ourselves of.
For ease of communication I will call this knowledge “Emotional Knowledge”, as it relates to how we need to go about increasing pleasure/happiness and decreasing pain/sorrow. This Emotional Knowledge, Zen is saying, is what drives us to endlessly seek and endlessly be restless. In other words, having accepted innumerable theories on how we need our life to be in order to be happy, we are caught in a cycle of endless desire chasing these goals. Zen says, drop Emotional Knowledge or at least don’t emphasize it and instead just be open to the moment and meet the challenge of life which is right under your nose.
It is very hard to really say “I Don’t Know.” All kinds of theories, beliefs, ideologies, philosophies have been forced into us since we were impressionable children, which now dominate our mind and lives. We feel we need to do this or that in order to get this or that, which at the end will make us happy. Unfortunately, this approach has failed. Human beings always get used to what they have and then inevitably start to demand more. It just does not matter what it is or how much you have. You will eventually get used to having it and then will want more. The only way out of this endless cycle of desire is to surrender to the sate of “I Don’t Know.”
When you can really say “I Don’t Know”, then there is little for the mind to chase and pursue. Then you just look at life and do what is necessary and as you continue on in this way of living in the moment, desire starts to lose its grip on you. In Zen this is called mindful living. Real freedom then makes its welcome appearance as awareness, free now from outward seeking, moves inward and reveals the secrets hidden deep within us.
To work towards this state of “I Don’t Know”, you need to question all your desires. Too often, in this atmosphere of commercialism, we have been seduced by clever advertisement and social propaganda. Corporations and those in power need you to buy into the happy, pleasurable future they are promising, else they will either lose their sale or your vote. So you need to see if you can remain untouched by this atmosphere of endless consumption. Once you buy in, then you are in the rat race, because now you think you know what you need to get to be happy and so you are off and running, if you don’t buy in you stand apart and are free.
So next time someone asks you, What is it that you want in life? Look at them and just smile. Welcome to the wonderful world of Zen.
The problem, according to Zen is not “not-knowing”, it is in fact knowing too much. What needs to be qualified here is the type of knowledge that is being referred to. There is knowledge that is factual, such as the distance to the moon or the elemental makeup of water, but the knowledge that is being indicated here, is the knowledge having to do with our security and happiness. In other words, all that we know about what we ought to be doing to get out of life maximum happiness, is the knowledge that we need to purge ourselves of.
For ease of communication I will call this knowledge “Emotional Knowledge”, as it relates to how we need to go about increasing pleasure/happiness and decreasing pain/sorrow. This Emotional Knowledge, Zen is saying, is what drives us to endlessly seek and endlessly be restless. In other words, having accepted innumerable theories on how we need our life to be in order to be happy, we are caught in a cycle of endless desire chasing these goals. Zen says, drop Emotional Knowledge or at least don’t emphasize it and instead just be open to the moment and meet the challenge of life which is right under your nose.
It is very hard to really say “I Don’t Know.” All kinds of theories, beliefs, ideologies, philosophies have been forced into us since we were impressionable children, which now dominate our mind and lives. We feel we need to do this or that in order to get this or that, which at the end will make us happy. Unfortunately, this approach has failed. Human beings always get used to what they have and then inevitably start to demand more. It just does not matter what it is or how much you have. You will eventually get used to having it and then will want more. The only way out of this endless cycle of desire is to surrender to the sate of “I Don’t Know.”
When you can really say “I Don’t Know”, then there is little for the mind to chase and pursue. Then you just look at life and do what is necessary and as you continue on in this way of living in the moment, desire starts to lose its grip on you. In Zen this is called mindful living. Real freedom then makes its welcome appearance as awareness, free now from outward seeking, moves inward and reveals the secrets hidden deep within us.
To work towards this state of “I Don’t Know”, you need to question all your desires. Too often, in this atmosphere of commercialism, we have been seduced by clever advertisement and social propaganda. Corporations and those in power need you to buy into the happy, pleasurable future they are promising, else they will either lose their sale or your vote. So you need to see if you can remain untouched by this atmosphere of endless consumption. Once you buy in, then you are in the rat race, because now you think you know what you need to get to be happy and so you are off and running, if you don’t buy in you stand apart and are free.
So next time someone asks you, What is it that you want in life? Look at them and just smile. Welcome to the wonderful world of Zen.
Picking Decorative Accessories For The Zen Decorating Theme
Decorative items are the icing on any interior design theme and will help pull your Zen decorating theme together. In keeping with the look of a meditation garden, you should choose peaceful and serene decorative items that have a minimalistic feeling. Your Zen style decor will really shine when you add chosen complimentary wall art, knick-knacks, and pillows.
Putting up your wall art correctly is necessary for the right look. Many people hang artwork so that the top or bottom edges line up, but you really should hang them so that the center of the pieces line up. If you are displaying a grouping of wall art pieces, then work out the design on the floor beforehand to decide how they look most appealing. To match your Zen decorating theme, try displaying watercolors sparingly.
Finding the appropriate knick knacks to match your room can be fun plus help pull the room together. To add interest to your Zen decor, think of using ones with a peaceful and serene ambiance. Decorating with a water fountain on a low table or making use of a bamboo plant in a simple planter. You can add your own unique style to the interior design by buying accessories which reflect your personality. Contrary to what you may be led to believe, you don’t have to have a lot of money to have great decorative items. Looking for buys at thrift stores, garage sales and flea markets can provide captivating items for a lot less.
Some other decorative pieces which can help develop the allure of a meditation garden include a lotus bowl with 1 flower, rice paper lamps, and Asian pottery. To best benefit your decorating theme, you should buy accessories that not only compliment each other, but also the design style. If you pick pieces in a hurry, then you may end up diluting the feeling you are working hard to achieve.
Decorative pillows can bring a soft touch to your room design. They’re fun to find and you can employ them in any room. Pillows can be used in the kitchen or bath, consider putting them in chairs, on the hamper or on shelves. Piling them up in rows against your headboard can give a professional appeal to your bedroom. Pillows on the chairs or couches in your family room, den or living room will help inject a bit of the Zen decor feel. Add unique charm to your design theme with pillows that are silk.
Adding shoji screens, plants and furniture with simple lines to your Zen decorating theme will really help the room have that designer look. Before you go shopping, it’s a fantastic idea to decide on the styles, and types of accessories you need so that you don’t buy items that won’t fit. Size matters, so go around the room and decide on the size of wall art and accessories you should have and select them accordingly. In this fashion you can be positive to get pieces which look and fit together wonderfully.
Putting up your wall art correctly is necessary for the right look. Many people hang artwork so that the top or bottom edges line up, but you really should hang them so that the center of the pieces line up. If you are displaying a grouping of wall art pieces, then work out the design on the floor beforehand to decide how they look most appealing. To match your Zen decorating theme, try displaying watercolors sparingly.
Finding the appropriate knick knacks to match your room can be fun plus help pull the room together. To add interest to your Zen decor, think of using ones with a peaceful and serene ambiance. Decorating with a water fountain on a low table or making use of a bamboo plant in a simple planter. You can add your own unique style to the interior design by buying accessories which reflect your personality. Contrary to what you may be led to believe, you don’t have to have a lot of money to have great decorative items. Looking for buys at thrift stores, garage sales and flea markets can provide captivating items for a lot less.
Some other decorative pieces which can help develop the allure of a meditation garden include a lotus bowl with 1 flower, rice paper lamps, and Asian pottery. To best benefit your decorating theme, you should buy accessories that not only compliment each other, but also the design style. If you pick pieces in a hurry, then you may end up diluting the feeling you are working hard to achieve.
Decorative pillows can bring a soft touch to your room design. They’re fun to find and you can employ them in any room. Pillows can be used in the kitchen or bath, consider putting them in chairs, on the hamper or on shelves. Piling them up in rows against your headboard can give a professional appeal to your bedroom. Pillows on the chairs or couches in your family room, den or living room will help inject a bit of the Zen decor feel. Add unique charm to your design theme with pillows that are silk.
Adding shoji screens, plants and furniture with simple lines to your Zen decorating theme will really help the room have that designer look. Before you go shopping, it’s a fantastic idea to decide on the styles, and types of accessories you need so that you don’t buy items that won’t fit. Size matters, so go around the room and decide on the size of wall art and accessories you should have and select them accordingly. In this fashion you can be positive to get pieces which look and fit together wonderfully.
Simplify Management of Your Online Store With Modules for Zen Cart
Main task of every online merchant is not only to launch the online store successfully but to keep it on the same level further on. This is quite difficult, time and efforts consuming job, as you have to attract customers’ attention over and over again. Lately, the technologies have been progressing drastically which offered limitless possibilities to online store owners. So every online merchant can choose the way to expansion himself. Zen Cart Modules are among the top solutions that can be chosen. These tools have been created specially for online stores to simplify and streamline management of such stores.
It is hard to enumerate all of Zen Cart Modules in one article. But it is possible to give you general idea of what it is and how they can help you. So here are some examples:
… Event Designer Module integrates a scheduler into the existing online store, allowing you to setup your store events at one time so they start and stop without your constant concern. This module allows you to make scheduled holiday greetings, discount announcements, sale promotions, make product description changes, decorate your store for holidays, etc. You can also combine multiple events on the same page.
… Make-a-Deal Module is totally automated tool, which allows you to make individual offer to each customer. The offers are based on customer’s behavior: customer viewed X products in your store, (offer will be made only after the visitor viewed predefined number of products), customer viewed X categories, customer spent X seconds in store, customer spent X seconds on product page, customer added X products in shopping cart, and customer added more then $X in shopping cart. This module is a great call for action, as offers are limited in time.
… Tag Cloud Module allows to highlight the most important subjects very dynamically. The basic idea of tag clouds is to represent tags according to their meaning, their weight and their frequency compared to other tags. Tags can be sorted alphabetically or according to their importance or popularity. Thus, this module offers quite interesting approach for web site navigation and provides visitors with instant illustration of the main topics of your site’s content.
Now you can see how your online store can be much more successful and benefit from Zen Cart Modules. It is fast and easy way to improve the quality of online store. You pay for modules just once and they will work for the store’s promotion as long as you want them to. They have been thoroughly developed, taking into consideration the peculiarities of online business to perfectly meet its needs.
Try Zen Cart Modules by MagneticOne, a company that creates software for online stores. They offer wide range of high quality modules for you to choose from. You can combine several modules at your store to achieve better results. Don’t waste your time and efforts – let Zen Cart Modules do some work for you!
Check out the available Modules here - Modules for ZenCart
It is hard to enumerate all of Zen Cart Modules in one article. But it is possible to give you general idea of what it is and how they can help you. So here are some examples:
… Event Designer Module integrates a scheduler into the existing online store, allowing you to setup your store events at one time so they start and stop without your constant concern. This module allows you to make scheduled holiday greetings, discount announcements, sale promotions, make product description changes, decorate your store for holidays, etc. You can also combine multiple events on the same page.
… Make-a-Deal Module is totally automated tool, which allows you to make individual offer to each customer. The offers are based on customer’s behavior: customer viewed X products in your store, (offer will be made only after the visitor viewed predefined number of products), customer viewed X categories, customer spent X seconds in store, customer spent X seconds on product page, customer added X products in shopping cart, and customer added more then $X in shopping cart. This module is a great call for action, as offers are limited in time.
… Tag Cloud Module allows to highlight the most important subjects very dynamically. The basic idea of tag clouds is to represent tags according to their meaning, their weight and their frequency compared to other tags. Tags can be sorted alphabetically or according to their importance or popularity. Thus, this module offers quite interesting approach for web site navigation and provides visitors with instant illustration of the main topics of your site’s content.
Now you can see how your online store can be much more successful and benefit from Zen Cart Modules. It is fast and easy way to improve the quality of online store. You pay for modules just once and they will work for the store’s promotion as long as you want them to. They have been thoroughly developed, taking into consideration the peculiarities of online business to perfectly meet its needs.
Try Zen Cart Modules by MagneticOne, a company that creates software for online stores. They offer wide range of high quality modules for you to choose from. You can combine several modules at your store to achieve better results. Don’t waste your time and efforts – let Zen Cart Modules do some work for you!
Check out the available Modules here - Modules for ZenCart
The Art Of Office Zen
This is not the Karate Kid performing the Crane kick down at the beach with Mr. Miyagi, nor is it meditating like a Buddhist monk high in the mountains of Tibet. The word Zen gets thrown around all over the place; think of all the books labeled “The Zen of Blank”. I do not wish to take a heavily used word like Zen and attach it to something that people will take and alter their life, consciousness, or spiritual understandings. No, I am going to use the word Zen how it was meant to be used and apply it to a specific aspect of life that we all deal with on a 9-5 basis, 5 days a week - Work.
Across the planet people have all sorts of jobs and some lucky people don’t need them due to financial security. Applying Zen to your job is first applying a simple lighthearted approach to the pressures in life in general. So I am not going to set up rules that must be followed, nor should we look for a certain goal other than a more peaceful work environment.
Office Zen - A guide to Peaceful Work
The aim to here is to make your work environment soothing, productive, and peaceful. Now the word Office will apply to the environment that you work in regardless if you are in a literal office or not. If you are in a home office, with desks, bookcases, and all sorts of other office furniture, well that’s your surroundings. If you are pumping gas, flying an airplane, or driving a truck, that’s your office.
One Simple Rule
Simplicity is the first step toward a better working environment. When things are simple, they are easy to accept and understand.
When things get too complicated, that’s when things get stressful and start to invade any peacefulness you had established. So first off, see complex things as simple. Complexity arrives when it is too much for you to handle, you feel out of control and unorganized. It’s the mental anxiousness that looks for what needs to be done, how, when, and why.
Don’t linger over what you should have done or what you should do, but instead think of the now. Make your Office, your own. Find something small that you enjoy doing at work, and focus on that one simple thing. By doing that, it helps set up a foundation of seeing simplicity in even complicated demands. The complexity happens when you try to think of everything at once, instead of focusing on one task at a time. When you focus on one idea at a time it’s digestible, and reduces stress, which in turns makes you happier.
When the mind is relaxed and centered you are more productive.
The Zen of your work environment is a tool that can be used to help focus on one aspect of your everyday life, which in turn makes all the other areas more peaceful.
This idea may seem too simple, and your mind already wants specific things to do, or tasks, but that’s it. It’s a very simple idea and that’s the point. When you can manage to focus on one thought at a time, and do each to the best of your ability, it will transcend through out your life. The most efficient people do this, they are not gifted with some super power, they are able to focus the task to their ability and better understand it.
As simple as it is, people over look it all the time. You can make your environment great or a nightmare depending on you perception of it. If you are a white color worker, your office or cubicle can be groomed they way you want it to keep you happy and relaxed. You may have an overload of emails, memos, and every day routines. The secret to multi tasking in an office atmosphere is to focus on one thing at a time. Having all your attention on one task lets you understand and evaluate it more. The more you understand, the simpler it becomes which reduces complexity and makes everyone much happier.
Lets say you are a blue collar working, granted you most likely are not sitting in a nice cushy ergonomic chair. Still nonetheless, be mindful of things that need to be done, but focus on one thing at a time. You would be surprised how well this works for anything.
The Art of Office Zen is an attempt to reduce the mental noise of complexity that we overload our minds with. All these negative things hurt your chances to be happy at work, home, and in life.
A happy worker is a productive worker, which is a benefit to what you do as well to yourself. Without delving into any spiritual hocus-pocus, we took one simple idea that works for anything.
No matter what you do for a living, keeping things simple wont make living complex work. No rules, or wrong ways about it, everyone is different, but one thing Office Zen can show that we all have in common is to be happy.
Across the planet people have all sorts of jobs and some lucky people don’t need them due to financial security. Applying Zen to your job is first applying a simple lighthearted approach to the pressures in life in general. So I am not going to set up rules that must be followed, nor should we look for a certain goal other than a more peaceful work environment.
Office Zen - A guide to Peaceful Work
The aim to here is to make your work environment soothing, productive, and peaceful. Now the word Office will apply to the environment that you work in regardless if you are in a literal office or not. If you are in a home office, with desks, bookcases, and all sorts of other office furniture, well that’s your surroundings. If you are pumping gas, flying an airplane, or driving a truck, that’s your office.
One Simple Rule
Simplicity is the first step toward a better working environment. When things are simple, they are easy to accept and understand.
When things get too complicated, that’s when things get stressful and start to invade any peacefulness you had established. So first off, see complex things as simple. Complexity arrives when it is too much for you to handle, you feel out of control and unorganized. It’s the mental anxiousness that looks for what needs to be done, how, when, and why.
Don’t linger over what you should have done or what you should do, but instead think of the now. Make your Office, your own. Find something small that you enjoy doing at work, and focus on that one simple thing. By doing that, it helps set up a foundation of seeing simplicity in even complicated demands. The complexity happens when you try to think of everything at once, instead of focusing on one task at a time. When you focus on one idea at a time it’s digestible, and reduces stress, which in turns makes you happier.
When the mind is relaxed and centered you are more productive.
The Zen of your work environment is a tool that can be used to help focus on one aspect of your everyday life, which in turn makes all the other areas more peaceful.
This idea may seem too simple, and your mind already wants specific things to do, or tasks, but that’s it. It’s a very simple idea and that’s the point. When you can manage to focus on one thought at a time, and do each to the best of your ability, it will transcend through out your life. The most efficient people do this, they are not gifted with some super power, they are able to focus the task to their ability and better understand it.
As simple as it is, people over look it all the time. You can make your environment great or a nightmare depending on you perception of it. If you are a white color worker, your office or cubicle can be groomed they way you want it to keep you happy and relaxed. You may have an overload of emails, memos, and every day routines. The secret to multi tasking in an office atmosphere is to focus on one thing at a time. Having all your attention on one task lets you understand and evaluate it more. The more you understand, the simpler it becomes which reduces complexity and makes everyone much happier.
Lets say you are a blue collar working, granted you most likely are not sitting in a nice cushy ergonomic chair. Still nonetheless, be mindful of things that need to be done, but focus on one thing at a time. You would be surprised how well this works for anything.
The Art of Office Zen is an attempt to reduce the mental noise of complexity that we overload our minds with. All these negative things hurt your chances to be happy at work, home, and in life.
A happy worker is a productive worker, which is a benefit to what you do as well to yourself. Without delving into any spiritual hocus-pocus, we took one simple idea that works for anything.
No matter what you do for a living, keeping things simple wont make living complex work. No rules, or wrong ways about it, everyone is different, but one thing Office Zen can show that we all have in common is to be happy.
Zen Meditation: Stop and Smell the Roses!
How many of us walk through life wondering what our purpose is? How many of us look in a mirror and wonder who we are and what we want out of life?
Why is it that we do so? How many times have you said, ‘I would like to purchase that’ or ‘I want to go there.’ But who is ‘I’? Do you really know yourself? Zen is the process of knowing who you truly are.
This is generally done by living the right way and practicing your meditation. When you live a Zen lifestyle, you can achieve happiness and contentment.
1) Importance
We rush, day to day, to do the things that need to be done. Little Johnny needs to get to soccer practice, Susan needs to get to dance, the report needs to be on your boss desk by 10 a.m., you need to make lunches, get dinner, etc.
We get to the point in which we are extremely burned out and are ready to pull someones hair out. This type of stress can age you quickly. One of the first things you should do is figure out what is important in your life.
What do you want to be doing with your time? Do not just think about it; write it down. Write down four to five things that you want to accomplish with your life, as well as four to five things you want to get done at your job.
Also, put down four to five people with whom you truly want to spend time. This should give you an idea of what is really important to you.
Next, figure out if you truly need all the commitments you have going.
Do your children really need to have three after-school activities per day? Do you need to take on more things when you are already very busy? You need to prioritize your life by choosing the things that are really necessary in your life. Instead of doing eight things a day, do three.
Take the things out of your life that you do not need to do so that you can focus more on the things that you do need to do.
2) Slow Down
One of the best ways to live a Zen lifestyle is to stop and smell the roses.
Before I had children, I rushed through my everyday tasks and landed in a heap on the couch shortly before 11 p.m. Then I had children and truly learned the meaning of the word ‘multi-tasking.’
One day my three-year-old stopped me and pointed out a little caterpillar on the road. I had almost stepped on it! I was moving so fast to get to my destination that I forgot to look around at where I was going.
Most of us all rush around without noticing our surroundings? We take for granted the area in which we live. Whether you are in the city or in the country, there is always something to see.
Try slowing down when you brush your teeth, or when you are cooking supper. When you take things at a slower pace, and live in the MOMENT, you can find true enjoyment in every task.
3) One Thing at a Time
As I said, once I had children, ‘Multi-task’ became my middle name. I was able to cook supper, prepare my girlfriend’s lunch, make the morning coffee, and work at my internet business all at the same time.
Did I enjoy it? Absolutely not.
There was no part of those tasks that was enjoyable to me, and I got to the point that I hated doing it. Instead of multitasking, try single-tasking. Do one thing at a time and do it well.
When you are making your sandwich for the next day, make an amazing sandwich. Add pickles and other vegetables and make it a truly amazing sandwich. Not only will you slow down, but you will have a wonderful sandwich to enjoy the next day.
4) Solitude
A big part of the Zen lifestyle involves learning how to live with solitude. Some people are scared of the quiet and being alone, but there is nothing to be scared of.
The quiet and solitude can give you time to meditate about your day and about your life. Even if you choose to sit back and quietly enjoy a book, the silence gives your brain time to work through everything that has occurred since the last moments you had in silence.
Living a Zen lifestyle is about minimizing the things you do not need and maximizing the things that are important. In doing this, you can achieve peacefulness and a sense of self.
Why is it that we do so? How many times have you said, ‘I would like to purchase that’ or ‘I want to go there.’ But who is ‘I’? Do you really know yourself? Zen is the process of knowing who you truly are.
This is generally done by living the right way and practicing your meditation. When you live a Zen lifestyle, you can achieve happiness and contentment.
1) Importance
We rush, day to day, to do the things that need to be done. Little Johnny needs to get to soccer practice, Susan needs to get to dance, the report needs to be on your boss desk by 10 a.m., you need to make lunches, get dinner, etc.
We get to the point in which we are extremely burned out and are ready to pull someones hair out. This type of stress can age you quickly. One of the first things you should do is figure out what is important in your life.
What do you want to be doing with your time? Do not just think about it; write it down. Write down four to five things that you want to accomplish with your life, as well as four to five things you want to get done at your job.
Also, put down four to five people with whom you truly want to spend time. This should give you an idea of what is really important to you.
Next, figure out if you truly need all the commitments you have going.
Do your children really need to have three after-school activities per day? Do you need to take on more things when you are already very busy? You need to prioritize your life by choosing the things that are really necessary in your life. Instead of doing eight things a day, do three.
Take the things out of your life that you do not need to do so that you can focus more on the things that you do need to do.
2) Slow Down
One of the best ways to live a Zen lifestyle is to stop and smell the roses.
Before I had children, I rushed through my everyday tasks and landed in a heap on the couch shortly before 11 p.m. Then I had children and truly learned the meaning of the word ‘multi-tasking.’
One day my three-year-old stopped me and pointed out a little caterpillar on the road. I had almost stepped on it! I was moving so fast to get to my destination that I forgot to look around at where I was going.
Most of us all rush around without noticing our surroundings? We take for granted the area in which we live. Whether you are in the city or in the country, there is always something to see.
Try slowing down when you brush your teeth, or when you are cooking supper. When you take things at a slower pace, and live in the MOMENT, you can find true enjoyment in every task.
3) One Thing at a Time
As I said, once I had children, ‘Multi-task’ became my middle name. I was able to cook supper, prepare my girlfriend’s lunch, make the morning coffee, and work at my internet business all at the same time.
Did I enjoy it? Absolutely not.
There was no part of those tasks that was enjoyable to me, and I got to the point that I hated doing it. Instead of multitasking, try single-tasking. Do one thing at a time and do it well.
When you are making your sandwich for the next day, make an amazing sandwich. Add pickles and other vegetables and make it a truly amazing sandwich. Not only will you slow down, but you will have a wonderful sandwich to enjoy the next day.
4) Solitude
A big part of the Zen lifestyle involves learning how to live with solitude. Some people are scared of the quiet and being alone, but there is nothing to be scared of.
The quiet and solitude can give you time to meditate about your day and about your life. Even if you choose to sit back and quietly enjoy a book, the silence gives your brain time to work through everything that has occurred since the last moments you had in silence.
Living a Zen lifestyle is about minimizing the things you do not need and maximizing the things that are important. In doing this, you can achieve peacefulness and a sense of self.