Find Zen in Everyday

Zen, defined as realizing the present moment, is not something we can only practice in the Zendo (where one sits for meditation). Just as smelling the roses isn't restricted to rose gardens. Zen can be found in the here and now. Find beauty in a smile. Find peace in a brief walk around the office.

Although it is sometimes impossible to get away from our hectic daily schedules, we can create moments of space to breathe and "just be" throughout the day. Try setting an hourly alarm on your computer or wrist watch to remind you to stretch and breathe. Practice being present for an entire phone conversation (like those conference calls for example) or a meeting with your boss; you will feel more alive. Select a daily task you would normally not pay much attention to (like making the kids' lunches in the morning) and be present throughout the task. It may not take up any more of your time, but you will feel so much more joyful for it. Give Zen a try! You and others around you will thank you for it.

Packed with Emptiness

I scheduled my day in advance today, blocking out all of my work tasks on my train ride in by timed sections: calls due before 11am, follow up emails due before 1pm, process contracts before 3:30pm, prospecting due before 5pm, marketing due before 6:30pm. Within a minute or two after arriving at my desk, I begin to work steadily and focused on the time-allotted tasks. Suddenly I look at the clock and it's already 12pm. I haven't had a drink of water, gone to the bathroom, eaten a meal or even glanced out my window at the gorgeous day. I feel as though I've been holding my breath and waiting to live, to dance again. Where do I go when I lose myself in my work? How much stress am I causing myself? Where is the balance between being productive while maintaining sense of self? Sure, deep breaths help a lot IF I remember to breathe. In Zen Buddhism it can take a lifetime of practicing self awareness to bring about a higher sense of self.

I watched the Presidential Inauguration and was inspired and deeply touched by it. I was aware of myself. I took a short walk around 2:30pm to get some fresh air and a cup of tea. I was aware of myself. If I could only apply this awareness to when I'm knocking out tasks at my desk; my life would be so much juicier. Does anyone know where can I get a juicer for my life?

Unshakable Me

I've spent most of my life second-guessing myself. My insecurities have always shined through the moment someone of authority crosses my path. These people- they don't know me, but they won't hesitate to tell me what they think I should stand for. I listen. I question myself. I forget who I am. I forget what I want. I forget where I'm going. And just like that, I'm lost. Grasping for something "out there" to show me what's inside myself. Some confirmation that I'm doing it "the right way". How backwards.

And so it continues until I'm exhausted. I often have to retreat to regain focus. It is in the retreat where I can see what I've stood for all along: love. All ego, judgement and arrogance aside. I stand for love. I only wish I could be unwavering in my love. I want the balance of hearing someone else's opinion of me minus the affected outcome. I hope to go through tomorrow with an unshakable me.