Ten Ways to Nourish Your Inner Zen

Ten Ways to Nourish Your Inner Zen: Part One

"Things do not change; we change." - Henry David Thoreau

While "Zen" originates from Buddhist practice, it has transformed into a cultural phenomenon. Rather than attempt to list a multitude of definitions for the concept of Zen, I want to move beyond mere details and focus on how one can ignite his or her inner Zen, something that can be experienced as a state of inner calm.

Without searching for the magic wand that will obliterate our less than ideal conditions and leave us with a surplus of worry-free time, how can we use personal intention to translate inner Zen into our current life?

While I can't claim that I am the most "Zen" person you'll ever meet, I am working towards making changes that help me take steps towards creating a life that includes my inner Zen as a significant component. Regardless of where you are today, you can revel in the knowledge that at any moment, you can simply decide to begin nourishing your inner life.

I will discuss 5 methods in Part One and 5 methods in Part Two that may help you find that inner Zen. After reading through these five methods, be sure to check for the little extra bonus I've included at the end of the post.

1. Breathe
So simple; so reflexive, yet how often do you consciously think about "breathing?" For me, the answer is...not too often. Recently, I was reminded of the importance of not letting this action remain on autopilot. That powerful reminder came in the form of a recent post entitled "Breathe" by Leo Babauta on ZenHabits.

2. Ask Powerful, Thought-Provoking Questions
Jennifer Lee, a life coach, artist, and yogini, created Artizen Coaching to inspire unfolding your life vision. After working through three forms posted on her site, I realized the importance the sense of Zen is to my personal development. The forms helped me assess my life overall, determine what is essential for my personal well-being, and enable me to create actions that align with my vision.

3. Replace "Uhm" with "Om"
I began practicing yoga six years ago, and the effort started with lots of uncertainty. I had never before done anything that required my mind to stay so focused on "now." When the instructor asked us to lie on our backs for the last 15 minutes of class, I darted out the door. Still, I returned day after day; I had found something compelling about yoga that I couldn't find in anything else. In a word, it was "mindfulness." Below are a few great resources to help you explore the basics of yoga. For those who already practice yoga, these may help you find some unique types of yoga to explore.
-> Yoga Basics
-> My Yoga Online
-> Yoga Journal Online
-> OM Yoga
-> PranaVayu Yoga
-> Shiva Nata: The Dance of Shiva

4. Relax
Relaxing is an action, so feel free to do something relaxing. Some examples include knitting, scrapbooking, photography, creating handmade gifts, sitting in a comfy position with a great magazine or book, or taking a walk outside.

5. Simplify
In order to begin nurturing your inner life, you must first create a strong but flexible foundation. Rigidity is not conducive to exploration. To focus on less and overcome the persistent distractions that encumber us, it's important to learn how you can simplify the things that are causing the most resistance in your life. I am fortunate to be able to work with Aby Garvey, otherwise known as the creative organizing and simplification guru. Aby strongly emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity. Stuff, tasks, and action items are constant components of our lives. You can indeed live by focusing exclusively on the things you must still do, or you can choose to live a life you love--while still being successful. In short, there is no magic wand. Instead, the secret lies in joining a process of trial and error that will ultimately give you the control you need to decide how you're going to focus your energy. Simplifying your life is much more than assembling a collection of color-coded file folders and calendars; rather, it takes reflection and consistent dedication.

Without creating space for "you" in your life, establishing a sense of inner calm will remain a constant struggle.

- - - Download - - -

To supplement this post, I created a download that you can utilize to establish a personal treasury of the resources, thoughts, and tips that are most beneficial to you. I kept it simple so you can tailor it to fit your specific needs. This "knowledge treasury" can serve as a printable inspiration board.

I hope you find the download helpful, and I look forward to providing more resources that can serve as catalysts for turning knowledge into action--and action into change.

--> Download Document

Follow Carolyn Rubenstein on Twitter: www.twitter.com/clrsimple2

Comments

[mrhero]

Carolyn, I meant to comment some more about your post the other day where you tell of your young friend, Matt, who, as you noted, has since passed away, was distinguishing his situation of knowing you have a disease that may take your life away from one of immediate unexpected death with the example given by Matt of the massacre on the campus of VT where he was a student. While a prolonged illness such as Matt had is terrible for the family and friends, it does give time to live and enjoy being together and there is always hope no matter how dire the doctors say the situation is. Miracles do happen! That was such a thoughtful example of what everyone no matter what their beliefs, age, etc can learn from such a young brave soul as Matt and your sharing his story keeps his memory alive for those that knew him as well as those of us who did not. Thank you for sharing this.

[Wonderwheel]

The more I consider it the more I see your use of the term Zen to be just another exploitation of a religious tradition that you don't belong to. I don't see your use of the word Zen to be any better than the use of the word Zen on cereal or hand soap which are also inappropriate. Why don't you call your program Christ-awareness or Yoga? Please exploit some other spiritual tradition and leave Zen alone.

[mrhero]

To me, zen is a state of mind and being and to others it is a spiritual place. In other words, it has different meanings depending upon one's viewpoint. It doesn't mean one interpretation is right; another wrong. Both are right for the individual. Neither is wrong. If someone says that Carolyn's post is not about true inner feelings then that person is not properly interpreting "zen" regardless of one's viewpoint or perspective.

To learn more about zen without going to China, check out Wikepedia's zen entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen. As Carolyn noted (and the user collective of Wikepedia is in synch), zen is "mindfulness" although certainly others view it as part of a religious belief; both schools of thought have their place in any thoughtful discussion of zen. Each person finds his or her own way and has his or her own ways of seeking the path of life in order to achieve one's "inner" strength and peace.

Thank you again Carolyn for the post which reflects wisdom; and cannot wait to hear more about the Knowledge Treasury.

[Wonderwheel]

Interesting article but I don't see any Zen there.. At best it might be called by the Japanese term "Bompu" Zen which is the lowest form of Zen using meditation for health that has nothing to do with the profound meaning of Zen..

[Carolyn Rubenstein - Huffpost Blogger]

I am a bit familiar with "bompu" Zen and its critical role in understanding and practicing mindfulness - a basic foundation upon which one builds the "profound meaning of Zen." This post does not discuss or explore religious or spiritual beliefs. Its sole purpose is to provide basic tools that through personal experience have helped me and others close to me to persevere through struggles, tragedies, and everyday issues. I will never claim to be an expert on these topics as I am learning day-to-day just as every individual does.

I do apologize if you felt this post would go into religious practices; however, that was not my intention.

I highly respect the HuffPost community and hope that discussion remains respectful.

[mrhero]

The Knowledge Treasury is such a neat idea -- I am already starting it! Between that and yoga, I am totally zenned. Thanks again.

[dckpdckp]

This is a very inspiring post. It is empowering to know that we have the ability to find peace wherever and whenever we need it. Of course, the hard part is putting that knowledge into action and actually helping ouselves. Thank you for reminding us how much control we actually have.

[catoutofhell]

Great tips that will carry me through the weekend. As the great Zenmaster Phil Jackson said "Wisdom is always an overmatch for strength."

[Carolyn Rubenstein - Huffpost Blogger]

Great quote! Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend!

[Zenlady]

Very insightful article. A coworker passed this along to me and i agree 1000% with your views on a calmer more peaceful life! Breathing is the most essential element of them all in my opinion! Thanks

[Ben Spoont]

I agree -- i think that breathing (and taking a break -- going out for a walk of fresh air) is so important to maintaining a happy life

[Carolyn Rubenstein - Huffpost Blogger]

Oh I love your user name! So great :). I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the post and must agree that breathing is essential!
Have a great weekend,
Carolyn

[pinkiej]

with today's added stress we all need words of encouragement on how to keep ourselves stress free. Mind and body therapy is the best thing for us to stay alert.

[Ben Spoont]

So true! I try to do yoga a couple times a week

[Carolyn Rubenstein - Huffpost Blogger]

Definitely :) - thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[luckygurl]

Another informative self-help article... keep them coming!!

[Carolyn Rubenstein - Huffpost Blogger]

Thank you! Part two to come next week!

[Beatranger]

This is now the 2nd article i have read by you and both have been extremely helpful in my day to day life and the stresses that come with it! Thank you for that!

[Ben Spoont]

Ditto that!

[Lili Motta]

Thanks for this post Carolyn, perfect timing for me, I really needed to read that today.

I love the download resource you provided, printing it out now! :)

Looking forward to reading more :)

[Jocelyn Ward]

Carolyn, thank you so much for reminding me that there's even a state of inner calmness to reach... it's easy to forget when we become inundated with all of life's stressors. I love that you started out with breathing as the first step - not many people take the time to do this and yet it's so simple and can do wonders in lowering anxiety levels. I also love the "knowledge treasury" you created... this is a wonderful way to identify and gather all the resources I have available to me for self-nourishing. I can't wait to see what else you have in store for us!

[smarder]

Carolyn, thank you for this piece. Even simply reading it was calming, and the five key areas in bold above will definitely assist people in finding and fine-tuning their inner zen. Have a great weekend, and keep the articles coming!

[mrhero]

Great post! I particularly liked the Knowledge Treasury download. On your next post, could you add some examples of what you put in your Knowledge Treasury so we have a feel for how this might work in practice? Thanks.

[Carolyn Rubenstein - Huffpost Blogger]

Absolutely! I'm working on my personal knowledge treasury and will post it as an example!

[tapeatsbill]

I trip the Rubenzentastic. Then, I breath.

Feeling the thanks.

Bill

[Carolyn Rubenstein - Huffpost Blogger]

Thanks for commenting, Bill.