Zen You and Me 

Do one thing at a time 

Do it slowly and deliberately 

Do it completely 

Do less

Put space between things 

Develop rituals 

Designate time for certain things 

Devote time to sitting

Smile and serve others 

Think about what is necessary 

Live simply 

Finding Zen: 

Zen means to come back to a moment of clarity and awareness. Clarity means responding to the truth of whatever situation presents itself to us.

Balance by keeping 

your thoughts positive 

Your circle small

your life private 

your intentions pure

your focus in the now 

your soul at peace

The Crystal Cup

Zen master was given a beautifully crafted crystal cup. It was a gift from a former student.

He was very grateful. Every day, he enjoyed drinking out of his glass. He would show it to visitors and tell them about the kindness of his student.

But every morning, he held the cup in his hand for a few seconds and reminded himself: “This glass is already broken.”

One day, a clumsy visitor toppled the glass on its shelf. The cup fell down. When it hit the floor, it was smashed into thousands of tiny pieces.

The other visitors gasped in shock, but the Zen master remained calm. Looking at the mess in front of his feet, he said: “Ah. Yes. Let’s begin.”

He picked up a broom and started sweeping.


Perseverance

It Will Pass

A student went to his meditation teacher and said, "My meditation is horrible! I feel so distracted, or my legs ache, or I'm constantly falling asleep. It's just horrible!"

"It will pass," the teacher said matter-of-factly.

A week later, the student came back to his teacher. "My meditation is wonderful! I feel so aware, so peaceful, so alive! It's just wonderful!'

"It will pass," the teacher replied matter-of-factly.

Art of Learning

A young but earnest Zen student approached his teacher, and asked the Zen Master: “If I work very hard and diligent how long will it take for me to find Zen?” The Master thought about this, then replied, 

“Ten years.”

The student then said, “But what if I work very, very hard and really apply myself to learn fast. How long then?”Well, twenty years,” replied the master. “But, if I really, really work at it. How long then?” asked the student.

“Thirty years,” replied the master.

“But, I do not understand,” said the disappointed student. “At each time that I say I will work harder, you say it will take me longer. Why do you say that?” The master replied, “When you have one eye on the goal, you only have one eye on the path.”



Seven Madly Zens to follow: 

                Rise early 

        Exercise 

Declutter

Take a Breather 

   Meditate 

  Treat yourself 

   Sleep well