KEEP YOUR ZEN UP

Life in the 21st century is busy. Good business requires goals, deadlines, and results. Maybe it’s time to slow down and Zen.

Are you constantly rushing, trying to do one task and then the next? If so, you might experience anxiety due to the pressure of relentless doing as opposed to being. Not getting enough downtime leaves you stressed, and finding peace and calm in the middle of business is challenging. However, there are ways to add a little Zen to your life.

Live in the moment

Many of your worries stem from looking ahead to tasks you’ve yet to carry out. You anticipate results, often with worst-case scenarios in mind. Doing so puts you in fight or flight mode, lowering your immunity and joy. When you live in the moment, there’s less to worry about, and you have more energy to put into what you are doing.

To be present more, you need to notice your mind wandering to the future and bring it back to the current time. You might create a mantra, like “I pay attention to this moment,” and use it whenever thoughts about coming events arise.

Practice karma yoga

No doubt, you question your competence and fear whether the tasks you undertake will bring you what you need. You may worry about earning money and being seen in a good light, or you may be anxious for other reasons. Practice karma yoga, and you won’t feel stressed about such matters.

Karma yoga is referred to as selfless service because when you practice, you put your thoughts and energy into serving rather than feeding your ego. Your ego tells you to pursue fame and riches, and gain as much as possible. However, when you drop your ego to achieve a goal, your efforts are unconditional. Focus on serving rather than what you might gain and stress will leave.

Mindful actions

When you need more Zen in your life, and stress threatens to overwhelm you, become mindful of each action you perform. As you engage in movements, become aware of how your body feels. Notice the sensation of breathing, stretching, and walking. Focus on tasks, let unwanted thoughts pass, and you will feel peaceful. Take each moment as it comes, allowing it to unfurl without the need to control anything. Keep bringing your attention back to experiencing your actions.

Cues for Zen

Whether you’re at home, work, or about to drive your car, you can prepare reminders to be calm. Cues for Zen are signals to the brain, letting you know it’s time to let go of stress. Such prompts remind you to be mindful and practice karma yoga if concerns abound.

Use cues you associate with calmness, such as printed affirmations or lavender oil. The prompts that work best for you will mentally transport you to the sensation of peace and may be personal to you. Thus, a crystal pendant, amethyst keyring, purple velvet cushion, or favorite piece of music might do the trick. Think about what you can carry with you or place somewhere prominent that’s linked with serenity in your mind.

When you’re terminally busy, you need more Zen. You can reduce stress and increase calmness by staying in the moment. Practicing karma yoga and completing tasks with service in mind will help you accomplish your goal. If you also are mindful, focused on activities, and have cues set up for Zen, your worries may vanish.