Zened Out

Many years ago Buddhism interested me! For its simplicity in practices, for the colourful flags they let flutter and also because of the desire to rebel against fascism of the church heads.

I explored talks, read books, followed leaders, watched movies around Buddhism! 

But, there were other deterrents, thoughts of killing were considered a No No! 

And so I stuck to the religion I was born into!

I continued seeking knowledge into this practice. Thats when Zenism hit me! Not to be followed as a religion but as a way of life!

Zen in its raw form means meditation.

Being passionate about anything I take up, it consumes a lot of energy! Super stressed soul! This is where meditation was suggested to me!

I had taken up running long distance to heal the mind and appease the body. 

Meditation was for the soul!

I tried it! I was told to sit still and focus on nothingness! 

It was a failure! I could neither be a yogi nor a Zen master!

It hurt that I could fail at something that came so easy to many!

Slowly over a period of time I realised that meditation comes in many forms, religion is not a community to belong but a way of life.

Success or failure, good times, bad times ........ life goes on.

Some learnings from my journey through the years!

Savour life!

There were years when I lived by the clock! everything had to happen on time, like clockwork. A practice instilled in my by my dad and strict upbringing. This had acquaintances wonder if I was a army brat!!

Yes, this kind of living had its benefits, there were no surprises. 

I also realised I left no room to be impulsive.

Thats when I met someone who taught me to stop, see and enjoy every thing I did.

Even the simple act of rushing my coffee before a run, eating breakfast on the go all slowed down.

Now, I spent time sitting down to have my first cup of coffee, running could wait 10 minutes.

Getting ready 10 minutes earlier, meant I could enjoy the breakfast instead of it being exposed to the dust and pollution on the road.

“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves — slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future.”

One size does not fit all!

What works for them, does not work for you.

Thats when I realised running was my meditation, whether I ran slow, raced or enjoyed the views, It was my Zen.

I could run for 2 hours and finish the day happy! 

I could spend the time I ran to heal the mind, appease the body and feed the soul! 

I did not have to stay still in a quiet place to meditate, I could keep moving, I could have my headphones on and still reach that stage.

Think one thing, focus on whatever you are doing, let your thoughts flow, do not block them! Slowly over an hour, or more you will attain the calmness you desire.

"In the stillness of the mind I saw myself as I am- unbound"

The meaning of life

I thought I had to achieve a certain designation, a certain level of financial success, work in big name companies, travel in fancy cars to prove that my life had meaning.

This was a misconception brought about by the wrong crowd.

I slowly learnt that I had to have a purpose for my life. I had to fulfil that purpose everyday, not at the end of my career,as a retirement plan or on certain days of the month! Every single day, live your purpose. That adds meaning to life.

So today, If i can brighten someone's day with a kind word, a note of gratitude, giving way to someone else more in need of an auto during peak hours, listening to a friend who needs a listening ear, I do it all!

Do more! Live each day! Do not wait for something better to start dong something small! Live the life you have today!

I see the smiling tea shop owner on my way to work, his purpose is to serve tea, he does it with a smile, through the day, even on my way back.

He does not make huge cash profits, but he does make a million smiles! Everyday!

"When you plant a seed of love, it is you that blossoms."

Not the destination, but the journey

"Are we there yet?" "How much longer?" 

I did it as a kid, now my daughters do it.

Till I started traveling around.

Road trips to very normal places, made exquisite by the company we keep and the roads we take.

This made me appreciate the whole process, not just the result,

When you run a marathon, the final result is a 42.2 km on the race day. The journey towards the 42 is such a fulfilling trip, every week you learn something new, you experience something more than just the one race. 

I appreciate the learning I gain not just the salary hikes we look forward to. 

Aim for the final goal, take pleasure in attaining that, but do not ignore the small wins on the way.

"It is better to travel well than arrive."

Let go

This is always difficult, we are hoarders!

Of emotion, anger, love, relationships.

I did this and I hurt, I allowed myself to be hurt.

I held onto grudges, I never forgave.

I clung on to past mistakes. 

Misunderstandings and breakups made me hard.

A counselling diploma helped me understand myself, helped me lose the things I held onto, including the debris that has washed into my shores. 

Today there is a deeper compassion. A detached attachment.

The peace within comes from a higher understanding. 

"You can only lose what you cling to"

Find happiness where you are! It is waiting to be found, in your present job, in your family, circle of friends.

Anything new adds on to the happiness.

Do not wait!! 

Live! In the Now!

"Open your arms to change, but do not let go of your values"