more participants at Jenny Matlock's Alphabet Thursday
Today the word "zen" has become quiet commun. If you are very much excited, nervous, or agitated people tell you to be more "zen" instead of "calm down", "take it easy" etc. Of course even the new word "be zen" doesn't help and makes you even more agitated.
When I looked up to know the origin of this new word in our vocabulary, (it moved in in all languages), there is so much to read that it would take me a few a days or even weeks, so for those who want to know more when and why "Zen" came to the Western world you can find all about it here.
Although it is difficult to trace back when the West first became aware of Zen, apparently a Japanese Zen monk, started with it in Chicago during the World Parliament of Religions in 1893. But it was only during the late 1950s and the early 1960s that the number of Westerners got a serious interest in Zen which then began to reach a significant level. Especially Japanese Zen has gained popularity in the West.
One way to think of zen is this: "a total state of focus that incorporates a total togetherness of body and mind". I am not sure that I reached this, but at least my head sits on my body. That's already something. Where my mind is depends.
Apparently Zen "involves dropping illusion and seeing things without distortion created by your own thoughts". An example was given :
"Sun is warm, grass is green." So I must be zen, because that I knew. Only sometimes the sun is not warm, then it becomes complicated.
After having studied enough about being Zen, I now feel better and far more wiser !
All of you follow my advice : Be zen, even if your house burns down in front of your eyes ! Then you have reached the perfect "yourself".
I don't think I'm zen. At all. I am always nervous and agitated. Totally the opposite of zen.
ReplyDeletecool Z :)
ReplyDeleteGood idea! xo Jenny
ReplyDeleteI want to be Zen. I try to be Zen. I aim to be Zen. My cats are working to make me Zen. But I think I am doomed to live an erratic lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteMmm, I needed to draw on zen when I got so agitated with the staff last month!
ReplyDeleteHello Gattina.
ReplyDeleteI'm always zen...it's my wife who is un-zen...I'm her biggest responsibility (lol)! Thanks for sharing.
Moonlight Zephyr
You are invited to join me for the debut of the Lovers' Cove Challenge on May 26th.
Then, I'm hosting the second Blog Hop Saturday! on June 2nd. Everyone is welcome...hope you can join the fun!
The zen attitude should be our daily life! I try to be zen cause this WE I play theater and be on stage tomorrow and saturday! Ton billet vient à point pour me rappeler que je dois rester zen! C'est si dur, je n'y arrive pas!
ReplyDeleteI'm in-between, I think. I've always wanted to be able to sit in the zen pose, but am not flexible enough. DRATS! Good Z post!!!
ReplyDeleteCathy
Ziggy
While helping Hubby with the dishwasher, it required me to get down on the floor in a "zen" position! Then my knee locked! OMG!It took me several minutes to "unlock" the silly knee!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun look at being zen in today's world.
ReplyDeleteI like to think I am! I've been accused of it, and give it must best, and yet I know we must live it everyday....step by step.....to have Zen one must be Zen...or so they say!
ReplyDeleteSorry I have not been commenting much on your blogs recently, but I think you know I have been having major computer issues. I have just enjoyed a great catch up you produce so many posts. I love the current header on this one.
ReplyDeleteI probably need to stop and take deep yoga breathes more often.
ReplyDeleteI could use a little more zen in my life...
ReplyDelete=)
My own thoughts probably color my life too much! I probably need a bit more zen!
ReplyDeleteEasier said than done. When I'm alone I am in Zen mode
ReplyDeleteBut then you wake up and the world is all about chaos....not zen.
Besides..... what is normal today?
You don;t say anything people are mad you didn;t say anything. You say something people are mad you said something lol.
Conclusion??? People are not in Zen mode lol
Oh I would love to be zen instead of zippy....
ReplyDeleteI'm mostly too zingy to be zen. Love the zen litter box cartoon!
ReplyDeleteThis was so much fun! I really like my visit here today! I hope you weekend is wonderful. Come visit soon.
ReplyDeleteDeep! Great Z post♫♪
ReplyDeleteLOL, Gattina! I thik I've reached the same level of zen as you!
ReplyDeleteI remember a book called "Be Here Now."
I definitely need more zen in my life!
ReplyDeleteI love the principle. Don't let the outside determine how you feel inside.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think I'm zen...
ReplyDelete...but I suspect that my family would disagree.
Gattina. I just want to thank you for being such a joy to read during this round of Alphabe-Thursday.
Your posts have made me think, made me smile and sometimes made me cry.
You are a delight. Thank you.
Hugs and A+