Cultivating a Zen State of Mind
In a world full of unprecedented change, we are having to constantly adapt to keep up with the dynamic environment we live in. It is clear to see that the external world is constantly in movement. However, we have the power to realise the potential of our minds and the inner stillness we can cultivate from within. This remains firmly within our control.
Our minds can sometimes get swept up amongst all the externalities in our life. The news, social media, changing circumstances all play a part in how we feel. But by taking the time to examine our minds we can start to develop the calm from within the storm. Through understanding our motivations, assessing our emotions and challenging some of our embedded views.
By taking the time to observe, we can gain the clarity we greatly desire in our lives.
We often want the external world and the unfolding of events to be exactly as planned and to match the imprinted version we have created in our minds. However, reversing this logic – and allowing the world outside to change and instead to focus on what we can control - our minds, we can better react to changes, be more in control and improve our mental well-being.
This calmness will improve your effectiveness. When you cultivate a zen state of mind, you are able to go about your day, making decisions, working on projects and feeling energised. We are the ones who have to take responsibility for this shift in mindset. To look within. To escape from the internal, unhelpful whirlpools, we accidentally create for ourselves. To move past feeling out of control and instead direct our focus and energy into what we can.
This is unlikely to be an overnight shift. This is an investment in your long-term future. To create a mindset that will allow you to be and feel your best.
The most highly talked about and often sought-after examination of your mind is through mediation. However, it is possible to cultivate this zen-like mindset by making small changes in your daily life. Through subtle changes in your frame of thinking, through appreciating that we don’t control the outside world; pausing to take a breath at times where we feel overwhelmed; taking a moment to notice your emotions and stopping to reflect on your thoughts. All of these will result in a calmer state of mind over time.
By letting go of the temptation to control what we simply cannot, we can live in the peace of our own minds.
The centre of a hurricane is always still; so we can be too.
