There is too much noise in our world! And, this is being said by a person whose motto is “loud is good!” I love loud things: music, cars, fast boats, the streets of Manhattan, but at the same time, it is a wonderful break to retreat from the noise in the world and have “zen moments.” A zen moment can be anything that brings inner peace to a person. Zen moments can be petting the family cat, sitting outside on a warm sunny day, watching the waves in the ocean, or just sitting idly and doing nothing. Particularly when one’s business partner is one’s spouse, zen moments can be few and far between, such that they have to be sought after as if one’s life depends on them. Sometimes, a few minutes of quiet, zen like reflection is all it takes to transform a hectic day into a meaningful life experience. Zen moments don’t have to involve yoga, meditation, or incense (although incense does help provide the right atmosphere!). All it takes to promote a zen mindset is to slow down, be quiet, and listen to one’s inner being.
I started trying to write my comments on this topic while waiting on my car at the repair shop. I found a quiet corner in the guest lounge, fired up the computer, and went to work remotely. Only, it wasn’t that easy. The wifi connection kept dropping and it was painfully slow when it did connect. There was no zen to be had, so I gave up. I do not know if I know what a true zen moment is like, but for me it usually involves viewing something like a beautiful sunset or butterflies, or birds in the Everglades and staring through a lens watching their simple behaviors of finding food and staying alive – getting in tune with their worlds. In the office, quiet moments are rare, but closing the door, and cleaning one’s head with a brief diversionary break to send a friend a note or call can be helpful in getting back to a productive mindset. Workplace stress is all the more reason to find a way to focus on something positive and stress reducing. One other way for me is to lean back in my chair and look at the photos on my walls, photos taken all over the world. If I can’t be looking through the lens, this is not a bad 2nd choice. But, if you don’t have the luxury of a private office or a window view, take time to breathe some fresh air and focus on things other than work for a few
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