We chase activities, obligations and goals. That’s why stress is everywhere in our lives. So how can we become zen? Is it even possible? Here are 5 powerful tips for living a calmer, stress-free life.

1 – Understand that society pushes us to make mistakes

Of course society pushes us to make mistakes, because it spends its time creating new needs and new dreams.

And it keeps telling us that if you want it, you can get it, that anything is possible.

In fact, between two ads inventing a new need, it slips in an ad for a super consumer credit.

Then, between the lines, we understand that we have to hurry, because we only have one life and we shouldn’t miss it.

That’s why we run around, getting restless, creating ever more stress and frustration.

What are you running after?

Take a moment to ask yourself this question, sincerely.

I mean it. What are you running from, filled with stress and frustration?

2 – Understand that we are here on Earth to live in peace

Indeed, do you think you’re on Earth to do as many things as possible in your day, and even in your life, and be constantly stressed and frustrated?

Or, do you think you’re on Earth to end your day and even your life in a peaceful way?

The choice is yours.

So, if you decide to live a peaceful life, in other words, to become zen, how do you go about it?

First of all, you have to stop falling into the trap of advertising and even social networks.

In fact, you have to stop looking at what others are doing, stop imagining what you should be doing, and get back to what you’re doing, right now, in your life.

And, to do what you do, but differently.

Not by thinking about what else you could be doing, not by rushing off to do something else.

In fact, becoming zen means learning to do what you’re already doing, but with a different intention. A calmer intention.

3 – Accept slowing down to become zen

In fact, to become zen, in concrete terms, you have to accept that you need to slow down.

To do this, you have to stop doing a thousand and one things in a day and do just a few.

Slow down!

Because living intensely doesn’t mean running around doing lots of things.

Living intensely means doing few things, but doing them with intensity.

Can you tell the difference?

That’s why I wholeheartedly invite you not to fill your days to the brim.

Give yourself time to do everything.

Do them consciously.

Because it’s urgent that you stop letting stress devour your life.

In fact, if you’re living a stressful life, it’s because you need to slow down. It’s a signal. Take it on board and do the right thing, because if you don’t, no one else will.

4 – Sorting to become zen

You know, life is very simple.

In fact, life doesn’t happen on top of a glacier, nor does it happen on a yacht in an unknown sea.

Because life happens exactly where you are.

That doesn’t mean you don’t have dreams, plans and goals. Indeed, it doesn’t mean giving up the things that matter to you.

But it does mean stopping believing that your life will only begin when you’ve realized your dreams or achieved your goals.

Your life is now, but to realize this, you need to sort things out.

Indeed, sort out your dreams and goals, keeping only those that really matter.

Then move towards them with curiosity and gratitude.

In other words, don’t let frustration consume your life.

5 – Learn to marvel

Once you’ve slowed down and sorted yourself out, you’ll be able to marvel.

Wonder at the simplest things in your daily life.

You’ll be able to take the time to look up at the sky, to admire the clouds and the sun, with their changing colors according to the time of day.

Spend quality time with the people around you. Stop to play with your children or your pet, to really talk to your partner.

In fact, you’ll be able to marvel at this life you lead, which isn’t perfect, but which is full of magic.

As I said, life is simple, and that’s what makes it so magical.

In fact, you don’t need to go to the other side of the world to admire a sunset, to laugh with people, to hear the birds sing or to eat something you love.

You don’t need a thousand and one activities, a thousand and one objects, a thousand and one journeys to be happy.

You simply need to take a calmer, more wonder-filled look at your life.

In other words, your happiness needs only you and nothing else.

Find out more:

I invite you to read these 2 complementary articles:

Discover How to live well? Top 7 tips for living happily and Zen-like
Discover Coping with change: 6 tips to help you feel more Zen

I recommend this inspiring book:

Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki

Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki is a guide to becoming Zen through the prism of simplicity and openness. The book advocates cultivating a mindset of openness, curiosity and beginner’s approach to life. Suzuki stresses the importance of just leaving preconceptions behind and approaching each moment with a fresh, receptive perspective. Through the practice of mindfulness and the principles of Zen Buddhism, the book offers a path to inner peace and a more Zen way of being in the world.

Whatever your religious beliefs, and whether or not you intend to meditate or study Zen further, this book offers a wealth of knowledge in a very practical, everyday setting.

Thank you very much for reading this article.

If you liked it, let me know in the comments.

Take care of yourself