Brush Your Teeth. Smile.

Lessons from Zen master to transform life.

A zen monk searching answers for long, frustrated, went to his Master one fine day. He asked him “ How does it feel when enlightened?”

It must be really frustrating for him, sitting and meditating for long and yet no clue or sight of the destination. Putting all the efforts and yet no concrete results. Sounds familiar , isn’t it ?

Master gave smiled and replied,

“ Before enlightenment: chop wood, carry water.

After enlightenment: chop wood, carry water “

I see myself no different than that monk who wondered long for some answers, failed a thousand times before actually accomplishing some goals.

Most of us go through same process. Working hard to achieve our goals , to make some accomplishment. And yes, many of us do make something out of it. But going through process,we often find ourselves full of complaints, frustration, irritated, stressed and shallow. Like that zen monk, we struggle to find that peace.

I love the reply of zen master. It’s one of the most profound teachings all of us can take away from it. If inculcated, I bet your lives will be no longer same.

I am no authority over big terms like Enlightenment. But I am aware the intensity, joy and taste of life has to offer.

I have realized (in a hard way ) it isn’t all about some Gold Medal or coveted Nobel prize that you may or may not accomplish. But it’s about continuous process called life, happening every moment, manifesting one moment at a time…whether you acknowledge it or not. It’s the intensity with which you can live every moment of life.

We live our days repeating same old thought patterns. 60% of our activities that we carry out in a day are due to habits or patterns we form over the time. We lose out the opportunities, awesomeness life has to offer.

To illustrate like any other day, today I brushed my teeth.I made conscious effort to relax, breathe slowly and cleared the clutter and focus on brushing. Nothing else. The touch of brush, the punch of aroma of tooth-paste filling up the nostrils, sensation of brush against teeth and warm massages on gums……..Brushing couldn’t be more beautiful :)

Throughout the day, there are tons of things we do are at almost unconscious level. Pickup any single activity where you can be just you, without your mind’s baggage…..breathe slowly……smile and just do it. You will be amazed by the bliss of …being just you !

These small practices of each day becomes your second nature.Over the time,you will be wowed by the surreal peace, joy it will bring to you.

I invite you to make this conscious choice to change your lives. Take a small step today.