6 'Harmony Habits' that dramatically change a blurred mood Refreshing and stress management methods learned from Buddhism
1)
Negative emotions such as anger, impatience, jealousy, anxiety and regret come naturally and cannot be stopped. However, it is not good to 'drag' these feelings around forever.
In his new book, 'The Power of Not Dragging', Zen monk, world-renowned garden designer, and best-selling author Toshiaki Masuno explains that Zen offers many tips for improving the 'power of not dragging' and living a brighter, more vital life day by day.
2)
What do you do when a severe problem arises?
Think optimistically, 'Well, it's going to be all right'.
When a severe problem arises, it is no use worrying, worrying and fretting. You can't manage what you can't manage.
3)
However, most problems that happen to you are manageable.
This may sound contradictory, but it means that whether you can manage or not depends on how you feel. So how, exactly, should you think?
4)
First, stop thinking, 'I'll manage'. This will also prevent you from thinking, 'How did this happen?' and from panicking and fussing about having to do something about it.
Once your mind has calmed down, look forward and say loudly: 'It's going to be all right. It's going to be all right.
5)
With a clear head, you can then do everything you can to make things a little better. If you keep trying, the time for a comeback will eventually be ripe.
In Buddhism, this means that the cause of effort leads to the opportunity of chance. No matter what happens, if you look forward optimistically and work hard, you will surely seize the opportunity.
6)
Greed is endlessly expanding
The more you 'overdress' your greed, the colder your heart gets.
Greed, if left unchecked, will grow endlessly. It is never satisfied and wants' 'more, more, more'. The Buddha also said' 'The more you desire, the more your heart grows cold.
7)
'A person with a strong attachment could fill the Himalayas mountains with gold and still not be satisfied'.'
There are indeed many people who are' overdressed' with greed. But how poor is the heart if it is unsatisfied no matter how much it is 'overdressed with greed'?
8)
In a long sutra called the Yukikyōgyo, which is said to be the last teaching before his death, the Buddha wrote' 'Those who have knowledge and contentment will lie on the earth.
ThBuddha's last teaching, the Yukikyōgyo, states' 'A person not aware of his existence will still be at ease when he lies on the earth.
Even though he is in a heavenly temple, the unenlightened person will not be satisfied with his life. He is ignorant, though he is rich, yet he is poor.
9)
In other words, those who are content with their lives as they are, no matter how they live, are rich in mind. On the other hand, those who cannot be satisfied to any extent, no matter how luxurious their lifestyle, are poor at heart.
When you find happiness in 'knowing enough', you will have the daily life of living with a clear mind.
10)
Be mindful of 'moderation'. Modern people are 'overdoing' everything.
Buddhism places great importance on the 'spirit of the middle way'. 'Do not be biased to the extreme in anything. Be aware of the middle ground'.
11)
What about modern people, by contrast? We tend to work too much, overeat, shop too much...... and do too much of everything.
For example, an increasing number of people are falling ill or suffering from mental illnesses as a result of overworking. How many people also eat and drink too much, leading to lifestyle-related diseases?
12)
To avoid damaging your physical and mental health in this way, it is just right to stop working hard when you feel that you can work a little harder but not hard enough.
People feeling mentally and physically unwell should especially suspect that they are 'doing too much' of something. If you think you are 'a bit biased,' say to yourself, 'Moderation. Just Moderation.'
13)
In this way, if you can get a sense of 'moderation' while keeping 'too much' in check, you will not strain your body and mind and try too hard.
14)
Put yourself in nature during breaks.
Feel the four seasons. Nature 'detoxifies' stress.
Since ancient times, humans have lived according to the laws of nature. This is because humans are also part of nature.
15)
However, with the development of civilisation, nature has been destroyed, and many modern people, especially in urban areas, live in an artificial world disconnected from nature. This has become a significant source of stress and seems to be causing physical and mental illness.
We need to be reminded that we are all 'nature children'. And during breaks and holidays, we should try to get out of our air-conditioned rooms at all hours of the day and into nature.
16)
Even in the city, nature is still alive when you step outside. Spring, summer, autumn and winter are repeated without fail.
You can feel the cold in winter, the heat in summer, the coolness in autumn and the warmth in spring. The plants, trees and flowers that reflect the changing seasons soothe the soul. You will feel full of life as you look around.
17)
Nature can absorb and 'detoxify' the stress we accumulate daily. It can switch us on and off. I realise this daily when I spend much time in various gardens, including my temple.
18)
Zazen. The best way to refresh your mind and body
We Zen monks practice zazen daily. It is the best practice for calming the mind and strengthening the spirit, so we recommend that ordinary people also have a zazen habit.
19)
Zazen emphasises the importance of posture, breathing, and mental conditioning, called 'Chōshin(body harmony), Chōsoku(breath harmony), and Chōshin(heart harmony)'.
Chōshin(body harmony) means sitting with a posture so that the spine forms an S-shape when viewed from the side, and the tailbone and the top of the head are in line. Also, 'Chōsokubreath harmony' means taking three to four slow breaths per minute.
20)
If these Chōshin(body harmony) and Chōsoku(breath harmony) can be done well, then Chōshin(heart harmony), or the mind, will naturally align. If possible, attend the Zazen meeting and learn how to do this.
Then, twice a day, in the morning and evening, you should have time for zazen, even if it is only 10 minutes. In the morning, the tension in your body and mind will relax, and you will naturally get into 'activity mode'. Your worries and anxieties will disappear at night, and you will sleep soundly.
21)
Whenever you feel stuck at work or tired, find a place to be alone and do zazen. This will refresh your mind and body and provide a good on/off switch. Of course, your work efficiency will also increase.
22)
How can I make it through the day safely?
Put your hands together morning and evening - you want to have time to face yourself.
In addition to zazen, there is something I would like you to make a habit of doing in the morning and evening. For example, this is to 'join 'and' in front of a Buddhist altar.
23)
First thing in the morning, I boil water, make a pot of fragrant tea and offer it to the Buddha, saying, 'This is the first tea of the day'. Then I put my hands together with the Buddha and say in my heart.
I am able to wake up safely again today. Thank you very much. I have plans for today, and I am going to do this. I will do my best. Please protect me so that I can spend the day safely.
24)
When I have a moment like this, it clears my mind and gives me the energy to face the day.
You can also say, 'Thank you' before going to bed at 'night:" I finished the day safely. Thank you for watching over me. '
25)
Many households nowadays do not have a Buddhist altar, but why not set up a space in the corner of the room where you can communicate with the Buddha by displaying a statue of the Buddha or a photograph of the deceased?
Praying to the Buddha in the morning and evening will help you to spend the day in good health.
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