Z: Zen

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart always ends with a "moment of zen." Granted those are comical clips, but I think we need to end with a moment of zen of our own.




Wikipedia defines Zen as: "Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism[note 1] that developed in China during the 6th century as Chán. From China, Zen spread south to Vietnam, to Korea and east to Japan.[2]

The word Zen is derived from the Japanese pronunciation of the Middle Chinese word 禪 (dʑjen) (Modern Mandarin: Chán), which in turn is derived from the Sanskrit word dhyāna,[3] which can be approximately translated as 'absorption' or 'meditative state'.[4]

Zen emphasizes the attainment of enlightenment and the personal expression of direct insight in the Buddhist teachings.[5] As such, it de-emphasizes mere knowledge of sutras and doctrine[5][6] and favors direct understanding through zazen and interaction with an accomplished teacher.[7]"



We need zen in art.



We need to absorb the art and creativity that surrounds us. Creating will put us in a meditative state. Think about it. How noisy is your brain when you create? Are you not quiet, peaceful and happy when you are creating? You bet you are! We need zen to create art and creating art gives us zen.


Breathe deeply. Listen to the sounds of running water and chirping birds. Find peace and quiet within your soul. Once you feel your heart rate has decreased and you feel less anxious, allow yourself to create.


As you create, be in the moment. Pay attention to the joy you feel, the reprieve you experience. Live and love in the moment as you draw, paint, write, sing, play, do, make, create.


May you create in joy and find joy in creating.


Peace.