A simple life has a different meaning and a different value for every person. For me, it means eliminating all but the essential, eschewing
chaos for peace, and spending your time doing what’s important to you. This means getting rid of many of the things you do so you can spend time with people you love and do the things you love. It means getting rid of the clutter so you are left with only that which give you value. However getting to simplicity isn’t always a simple process. It’s a journey, not a destination and it can often be a journey of two steps forward, and one backward. Here are a few steps that can get you living in zen.
1. Challenge your mind with new activities, skills and information.
The primary function of the human mind is its ability to absorb information and adapt to challenging unfamiliar environments. Do you remember the old saying ‘use it or lose it?’ Nothing could be closer to the truth. If you don’t use your mind, you will lose your mind. So broaden your horizons, learn new skills and challenge your mind every single day.
2. Your mind is part of your body. Fuel, exercise and rest your body properly.
The human brain accounts for roughly 2% of the total mass of the human body, yet it consumes over 20% of the oxygen and nutrients the human body intakes. Therefore, it makes sense to fuel your body with healthy food and keep your blood oxygen levels high with regular exercise. Also, a tired mind is rarely productive, so get yourself enough sleep every night.
3. Pay attention now. Concentrate on the present.
People often obsess themselves with the past and the future. But life is happening right now. You can’t learn something or remember something that’s happening now if your mind is stuck in another time.
It takes about eight seconds of intense focus to process a new piece of information into your long-term memory. So don’t let your life and your mind slip away. Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, practice being and living in the present moment. Remember, right now is the only moment guaranteed to you. Right now is life.
4. Rehearse information frequently – ‘over-learn.’
In a nutshell, over-learning is the continued practice of material or skills long after the material or skills have been mastered. The primary goal is information retention – to practice something until it becomes second nature to you, like an automatic function of who you are.
Over-learning is frequently used by people who make public speeches or those who must perform certain functions on the spot with little support or external assistance.
You can easily apply the concept of over-learning in your own life by reviewing what you’ve learned the same day you learn it and at regular intervals thereafter – something researchers call ‘spaced rehearsal.’ And once you over-learn whatever it is you’re studying, you’ll always be prepared to employ the information or skill at a moment’s notice.
5. Develop and nurture long-lasting, stimulating relationships.
Human beings are social creatures. Regular interaction with close friends and family is regarded by most mental health professionals as the number one source of happiness in a human being’s life. When the human mind is happy, it is less stressed. And a less stressed mind is a more efficient mind.
6. Be motivated, keep a positive attitude and find something to smile about.
Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story. The mind must believe it can do something before it is capable of actually doing it. So be aware of your mental self-talk. We all talk silently to ourselves in our heads, but we aren’t always conscious of what we’re saying or how it’s affecting us. Start listening to your thoughts. If you hear negative thoughts, stop for a second and replace them with positive thoughts.
