Enjoy LifeThe Artful Way LivingFar too many of us find that our days blur together in a drudgery of work, eat, home, sleep, and repeat. Once in a while we may notice the beautiful blue sky or pretty flower perhaps we may even have an extraordinarily great day. But the bulk of our lifetime is packed with the stress of making ends meet and setting goals to be met or forgotten. We all want to experience the best things in life, but it’s too easy to get lost in the sea of our daily tasks. But life doesn’t have to be this way! We can all live life! We can learn to live each day as an exciting opportunity.

The Art of Living

One article questioned our purpose in this life, concluding that our duty is to experience life to the fullest and maintain balance and harmony with the Earth. By living naturally and forming a respect for ourselves and for the generations coming after us we can preserve humanity. It is not about being perfect at all times, but about removing oneself from the business of everyday life. It is about the art of falling and getting back up again.

Everyday Tourism

While driving the other day, I had a sudden epiphany-like question pop into mind: What had I thought of my hometown when I first moved here? If you have ever traveled, you are familiar with the excitement of noticing the new and amazing things that you find around you. I noticed the green grass, the farms fields that seemed to stretch out forever, and the young goat climbing up next to the road to eat whatever it could reach. I saw the market stands full of homemade jams and jellies. But after three years, the grass has become that annoying yard I have to mow; the farm is just that landmark on the way home. I’ve seen the goat so many times that I never even notice it anymore. I don’t even pay attention to the food stand because I never seem to have time to stop. It struck me that I no longer see my town with the fresh and bright eyes as I did the day I decided to move here. I only saw it as a set of obstacles – a series of tasks and to do lists. Being a tourist in your own life means you reevaluate the world around you with a fresh, clean lens.  I parked for a while, deciding that I needed to be a tourist in my neighborhood. I saw the goat from the pasture had babies; I saw the modest, unassuming beauty of the farmland; I even took a minute to shop at that little farm stand. There was fresh organic produce and fresh warm bread for me to purchase. I even found my favorite strawberry-and-rhubarb jam. I even perceived my home differently that day. I took a moment to count my blessings – to realize I had so much greatness and beauty in my familiar surroundings, so much I simply forgot to see in my daily grind in the world. Consciousness is key! When the best parts of life seem to escape you – especially when it seems too dark or depressing to function – try to be a tourist in your own life. Stop rushing and work on the Art of Living!  

Applications & Resources

  • Go here and learn more about Zen living and how to find peace in your everyday tasks
  • Check out what the iGOZEN community sets as their goals for living life!
iGOZEN is the art of living. We work and live iGOZEN through the philosophies of the basic Zen principles that bring us in balance and harmony with each other and the Earth. We strive to remain open to learning more about each other and the world around us and share the articles we find with you. iGOZEN is not only about living organically but living in such a way as to feel the life around us. We want to live our lives without regret and we do this through our daily lives and by providing all-natural Earth friendly products to you.