simplicity in zenSimplicity and Zen Living Go Hand in Hand

Zen living is about making life simple. When we live a life that is free from clutter, strife, and constant worry we are free to be more Zen and child-like. When a child is playing they have such a free spirit. They are not burdened by the worries of daily tasks and errands. Simplicity seems to be their mantra as every element in their environment becomes another thread in the fabric of their imagination. So, what could Zen, simplicity, and tumbleweed have in common? And how can any of that help you become more child-like and live a Zen life?

What is Tumbleweed?

A tumbleweed is the common name given to a plant that is categorized as a thistle; a weed. It has thorns and sprouts pretty pink flowers when it’s young. As it matures it dries up and breaks away from its roots. The wind causes the plant to tumble about like a ball of tangled sticks. This process actually helps to disperse its seeds.

Zen & Tumbleweed

I have a friend who thinks tumbleweed is hilarious. She doesn’t find it mildly amusing watching a large ball of tangled sticks blow across the road. No. She finds even the mention of tumbleweed to be so hilarious that her nonstop laughter makes everyone else laugh. You may not even know why you are laughing. But you will laugh. As she clutches the nearest wall and a tear meanders a path down her cheek, you will wonder why you are laughing over such a ridiculous thing as tumbleweed. When life is complicated we become stressed. Our nerves become frayed, and trying to balance our relationships and our personal downtime becomes overwhelming. Simplicity is the key to becoming child-like. It is the key to laughing at tumbleweed to the point of crying. This is not foolishness to the point of folly. This is just the right measure of mirth to bake the most perfect peace. The peace that comes to a child-like heart. The point here is that it won’t matter why you are laughing. In that moment, like the child who has been set free into a wonderland, that tumbleweed is the only thought. In that moment, you aren’t worried about your problems. In that moment, you aren’t weighed down by tomorrow. It is simple and it is now and it doesn’t even matter why it is funny. That is simplicity at its finest. When it’s contagious, joyful and child-like. That my friend, is Zen living.

Applications & Resources for Zen

  • Check out an article about Laughing Yoga for reasons to laugh your way to health
  • Read more about the Zen in Laughter and learn to be a kid again
  • Go to DesertUSA for a more complete, and fascinating, description of the tumbleweed

 

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