Discovering Zen: Five Habits for a Mindful Life

Have you ever thought about what makes a life good or bad?

I believe a good life is when we can focus on what truly matters to us.

However, distractions abound in our world. Sometimes, it feels like we even seek distractions ourselves. 🤔

If we want to focus on what matters, we need to create an environment that allows us to do so.

The Importance of Mindfulness

How can we achieve this? Do we have to live like a Zen monk?

Meditation certainly helps me notice what’s important. It also helps me pause before reacting to anything.

However, I discovered that small, everyday habits can make a huge difference—so we don’t have to be a Zen monk to live mindfully.

After I began living as I describe below, amazing things started happening. I feel I’m attracting more of what I want, and I’ve begun meeting more inspiring people.

So today, I’m sharing the five Zen habits that completely changed my life.

Here we go!

1️⃣ Set Boundaries with Your Smartphone

Once I started watching a YouTube video, it became endless.

Google does a fantastic job of keeping people glued to YouTube—and YouTubers are brilliant at it too! They say, “You’ll love the next video below. Watch this!” Yes, they were right. I couldn’t stop.

Then I discovered a smartphone feature that automatically turns it off at a set time. Once my phone switches off, I rarely turn it back on—because it takes time to restart. It’s such a useful function.

Why is it Zen?

We gain peace of mind and sleep better.

📱 So, use this function!

2️⃣ Start Your Day with Journaling

Every morning, I put what’s in my head on paper by journaling.

There’s no special format—just write freely. In my case, I often write what I want to do that day. Sometimes, I also write what I notice or feel. This practice helps clear my mind and start the day fresh.

Why is it Zen?

This simple practice brings peace of mind because it reveals the purpose of the day and what’s truly in your heart.

🖊️ Do it!

3️⃣ Express Gratitude Immediately

I don’t know when I’ll leave this world, and I don’t know when I’ll no longer be able to meet the people I love.

So, I decided to express gratitude right away whenever I feel it.

💡 For example, here’s what I emailed to my mom:

💡 And here’s my WhatsApp message to a friend I met earlier this morning:

It may seem ordinary, but it’s genuine. It can be brief—but it has to be authentic.

Why is it Zen?

When we express gratitude, our level of happiness surges.

4️⃣ Balance Perspectives on Events

It doesn’t sound very Zen, right? Let me explain.

When we only see one side of a situation, we become either overly positive or overly negative. But in reality, nothing is 100% good or 100% bad. Every event has both sides—it’s just hard to notice them at the same time.

When I look at both sides, I feel less extreme joy or sadness. That calm balance leads to peace of mind. That’s why it’s Zen.

Here’s what I do:

• When something positive happens, I list at least 10 possible downsides.

• When something negative happens, I list at least 10 positives.

  
  

This habit keeps me grounded.

5️⃣ Take Action Without Attachment

In the end, our time is limited.

So, do what you truly want to do. Don’t wait for the perfect timing. But once you do it—let go of the outcome.

This is the toughest one. Things may not always turn out as you expect, and you may want to control the situation. But staying open to the experience itself brings freedom.

Why is it Zen?

When we detach from the outcome, our mind becomes peaceful.

As long as you do what you truly want, you’ll have no regrets.

Final Thoughts on Living Mindfully

Living a Zen life doesn’t mean sitting in silence all day or escaping from the world. It’s about small mindful choices—how we use our phone, start our morning, speak with others, or face each moment.

Each of these Zen habits has helped me find peace, clarity, and joy beyond meditation. And perhaps they can do the same for you, too.

If any of these habits resonate with you, start today.

In one year, you’ll see a huge difference—because all of these habits have truly changed my life.

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