How To Live A Life Of No Problems

For most of us our lives are a problem which have to be solved. Everyday we wake up under the burden of new challenges facing us. We seek counselors and all kinds of consultants all in the hope of "figuring out" the best way to deal with the endless choices and complications which arise daily.

Our faith is placed in the rational mind, which offers endless strategies for success and for conquering the obstacles we are sure to face. Armed with these strategies and forever seeking more, most of us go through life uncertain, monitoring our progress, blaming ourselves for the failures and wishing we had taken a different road.

But this is not the way of Zen. As we learn the essence of Zen practice, our obsession with being in control, and analyzing each detail of our lives, slowly fades. A larger harmony takes its place. As we ease into it, oddly enough we become more aware and able to see what's going on around us. New possibilities then open up.

No Problem

Zen practice is the way of no problem, of being fully with each step we take, not looking backwards or forward, just being with each step fully, one hundred percent. This is the way of not second guessing ourselves.

Rather than make life into a problem, we see it as a wonderful adventure in which we learn, grow and thoroughly enjoy. In order to do this it is necessary to release ourselves and others from demands, images and expectations that have little to do with who we truly are. All experiences are welcomed and fully digested, not judged good or bad.

Zen Story - Master Hakuin And The Baby

There was a great Zen Master Hakuin who lived in a small hut, doing zazen. He was greatly revered in the village and known as a wise and saintly man. One day a village girl became pregnant. The father of the baby left town and she was alone and frightened. As she did not know what else to do, she told the entire village that Master Hakuin was the father.

All the townspeople shocked. They stopped bringing food and offerings. Instead of praising Haikuin now they blamed him.

"You are the worst of all beings," they said.

"Is that so?" replied Hakuin.

The baby was born the the village girl brought the child to Hakuin to be cared for. "This baby is yours," she said. "Is that so?" Hakuin said and took the baby gladly.

Hakuin cared for the baby lovingly for several years. Then, one day, the father of the baby returned to the village and wanted to marry the mother and take back the baby. They told everybody the truth about what happened.

The people were astonished. They all began to praise Master Hakuin and return to his hut with offerings.

"Is that so?" said Master Hakuin.

Soon after that the couple returned for the baby. "Is that so?"Master Hakuin murmured and game them their child lovingly.

Master Hakuin did not see a problem. He accepted all that life brought him. What seems good turns bad, what seems bad turns good. It is an endless cycle.

Separating Good From Bad

Part of the natural human condition is to be subject to suffering, pain, loss, anxiety, sorrow as well as times of joy, fulfillment and delight. However, when happiness comes we want to hold onto it, to keep it with us forever. When painful times come we want to push them away, numb ourselves, withdraw. But this is not the way of Zen. From the Zen point of view we must learn how to hold all of life in the palm of our hands. When we judge something as bad, we cut it off and discard it, not fully learning the lesson it has for us. When we reject bitterness in life, we also grow unable to taste that which is sweet. We become one sided and block out much of what life brings.

When we call ourselves a failure, we stop ourselves from learning. We label a small part of the experience, unwilling to allow the full meaning of what has to be revealed. However, as we start to live by Zen, rather than reject large parts of our experience, we see whatever happens as our friend. Not only does this bring peace of mind, but step by step we become strong enough to welcome all of life, rather than live in fear.

MOMENT BY MOMENT

Don't Turn Life Into A Problem
Stop Judging Everything Good Or Bad
Release Yourself From Unnecessary Demands
Do Each Action Completely
Then Do Something Else
Watch What Goes On
Everything Changes
Take What Life Brings
Say To Yourself "Is That So?"
Rest In Uncertainty, Don't Figure It Out
Let Life Tell You What Is Needed Now

Exercise: No Problem

Take a problem that troubles you.
Find five things you like about having it.
Find five things it brings to your life.
Find five things it takes away.
Find five others who share this problem.
Who would you be without it? How would you occupy your day?
Find another problem you'd like to have to replace it?
What would life be without all this?
Try it and see.

Discover the 2000 year old Zen secrets for being calm, balanced and positive, no matter what's going on in your life in Living By Zen, by Dr. Brenda Shoshanna, http://www.livingbyzen.com

Dr. Shoshanna is a psychologist, speaker, long term Zen practitioner and teacher, relationship expert on http://www.livingbyzen.com and author of many books including, Zen and the Art of Falling In Love, Zen Miracles (Finding Peace In An Insane World,) and many others.

You may contact her at http://www.livingbyzen.com
Her personal website is http://www.livingbyzen.com

move in cleaning service Lake Forest ..

In The News:

Fox News Digital's artificial intelligence newsletter digs into a robot in Russia that faceplanted, George Clooney's alarm and OpenAI's rivalry with the New York Times.

Major data breach at Conduent exposes personal information of 10+ million people. Government contractor hit by cyberattack affecting Medicaid, child support systems.

Texas startup Janta Power raises $5.5M for innovative vertical solar towers that generate 50% more energy than traditional panels while using just one-third the land.

NASA's twin ESCAPADE spacecraft launched aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket Thursday afternoon from Cape Canaveral, beginning their journey to Mars with arrival expected in 2027.

Learn how to set email reminders on iPhone and Android so you never forget to reply again. Simple built-in features help you stay organized and on top of messages.

Discover how Apple's passkeys revolutionize Mac security by replacing vulnerable passwords with biometric authentication and encryption for ultimate protection.

New survey reveals 78% of parents fear AI scams targeting their kids, yet nearly half haven't discussed these threats. Learn why this dangerous gap exists.

Chrome now autofills passport and driver's license info automatically. Google's latest browser update adds official document support with encryption and user control.

Scammers impersonate Department of Veterans Affairs employees claiming veterans owe money, but real VA communications only direct to VA.gov or official channels.

The AltoVolo Sigma hybrid-electric aircraft flies 500 miles at 220 mph while operating 80% quieter than helicopters, featuring safety systems and compact design.

Google search scam alert: fake customer service numbers can give scammers remote control of your phone. Learn how to spot these traps and protect yourself.

Electric vehicles overtake gas cars in total CO2 savings after just two years of driving, with emissions benefits growing over time as power grids get cleaner.

Louvre Museum reportedly used "Louvre" as password for surveillance system during $100M jewel heist. Learn how weak passwords put even famous institutions at risk.

Bipartisan AI jobs bill from Sens. Hawley and Warner would require companies to report AI-related layoffs and hiring to Department of Labor quarterly.

Joe A. from Shelton, Connecticut, lost $228,000 to a ZAP Solutions cryptocurrency investment scam after his divorce, highlighting rising online fraud.

AI-powered autonomous trucks from Waabi and Volvo target U.S. freight driver shortage with Level 4 self-driving technology and NVIDIA computing platform integration.

Survive flight disruptions with expert travel tips: Book early morning flights, download airline apps and know your refund rights during service cuts.

Apple's iOS 26.1 update delivers major security fixes, performance boosts and enhanced privacy controls for your iPhone. Discover why updating now protects your data.

Russian hackers use fake CAPTCHA tests to spread dangerous malware targeting governments and journalists. Learn how to protect yourself from these deceptive attacks.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Miami-Dade debuts America's first autonomous police SUV with AI cameras, drone deployment and real-time crime detection in groundbreaking law enforcement pilot.

Bank impostor scams cost Americans $2.9 billion as criminals use AI voices and caller ID spoofing to steal life savings. Learn nine essential fraud protection tips.

Foreign-owned apps secretly harvest personal data from seniors, making them prime targets for scams. Learn how to protect your privacy and stop data brokers today.

Sens. Josh Hawley and Richard Blumenthal introduce bipartisan GUARD Act to protect minors from AI chatbots through mandatory age verification and disclosure requirements.

Ghost-tapping scammers exploit wireless technology to drain accounts through small transactions, but RFID-blocking wallets and transaction alerts can protect you.

How To Live A Life Of No Problems

Positive Attitude Tips