Zen College Life

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This week we will focus on simplification of life.  In this day and age it is easy to get caught up in the hustle, and digress from our core values in search of more wealth, power, and flat screen tvs.  Some of us may even work to obtain 24 inch rims.  I’m not kidding you, they are really 24 inches (I know , it’s ridiculous…). In order help you and myself, I have composed a list of 14 simple things we can do this week to simplify our lives.  Enjoy!

(Note: Not all of these tips are my own ideas, but when I read them I considered them important enough to share with you.)

Live by your core values and beliefs. Cut out all daily activities that are not consistent with your core values.  (This should really simplify your life, we all tend to get away from our beliefs if were aren’t conscious of them)

Control your media outlets. Don’t watch the news on TV, it’s not very informative, and it takes way too long.  Instead, read only the news you care about online.  It’s shorter, you get only what you want, and the added bonus: NO COMMERCIALS

Control your communications tools. Set time aside to check email, answer IMs, and make calls daily.  Don’t answer calls when your with people (unless they may be important), it’s rude and shows a lack of consideration for the other party (this also includes texting).  Don’t check your email hourly, or stay on chat programs.  These will only digress you from the work that actually matters.

Clean your workspace. This one is simple.  An uncluttered workspace makes for an uncluttered mind.  Spend the 15 minutes (or 3 hours for some of you) and clean that workspace.  You’ll feel the stress melt away once it’s clean.

Carry a smaller wallet or purse. This one is a little more psychological.  Start simplifying the things you think you need to carry. Are all of those business cards/lip glosses/coins etc. really necessary.  Simplify your life by slimming down your round the clock belongings.

Spend a moment each day being grateful. Here is a powerful one.  It has been scientifically proven that feelings of gratefulness relieve stress, lower blood pressure, and give clarity to your mind. Focus on what is important by being grateful.

Learn to say no both to yourself and others.  Have the discipline to not want what’s new just because it’s new, not take on extra work that won’t be beneficial to you or your priorities.  Simplify your life by just saying know, ya no? (haha, what a nerdy joke)

Spend time with the people that matter most. Another easy one.  Simplify your life by spending time with the few people in your life that matter most, rather than spreading yourself thin with everyone you know.

Prioritize Commitments. I know your to-do list is 100 miles long, mine is too.  But in order to live a Zen lifestyle we must prioritize our commitments and shed the ones which aren’t as important or won’t lead us to become the people we want to become.

Learn what “enough” is. (from zenhabits.net) “Our materialistic society today is about getting more and more, with no end in sight. Sure, you can get the latest gadget, and more clothes and shoes. More stuff. But when will you have enough? Most people don’t know, and thus they keep buying more. It’s a neverending cycle. Get off the cycle by figuring out how much is enough. And then stop when you get there.”

Meditate. This isn’t just hippy babble. Meditation has a calming, soothing, almost healing affect.  Start with something simple.  Put some soothing, lyric-free, music on with the volume on low. Focus on breathing and thinking about anything positive.  Just relax and clear your mind.  It’s a fantastic feeling.

Turn off the TV. simple enough.

Take care of your body. A healthy body will yield a healthy mind.  It’s one less thing to have to worry about.

Simplify your rooms. Find out how, here!

How do you keep life simple? Leave a comment, we’d love to hear from you!

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