Finding Your Zen

Sometimes I wish we were back in the 1920's ( without the whole civil rights injustice/ murder black people for sport thing of course). I say this because back then the world moved at a slower pace. Life chipped along to jazz beats and face to face conversations flourished in hushed tones at speakeasies. Today techno beats are the soundtrack to our lives and somehow "friends" have become synonymous with Facebook. We've all plugged in to a 24 hour lifestyle. Does this sound familiar?

- Wake up get ready for work/ school

- Check emails on blackberry/ iPhone on the way

- Work all day (meetings, classes etc.)

- Leave work/ school

- Do home work/ finish work from home

- Watch t.v./ mindless surf the internet

- Check emails, Facebook, twitter etc. before heading to bed

- Sleep, wake up, repeat

We are always plugged in. It makes we wonder, with all these online connections we are making, when do we get time to connect with ourselves?



Sometimes all you need to do is get away for a couple minutes. Put away your laptop, turn off your cell phone. Completely unplug yourself from the world and get in touch with your inner You. In Tallahassee Florida (aka the wilderness) there are many nature inspired get away spots. This weekend the Junk-N-Treasurez team visited St. Marks Lighthouse as the first stop on our 'Things to do in Tallahassee' tour. It's located just 30 minutes outside the state capital and is the perfect place for a little R&R. 

Now it's easy to jump in your car and drive 30 minutes out of town; but what do you do when you get there? How do we find our zen? Here's a couple steps:

1. The first is the step of rhythmic breathing. Breathe in slowly, easily, evenly, and deeply and then breathe out slowly, easily, evenly, and deeply. Within three minutes you should be able to breathe in and out about ten times. 

2. Remind yourself through peace you gain strength. What I mean by this is, if you can not remain calm or peaceful, you can not be productive or maintain energy if you are constantly worrying or stressing. Without peace, there is no calm. Peace is never weak, beneath it's serenity lies a magnitude of strength.

3. Embrace the serenity and tranquility and let yourself be nurtured by all the beauty in this world.

4. Walk light. What I mean by this is, let things go. When we are angry, upset and hurt, we tend to hold onto it. We get insulted, we get resentful, our ego will not allow us to let things go, we stay angry. When you hold onto these negative feelings, you allow for toxins to build within your body. Letting things go means you are at peace, you accept and surrender. So walk with a light step and a lighter heart.

Read more: How to Find your Zen | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4844475_find-your-zen.html#ixzz1l3LAa28F

On a final note, surround yourself with people who make you feel good. Do not keep company with people who discourage you or make you feel down or bad about yourself. People who give off light and positive energy are people who will encourage and support you. People who judge and critisize you, people who use you as a sounding board and who gossip tend to drain. These people also have a tendency, if they constantly judge you, project their issues on you, suck your energy and leave you feeling lathargic and ill, they drain you. Remember to be-friend people who bring joy into your life.

 

Getting in touch with your inner you opens up your creativity and self confidence. You'd find yourself inspired by all that's around you. At St. Marks Lighthouse we came across a musician completely in his element. He created some beautiful music perfectly complimentary to the peaceful environment. We recorded some of it for your pleasure:

This man was playing some beautiful music. This and the background made it feel like a movie.