The 12 Zen things

1- Do one thing at a time. This principle, which I'm sure you've heard before if you're a long-time reader of Zen Habits, is not only a part of my philosophy but also a fundamental aspect of a Zen monk's life. Embrace the art of single-tasking and avoid the temptation to multitask. When you're pouring water, let that be your sole focus. When you're eating, savor each bite. And when you're bathing, immerse yourself fully in the experience. Remember the wise words of a Zen proverb: "When walking, walk. When eating, eat."

2- Do it slowly and deliberately. It's not enough to simply do one task at a time; you must also do it slowly and deliberately. Resist the urge to rush through your responsibilities. Instead, move at a leisurely pace, allowing your actions to be purposeful and mindful. This may require practice, but it will greatly enhance your ability to concentrate on the task at hand.

3- Do it completely. Devote your mind entirely to the task before moving on to the next one. Avoid the temptation to jump ahead prematurely. If circumstances force you to switch tasks, make an effort to at least tidy up and put away any unfinished business. For example, if you prepare a sandwich, don't start eating it until you've cleaned up your workspace and washed the dishes used in its preparation. By completing each task fully, you can then shift your focus more wholeheartedly to the next one.

4- Do less. While a Zen monk leads a disciplined and industrious life, they don't burden themselves with an endless list of tasks. Instead, they prioritize and commit to accomplishing a select few things each day. By doing less, you can approach each task with greater care, attention, and concentration. If you fill your day with an overwhelming number of tasks, you'll find yourself rushing from one to the next without truly engaging with any of them.

5- Develop rituals. This rule complements the "Do less" principle and involves managing your schedule in a way that allows ample time for each task. Avoid scheduling activities back-to-back and instead, intentionally leave gaps between them. This approach grants you a more relaxed and flexible schedule, ensuring that you have enough time to complete each task without feeling rushed. It also accounts for unexpected delays or the need for additional attention to a particular task.

6- Develop rituals. Just like Zen monks, you can develop your own rituals to bring a sense of importance to your daily activities. Whether it's preparing food, cleaning, or even before you start your work, these rituals can help you focus and do things with intention. You don't have to follow the exact rituals of Zen monks, but rather create your own that resonate with you and bring mindfulness to your actions.

7- Designate time for certain things. Zen monks have specific times allocated for different activities throughout their day. This ensures that important tasks are consistently accomplished. You can adopt this practice by designating specific time slots for your own activities, whether it's work, cleaning, exercise, or simply quiet contemplation. By giving these activities dedicated time, you prioritize them and ensure they become regular parts of your routine.

8- Devote time to sitting. Sitting meditation, known as zazen, is a crucial part of a Zen monk's daily life. It allows them to practice being fully present in the moment. You can incorporate this concept by devoting time to meditation or finding an activity that helps you cultivate mindfulness. Personally, I use running as a way to practice being in the present moment. Find an activity that resonates with you and make it a regular practice to enhance your presence in everyday life.

9- Smile and serve others. Zen monks dedicate part of their day to serving others, whether it's within the monastery or in the outside world. This teaches them humility and ensures their lives are not solely focused on themselves. You can follow their example by finding ways to serve others, whether it's within your household, your community, or by volunteering for a cause you care about. Additionally, a simple act of kindness and a warm smile can greatly improve the lives of those around you. Spread positivity and make a difference in the world through your actions.

10- Make cleaning and cooking become meditation. In the realm of Zen monks, these seemingly mundane tasks hold great significance. They are not just chores, but opportunities for mindfulness and daily rituals. If you find cooking and cleaning dull, consider approaching them as forms of meditation. Immerse yourself fully in these activities, focus your mind, and perform them with deliberate slowness and thoroughness. You might be surprised at how this simple shift in perspective can transform your entire day, leaving you not only with a cleaner house but also a sense of inner peace.

11- Think about what is necessary. Zen monks lead lives stripped down to the essentials. They don't possess closets overflowing with shoes or the latest fashion trends. Their homes lack refrigerators stocked with junk food. They don't chase after the newest gadgets, cars, televisions, or iPods. Instead, they embrace simplicity with basic clothing, shelter, utensils, and tools. Their meals consist of humble vegetarian fare like rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables. Now, I'm not suggesting that you should adopt the exact lifestyle of a Zen monk—I certainly don't. However, their way of life serves as a gentle reminder that many things we deem necessary are actually superfluous. It's worth contemplating what truly matters and whether all the excess stuff we accumulate is truly essential.



12- Live simply. Rule 11 teaches us that if something isn't necessary, we can easily live without it. Embracing a simple lifestyle means getting rid of all the unnecessary and unessential things, creating space for what truly matters. The definition of essential varies from person to person. Personally, my family, writing, practicing Qigong, and reading are essential. For others, it might be yoga and quality time with close friends. Some find nursing, volunteering, or collecting comic books essential. There are no set rules on what should be essential for you, but it's important to reflect on what truly matters in your life and eliminate the less essential things to make room for it.

Goodnight everybody.