Zen and the Art of Being Alive

“The only Zen you’ll find on mountaintops is the Zen you bring with you.” ~Robert M. Pirsig

This week’s quote makes an interesting point. Many people will walk into our beautiful shop and spa and say, “It feels so Zen in here!” While this is a very kind thing to say, it’s not entirely accurate. Yes, we have created a relaxing, intentional space for healing and transformation. But that Zenlike feeling you experience at Well Being? That’s on you. 

What is Zen anyway? The word “Zen” literally translates to “meditation,” but it has come to mean so much more. A Zenlike atmosphere is one that feels calming- one that’s aesthetically pleasing due to its simplicity, as opposed to being cluttered and chaotic. It’s also a place that feels spiritually grounded, a place where it feels safe to slow down and breathe, to let go of your tension and anxiety and be at peace for a little while.

Of course, being Zen is more than just being at peace. In the simplest terms, Zen means presence. The kind of presence where you’re fully awake to this moment, without needing anything to be different. To be Zen is to remain in a state of constant meditation, even when you are out there in the world, interacting with others. It’s about feeling the connection of your feet to the earth, being aware of your breath, and allowing your mind to be quiet. 

As Alan Watts once said, “Zen does not confuse spirituality with thinking about God while one is peeling potatoes. Zen spirituality is just to peel the potatoes.” In other words, to be Zen is to be completely present with whatever you’re doing. By giving it your full attention, even the simplest act becomes sacred. It's not about trying to transcend the world, it’s about finding joy in the experience of being alive.
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So, the next time you're peeling potatoes, chopping wood, or carrying water, practice being wholly engaged in that activity, recognizing that peace and spirituality aren't destinations you arrive at but experiences that can only be found in the present moment.