Ahhh… zen. The very word conjures images of peaceful temples, serene mountain landscapes, gentle gongs, and the soft whisper of a breeze through bamboo leaves. A state of calm, clarity, and inner balance that so many of us crave—especially in today’s fast-paced, always-connected world.
Except, as I write this, I’m not feeling very zen at all. My internet keeps cutting out every few minutes, making it nearly impossible to get anything done. The irony of trying to craft a thoughtful post on zen while my laptop flashes “No Internet Connection” is not lost on me. Maybe the universe is just testing my patience… or having a cheeky laugh.
But back to zen. Rooted in ancient Buddhist traditions, particularly those from China and Japan, zen is more than just a style of meditation—it’s a way of living. It’s about being truly present, letting go of unnecessary clutter (mental and otherwise), and finding beauty in simplicity. It encourages awareness, stillness, and a deep sense of connection with the now.
Over the years, I’ve found myself more and more drawn to zen-like practices. Meditation, breathwork, mindful movement, and even the way I arrange spaces in my home. There’s something deeply magical about intentionally slowing down and being aware. It’s in these quieter moments that the real transformation often happens.
Zen isn’t just something you find in a temple or during a quiet moment of meditation—these days, it’s slipped quietly into popular culture too. Just think of Marie Kondo. She made a career out of encouraging us to only keep the things that “spark joy”—which, let’s face it, is probably the most zen advice many of us have ever received. Her calm presence, minimalism, and peaceful folding techniques have inspired countless people to declutter their homes and, in a way, their minds. Even her Netflix show has a sort of soft, soothing energy that makes you feel like you’ve just been hugged by tidiness.
And then there’s TV and film. Some shows and movies are like a warm cup of tea for the soul, gently oozing zen vibes. Avatar: The Last Airbender (particularly the character Uncle Iroh) has some wonderfully thoughtful, spiritual moments that feel incredibly zen. Eat Pray Love, The Secret Garden, and even Chocolat have little nuggets of peace and quiet reflection amidst the chaos. Anything that makes you stop, breathe deeply, and go “ahhhh” probably has a little bit of zen energy tucked inside.
And honestly, in our crazy, overstimulated, constantly-connected world, no wonder we’re all craving a bit of zen. Whether it’s through a TV show, a book, a YouTube yoga class, or just closing your eyes and breathing deeply for a few minutes, zen is the little pause we all need.
Zen isn’t about perfection or floating above it all like a serene monk. It’s about embracing each moment—yes, even the frustrating, Wi-Fi-deprived ones—with grace and acceptance. And maybe just a little humour, too.
So, as I wrap up this year’s A to Z Challenge with a deep (and slightly exasperated) breath, I’m reminding myself that zen isn’t a destination—it’s a gentle return to the self, again and again. Wi-Fi or not.
Did you follow my A to Z Challenge? You can find my M for Meditation post here if you particularly enjoyed this one!
