Betsy McKee Henry - Zen Tips: Daily Meditations for Happiness and Fulfillment From the Zen Mama

ZEN TIPS A Collection of Daily Meditations for Happiness and Fulfillment From the Zen Mama

By Betsy McKee Henry

ALSO BY BETSY McKEE HENRY

How To Be A Zen Mama

The Zen Mamas Book of Quotes

Copyright 2012 Betsy McKee Henry

www.zen-mama.com

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All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.

For information, contact: Zen Mama Publishing email: thezenmama@gmail.com

Cover Design by Betsy McKee Henry

Photo credits (used with permission)
Pages 15, 51, 58, 59 and author photo
2012 John Henry
Pages 7, 9, 12, 16, 19, 24, 38, 40, 44, 49, 52, 56, 61, 64 2012 Shutter StockAll other photos 2012 Betsy McKee Henry

This Book Is Dedicated To My Children:

Max, Charlie and Oliver You are my greatest teachers.

Thank you!

Table of Contents

Foreword

Letting Go

Positive Thought

Mindfulness

Gratitude

Trust

Compassion

Acknowledgements

Foreword

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. ~Zen Proverb

Are you ready to be a student? Are you open to changing the way you look at things? If so, then this book, Zen Tips, is for you!

Since writing How To Be A Zen Mama in 2009, Ive been traveling on a path to become a more positive person. I dont find myself as bothered by the day-to-day craziness. I find myself having gratitude for adversity and obstacles because I know they are shaping me for my next step. Im appreciating more of the free things in life like humor and sunsets. I find myself feeling more compassion for people and doing random acts of kindness. Ive learned to let go so I can love more and be happier. My hope is that I can pass this on to you as well.

I suggest that you start your day with this book. Imagine a hope, dream or future you want and turn to a page that will answer that thought. Or methodically read from the beginning to end. Maybe you can incorporate this with breathing and yoga and a cup of tea or coffee.

Things to keep in mind as you read the book:

1. First read with a Beginners Mind. In Zen Buddhism the Beginners Mind is someone who is open to possibilities and sees the world as obstacle free. Every- thing is possible for a beginner's mind.

2. Think of yourself as being on a path. Tao means The path in Chinese. Lao Tzu, whom I quote often, was the founder and first teacher of Taoism in about 640 BCE. The proper path in life, says Taoism, is one that works in harmony with reality, the essence of the natural universe. Taoists believe that life should be peaceful and filled with joy. We should recognize and trust our own Inner Nature, and not lose sight of it.

3. Put on the life pause button. Read a page and do some deep breathing each morning, be quiet and contemplate as you read.

4. Read each quote with a open, positive state of mind.

5. Remember , What youre seeking is seeking you. ~Rumi. Be open and listen to your inner voice. Your gut feelings will send you down the right path.

I know that if you change the way you look at things, you will become a more positive person.

Sending you peace!

Betsy Henry

Littleton, Colorado November, 2012

Letting Go of Negative Thoughts

Letting go is admitting to yourself that you no longer need to hold on to a problem that has been causing you pain in your life, whether its a person, a recurring thought, a job or a past event. Many people have a lot of emotions to let go. You may feel out of control. You may be having sleepless nights. You may find yourself judging others with your expectations of them. This is a lot of baggage to carry around with you. We need to let go of worry, doubt, fear, anger and other negative thoughts. Let go so you can be at peace.

Today I am making a decision to change. I will not judge the people around me.
I will let go of fear, doubt and expectations so I can fear less and love more.

Letting Go Of A Complicated Life

Every day we make life more complicated. Yet how do we make life less complicated and simpler? Our culture demands that we stay busy, at our jobs, as parents and even while were at home. Part of feeling busy is your perception of time. We all have a natural way of looking at time that is part of our basic personality. Do you take your time and go slowly through your day? Or, do you see the world as a busy place? Then it is! Some suggestions: Save the shopping trip for next time. Take the walk you promised yourself. Go out and sit in the sun or watch the sunset at least for a few minutes. If you can change the way you look at your day, maybe you can be less busy and feel like you have extra hours in your day.

Today I am going slowly. I will be in nature. I will find time to listen actively to my family. Today I am breathing in and out slowly and thinking simple.

Letting Go Of Worry

There is so much to worry about in our fast paced culture. We worry about our children, about ourselves and where our society is heading. Worry is the bane of everyone. Worry often seems worse than it really is, especially at night. Worry casts a big shadow over the happiness in your life. So ask yourself this question: Can you solve your problem? Yes, then do it! If the answer is no, then let go of your worry. Nothing is worth that much worry. Learn to find balance over what you should worry about. Learn to trust that everything is unfolding as it should.

Today I trust. I am making worry a small part of my life. I let go of worry and trust that everything is unfolding as it should.

Letting Go Of Expectations

All through our lives weve been conditioned to expect. Its our culture. People have expected a lot out of you. You expect a lot of the people in your life. When you let go of your expectations for yourself, you can find peace. Some people think that letting go of expectations means youre giving up. Youre not giving up; youre letting go of the attachment to the outcome. If you let go of these expectations, you can be happier with life. And, infinite possibilities open up for you.

Today I am letting go of my expectations for myself. Today I just am .

Letting Go Of Envy

Envy is a craving for something that someone else has, whether its a material object or an emotional one. Often you look at others and assume that they have better lives. It may be what someone imagines as a better relationship or successful children. Envy can eat you from the inside. Comparison rids you of all confidence. It can turn into resentment or worse. It is often imagined since everyone has their own strengths and weakness. Rather than com- pare, look to your own life and realize that the grass is very green right in front of you. Just keep it watered!