Zen Master, Please Help Me!

Posted on April 8, 2013 by

Future Past Present

Future Past Present (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Peace is present right here and now, in ourselves and in everything we do and see.

Every breath we take, every step we take, can be filled with peace, joy, and serenity.

The question is whether or not we are in touch with it.

We need only to be awake, alive in the present moment.

~ Thich Nhat Hahn
Each time I read Thich Nhat Hahn’s writing I know it has come to me at the right moment. This is no exception.
I need to slow down.
Peace in the moment. That’s a hard concept for many women who, like me, try to manage a home, children, a job outside the home, time for a spouse, and any small scrap of a social life.  It’s hard to be peaceful, present  and in myself sometimes. I want to feel like every breath and step is full of joy and serenity, that counting the steps I take in life can simply bring me into a meditative state. More likely, I’m counting to see how fast I can go and how far I can get in a set amount of time!
My ‘busy’ life season is November through April. I feel like I’m moving in alternate realities, never present in one place long enough to get grounded. Early mornings every day of the week and weekend leave me tired, very much alive, and frequently frantic.
I need to be present.
Thich Nhat Hanh

Thich Nhat Hanh (Photo credit: Leonard John Matthews)

Being in touch with the moment is something I strive for. Sometimes I feel it – that deep exhale as the soft breezes caress me, the warm covers enfold me, or the child’s arms envelop me. But more often than not, lately, I’m over-caffeinated, under rested and way too hyped out to simply sit and be present.

I need a Zen Master to come find me.

I need Thich Nhat Hahn to show me that really, peace is inside me.
I just need to know where to look.
I do know that I am alive, and I’m awake (barely).
I guess that puts me two-thirds of the way to peace, right?
Not that I’m counting or anything…

Zen Master, please help me.

What do you think? Be my Zen master?
How do you do at being peaceful, present, and awake in your life?
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Jennifer Wolfe

Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.

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Comments: 6

  • Brenda

    April 10, 2013

    I don’t know that I have a special thing or someone, only a feeling of pressure, as if I am not fully breathing, which requires me to pause and consider why. It never takes too long for me to figure out that I am running on empty. Have you ever consider the Zen of Julia Cameron’s morning pages. I am horrible at it, meaning I am a fair weather journaler, but when I am drowning I find the morning pages during dramatic times to be a subtle but not overwhelming way to restore peace and marshall my stray thoughts.
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    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      April 11, 2013

      Yes, Brenda, I know that feeling of pressure and panic. I’m a journaler, but sometimes it feels like I’m just mired in my own issues when I do it. Are you using specific prompts in the morning? Thanks so much for writing -Jennifer

      Reply
  • Perspective Parenting

    April 9, 2013

    If you haven’t had an energy healing in awhile (reiki or anything else), now sounds like a good time to schedule one. Healings bring beautiful balance and help connect with the Zen master within. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      April 9, 2013

      Thank you, Lynn – what a great idea! I’ll definitely look into that. And thanks so much for commenting today! -Jennifer

      Reply
  • Dawn Wink

    April 9, 2013

    Candles in the early morning…They’re my lifelines. xo

    Reply
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