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Sense of Humor

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Exercise probably helps to sustain your life more then any other factor. It allows us to have more focus, energy, and relaxation because it reduces stress. The second most important factor in prolonging your life is probably a sense of humor. Laughing also deactivates stress hormones and aids the immune system. People with a developed sense of humor tend to be more creative and more adapt at solving the many problems that life gives us. It improves many cognitive functions. Most of all, it helps people get along with others.

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Zen Encumbered

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April continually carried either two pocket books or a purse and shopping bag. She carried at least two novels and magazines with her just in case she needed to wait on line or travel. She carried a kit of preparedness of cream, water, flashlight, extra cloths, wallet, many credit cards, check book, identifications, perfumes, some make up, and assorted other “stuff.”
One-day while we were taking a break from work, and having a cup of tea, I suggested that she empty her huge purse on the desk and separate the contents into her needs and wants. On the outside of her purse were several hearts and metal animals that were hung from the leather handles on her purse.
“These have to go first.” I said because they are just added weight.
“But they’re sentimental.” She replied, “They remind me of my children.”
“Put everything back into your purse.” I said. “You’re not ready to make your life easier or unencumbered because you refuse to differentiate between your needs and wants.”

To gain freedom we have to move toward it in our actions. We have to move from restricted, to differentiating between our needs and wants, (throwing our garbage out because we wanted it but do not need it.) through encumbered, to less is more, to unencumbered, to more time, to focus, to unrestricted, to freedom. Of course we all define our own freedom.

 

 

 

 

 

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website dating

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Satoru, I have broken off with my sweetheart and am searching the Internet for a new love. But I am in conflict with my Zen proclivity and the disappointment of my digital search. I read your last blog and laughed as I applied your/the Zen advice. My problem was completely alleviated. Can you help me with this dilemma?

The  dating websites should be declared a gigantic, permeating, buyer-beware zone. The most obvious problem is that they do not vet potentials for truthfulness so the biggest impediment in all-online dating is dishonesty. However, if you accept this fact, then screen very carefully, you might find a winner among the many players. But you must move on from a screen-dependent life and rethink your relationship to technology and our new always connected culture and its many forms of digital exhaustion. For years television and weed was a great zone out form of relaxation and a way to escape involvement. Now the digital age has given us an interactive diversion that sucks us in to believing that we are connected and refining our relationships and lists. Conversation, physical interaction, visual stimulation, sensatory experience, and significant bonding connections have taken a back seat to our computers, pads and cell phones. Not to denigrate the fantastic accomplishments of communication and facilitations that the digital age has given to us. But, interpersonal relationships, eye-to-eye contact, and acquiring a new honey, are about being in a state of communication, living physically, and in the now.

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Self Realization.

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Satoru,
“I love your blog, your book, your advice, but how do I start? I want to make my life better. I do not think I have the discipline. I still think of the pains, the mistakes and the time that I have wasted. Help me please.”

If you concentrate on all the hurts that life has given to you, you are looking backwards. Perhaps you need to stop and realign your focus. What if you have your hands tied behind you and you are dumped into the ocean? You choices have been narrowed to only survival. What do you do to survive?

But your circumstances are not that dire. Maybe instead of focusing on your problems you need to take a break. When was the last time you just stopped and listened to some music, the true gift of the gods. Have you tried to meditate? What can be so difficult about just sitting and breathing? Be receptive and open to the lessons, chances, and opportunities right in front of you. Life is action, but it is not a sprint, it is a marathon.

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Zen and Life.

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Zen and life are too important to be taken gravely. Life is a cosmic theater where we should endeavor to play our essential roles significantly while not taking them too seriously. The powerful play goes on and you want to develop a verse, edit, and rewrite your own story. Your reach should exceed your grasp, so keep your feet in the mud but aim for the stars. If you only grab the moon accept it cheerfully.