---
title: 4 Keys to ZEN In A Crazy World
description: There are keys to everything and the idea of zen in a crazy world is more than a meditation practice, it’s opening the door to inner peace and joy when times are difficult. It’s about being mindful of the present moment. It’s about continuing to learn, grow and evolve as a human being. And it’s [&hellip;]
author: Dr Marina Nani (Editor-in-Chief)
date: 2022-04-05T18:26:19.000Z
updated: 2026-02-26T22:02:19.862Z
canonical: https://richwoman.co/article/4-keys-to-zen-in-a-crazy-world
image: https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/kien-do-NjT4O7WYmwk-unsplash-1.jpg
categories: Wellbeing
content_type: Guide
region: Global
publication: Rich Woman Magazine
---

There are keys to everything and the idea of [zen in a crazy world](https://richwoman.co/article/finding-your-zen-and-inner-peace-in-a-busy-life) is more than a meditation practice, it’s opening the door to inner peace and joy when times are difficult. It’s about being mindful of the present moment. It’s about continuing to learn, grow and evolve as a human being. And it’s about accepting that you can’t always change the things going on around you, but that you can always change the way you react to them.

According to [Stanford Philosophy](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/japanese-zen/) Zen aims at the perfection of personhood. To this end, sitting meditation called “*za-zen*” is employed as a foundational method of *prāxis* across the different schools of this Buddha-Way—which is not an ideology, but a way of living. Through *za-zen* the Zen practitioner attempts to embody non-discriminatory wisdom *vis-à-vis* the meditational experience known as “*satori*” (enlightenment). A process of discovering wisdom culminates, among other things, in the experiential apprehension of the equality of all thing-events.

In this article we approach zen as a relationship with inner peace and joy. We start with accepting that sometimes we simply can’t change what was happening, but that we could always change how we reacted to it.

### What is Zen and why you need to try it ?

ZEN is a Japanese word for “meditation” and it often comes with the idea that there is an absolute reality. Zen Buddhism teaches that the world we perceive through our senses is not the true reality. This is a difficult concept to grasp, but in general, ZEN means that things happen without any specific reason and without any emotional reaction.

ZEN is often referred to as a “formless meditation.” When you meditate in ZEN, you are being conscious of the present moment; Zen Buddhism teaches that the world we perceive through our senses is not the true reality.

### What are the benefits of Zen in 2022 ?

Zen is maybe a strange word but being mindful not only improves your physical health, but it can reduce chronic stress, anxiety and depression. It also helps you to sleep better, focus more clearly on tasks, and wake up feeling refreshed. And perhaps most importantly, it can improve your relationships with yourself and others.

If you are familiar with the concept of mindfulness, it will be easier to understand how to Zen. It is being attentive to the here and now, being aware of what’s going on around us – not worrying about the past or future or other issues that are [out of our control](https://www.sovereignmagazine.com/2021/08/26/work-hard-love-harder-rebalancing-your-work-relationship-balance/).

The practice of Zen meditation is based on the idea that we create much of our unhappiness by engaging in [negative thinking patterns](https://richwoman.co/article/5-reasons-why-positive-thinking-can-stop-conflicts), which leads us to react negatively to events in our lives. We are then unable to see situations clearly and respond wisely, which can result in more conflict.

[https://www.youtube.com/embed/5R1UIWYwQC0?feature=oembed](https://www.youtube.com/embed/5R1UIWYwQC0?feature=oembed)

Zen meditation seeks to change the way we look at life, to learn to view things differently and respond with compassion rather than resentment. In Zen meditation, you choose a focus for your mind to be on – an object of concentration, such as your breathing – but you never push thoughts away. Instead, when negative thoughts come into your mind – and they will! – you acknowledge them: “I had a thought about how tired I am.” Once you briefly acknowledge this thought, you let it go and come back to your object of concentration.

The point is to recognize when you’re distracted, but *not to judge yourself for it.* One benefit of this kind of meditation is that you become more aware of the way your mind works, so you can notice when you’re being judgmental or negative, and redirect yourself toward something positive that’s happening in the present moment rather than dwelling on.

### Turning the Keys on & Zen

Zen take time and effort, but it is well worth it. Time should not be rushed, because this will only make matters worse. The key to good zen is to *focus on being present *in the moment and *breathing deliberately*.

*Acceptance* of what life brings is also a critical part. This can be done by acknowledging the negative thoughts while they arise and then letting them go before they become problematic.

Finally, we must *not avoid reality* or ignore the obstacles that we may face on our journey. In order to experience true Zen, we have to allow ourselves to feel all of the emotions that are brought on by our reality and *do what needs to be done to overcome them. *true zen can only be achieved when *we endure the*[* tough times with grace*](https://www.healthywomanmag.com/wellness/how-to-move-with-confidence-and-preserve-your-mental-peace-during-2020s-hard-times/)* and become stronger as a result.*

Zen is more than just a method of finding inner peace and happiness in life. It is also a way to find true fulfillment and satisfaction. By incorporating Zen into your life, you will not only feel better about yourself, but you will find that you are able to experience more of what makes your life worth living.
