Do you think God/Spirit/Source is ever confused or overwhelmed? Do you think s/he/it gets worried and anxious about health, relationships, or finances? Then why in the world do we?

If we are indeed made in the image and likeness of God, as we’re told, then we, too, have a divine center, a peaceful calm at the core of our soul that is accessible anytime we stop and remember to connect.

The famous Zen saying, “Before Enlightenment chop wood, carry water; after Enlightenment, chop wood, carry water” is a simple reminder that we can transform any task, whether we love it or not, into a calming meditation, an opportunity to breathe, reflect and connect. Even the laundry. Or carpool. Or mundane business tasks.

Each day, as you wake, and before you begin the noisy, busy and possibly insane day that comes along with 21st century living, force yourself to be still.

You see, the most important tool to keep things moving (in the direction you want, most of the time) is to actually take a few minutes to be still. Let’s repeat that: In order to keep things MOVING you must be STILL. What in the world does that mean? It means get out of bed in the morning, sit somewhere, and practice being STILL and SILENT.

“Well what do I do during that time?” you may ask. NOTHING. Listen to the silence, to the space between your thoughts. “BUT WHY?” you may ask. BECAUSE THAT’S WHERE YOUR ANSWERS LIE. They do NOT lie in the busyness of your day. They do not lie in DOING more. Everything you’re looking for – ideas, decisions, clarity – will sort themselves out if you simply stop long enough to BE STILL and QUIET at the beginning of each day.

I encourage you to find your version of quiet and stillness, whether it’s simple breathing, formal meditation, or traditional prayer. It doesn’t matter what it looks like. Just do it. Your Zen is waiting.