Why Zen Habits?

paradox Says:

February 20th, 2007, 8:26 am

Zen is not about achieving goals or getting things done, and I am curious where you got that idea. I think you are vastly misunderstanding it and using the word “Zen” like a brandname to make yourself feel cooler.

Leo Says:

February 20th, 2007, 12:44 pm

Hi Paradox … thanks for the comment. I think what you’ve expressed is a common misunderstanding about my blog, and I’m glad you’ve given me the chance to clear that up.

I’ve never said that Zen is a way to achieve your goals, although in a way it certainly could help you do anything if you look at it in a certain way. No, I understand that Zen is a religion and a philosophy, as well as a way of life. I didn’t mean to use it as a brand … I only used it for my blog because the idea of creating habits in a Zen-like way appeals to me personally.

The Zen of the title of this blog is simply a way of reminding myself to be present, to live simply, to keep myself centered and at peace as I make my slow journey to creating good habits and achieving my goals. That’s all. I am not a Zen monk or a follower of Zen, although I do try to practice zazen when I can. I’ve never studied under a teacher, although I have read some books on Zen and have read many real Zen websites (as opposed to mine, which isn’t one).

I hope this clears things up and I apologize for the confusion.

Anonymous Says:

February 22nd, 2007, 18:37 pm

The name is misleading if the blog isn’t specifically Zen-related (and it can’t describe “the philosophy of the blog in a concise way” unless it does!). I glad to find your blog because I thought it was in fact written from the perspective of a Zen practioner. But I was disappointed to find that the name is just another example of the word “zen” being co-opted because of some perceived coolness factor.

From the description of your blog, it sounds like something like “Cultivated Habits” might be a more fitting name.

Leo Says:

February 22nd, 2007, 18:41 pm

I’m sorry if you were disappointed. I didn’t mean to use the word because of its coolness factor … as I said, I simply use it to be present, to live simply, to keep myself centered and at peace as I make my slow journey to creating good habits and achieving my goals.

Thanks for the comment and suggestion!

Lauren Says:

February 23rd, 2007, 6:07 am

I love the name –and think it fits wonderfully to your blog. I’m a wellness coach who helps people with many of the goals-orientation(s) that you suggest, and you have a wonderful direction for this.

Perhaps those people who are jumping on the “impreciseness” of the name are not being very Zen themselves, which would not get overexcited about someone else’s choices. Zen is both doing and not-doing, but it’s about simplicity. A true Zen blog might actually be one word: “breathe”, or “sit”, but that’s not helping people initially. Real Zen is almost complicated in its simplicity for many people.

Leo, you have a great site and I read it everyday. A name is a name is a name: it’s the pathway that counts, not the moniker.

Leo Says:

February 23rd, 2007, 14:50 pm

wow, lauren … thanks for the great comment! this blog has been most rewarding for me, hearing wonderful things from my readers. if you enjoy the site and find it useful, i am happy.

Erik Mallinson Says:

February 28th, 2007, 15:09 pm

I think Zen Habits perfectly describes what you’re doing here. The whole idea of Getting Things Done is removing the busy mind to allow oneself to focus on here and now.

You made a connection and it works for you - I suspect many others feel the same way.

Thank you for your contributions thus far!

Leo Says:

February 28th, 2007, 15:23 pm

@Erik: Thanks for the feedback. I really appreciate it.

Ryan Says:

April 12th, 2007, 11:51 am

Dude, Love the site. I’m digging a lot of this stuff. As for the “hey, this an’t Zen” stuff, just brush it off. Your doing great, keep up the good work, and keep it comin!!

Greenish Says:

April 26th, 2007, 5:41 am

I’m very curious about the authority of Paradox and Anonymous (how brave), they must be original Zen masters, to argue if a page is or is not ‘zen’.

I think your site is very interesting, but may I suggest a more appropriate title: ‘I am the ultimate zen-master and can solve all your problems with the blink of an eye.’ ;)

Keep up the good work.

Leo Says:

April 26th, 2007, 6:26 am

Hi Greenish … actually, that was the first title of this blog, but it didn’t fit, so I had to shorten it to “Zen Habits”. :)

gerrycody Says:

May 4th, 2007, 15:29 pm

I have become a big fan of this site, whatever you happen to call it. It was obvious to me it was not about Zen, I wasn’t mislead or confused. I love the Aristotle quote, to me that is what the site is about. I helps me stay motivated and make some very necessary changes in my life. Just thinking about creating healthy habits is very exciting where as in the past it was a dreaded impossible task. Thanks much
I love the name by the way.

Leo Says:

May 4th, 2007, 19:10 pm

Thank you, gerrycody, for your very nice comment. I appreciate the positive feedback. I’m glad if I’ve helped you make a positive change in your life!

Bill Says:

May 7th, 2007, 4:11 am

Zen-what? Yep, smells like another shallow, yuppie, American take on Zen.

Don’t obfuscate the open spirit of Zen and use it for your egotistical purposes. If you know what Zen is, you’d be humble enough to not exploit its name for some hip/cool/trendy/flavor-of-the-month brandname.

Zen has already been misunderstood/exploited enough in this part of the world.

Zia Says:

May 7th, 2007, 14:13 pm

Hey

I like your blog, I posted a review on my site (http://zia.blogspot.com/).

Keep up the good work!

Zia

munen Says:

May 13th, 2007, 5:30 am

Nice site Leo,

I like your bit about disciple. Please keep writing ;)

itistoday Says:

May 13th, 2007, 13:05 pm

Leo’s remarks about living simply and in the present moment fall in line with traditional Zen teachings, which, as Leo mentions, is simply a way of life and a certain attitude towards it. While this blog does not contain koans and other “real Zen teachings”, it still does contain elements in the spirit of Zen, and so I think the name is actually quite appropriate. Nice work with the blog Leo. :-)

Leo Says:

May 13th, 2007, 15:23 pm

Thanks for the nice comments, guys! I appreciate that — your encouragement keeps me going.

TJ Says:

May 27th, 2007, 21:42 pm

I agree completely with what Paradox said: this forum has nothing to do with Zen. In fact, Zen is about eliminating bad habits … not building more.

That said, the automation of some things is necessary … like the pianist practicing technique until s/he no longer needs to think about it .. and can think about artistry.

JD Says:

May 30th, 2007, 21:17 pm

Leo,
I really like your site and have found some great food for thought here.
I do think the word Zen has been cheapened by being plastered on everything from cereal boxes to nightclubs to multi-level marketing schemes, and in that respect, I can understand the distaste people have about a decidedly non-Zen focused website being called Zen Habits.
A couple comments were made to the effect that you’d have to be a Zen monk or something to take issue with the misuse of the word Zen. That’s just plain silly. If I started a blog about ice fishing and called it Islamic Affairs, would devoted Muslims be the only ones allowed to point out the inconsistency?

Qrystal Says:

May 31st, 2007, 22:10 pm

I think the comments were saying: those people must NOT be Zen monks if they are taking offense, because that’s not very zen-like of them. I’ll admit to knowing less than I wish I knew about Zen, and in the same breath say that I like the name of the site because, not in spite of, the fact that the word zen is used so loosely in this day and age. Language evolves, and words with specific meanings in one context are often adapted for other purposes. Incidentally, zen is also occasionally used as a verb, where it means “to solve a problem (esp. a computer programming bug) by a sudden flash of enlightenment.” So as long as we’re here trying to make a habit of solving our problems instead of letting them hinder us …. I think zenhabits is not only a good name, but it’s perfect.

itistoday Says:

May 31st, 2007, 22:27 pm

Qrystal, you bring up a good point, Zen indeed has a lot to do with solving problems. The reason students go to Zen masters is to learn from them, specifically it is because they have some sort of a spiritual problem and therefore they seek enlightenment. Zen masters attempt to solve this, and any other problems that are brought to them. Of course, a Zen master isn’t *obligated* to do anything, but I hope the point nonetheless gets across. So I agree with you and disagree with those saying that this site has “nothing” in common with Zen.

Binaryice Says:

June 4th, 2007, 14:13 pm

I’d like to point something out, though I doubt my comment, being at the bottom of the page will do much good to the type of people I hope to address.

Zen is something that is very elusive, and like one commenter said, very complicated in it’s simplicity to the laity. I know you are all laity, because you are using a computer to look up blogs. This is not a terrible thing in and of itself, and I believe that the tradition against technology is not always a wise one in Buddhist practice, but it is a fact none the less. Because you are not masters of Zen, it is incredibly childish to tell another person what is Zen and what is not. Does informing Leo that he is “so not Zen” make you feel more Zen? Personal enlightenment is not about climbing above others, it is about personal achievement. If something is or is not true to Zen, those that understand it will know.

That technicality aside, Leo, I love your blog, I’m very impressed with your progress as an individual and your site. This is an incredibly inspirational site with a catchy name that will undoubtedly keep me thinking about my own bad habits for much longer than “GoodHabits” would. Don’t be disparaged by people who don’t understand what you are doing, if they reached the level that you are at, they would be teaching their own followers, not attacking other teachers. While you may not quite be Zen, by the standards of the institution, I think you have solidly captured many values central to Buddhist practice and I hope things only get better for you and your family.

You may be interested in a book called “The Way of the Peaceful Warrior” by Milman. I know the movie was kind of hokey, but the book is much better.

Leo Says:

June 4th, 2007, 16:13 pm

Thank you, Binaryice, for your insightful and kind comment, and thanks to the others who’ve also left nice comments here. I really appreciate the positive feedback.

JD Says:

June 4th, 2007, 17:43 pm

“Qrystal Says:
I think the comments were saying: those people must NOT be Zen monks if they are taking offense, because that’s not very zen-like of them.”

That’s precisely what they’re saying - and that response is silly. What does it matter if it’s being ‘Zen-like’ or not to take issue with what one perceives to be a misused word? Go ahead and debate whether or not this blog is truly ‘Zen-like’, or whether or not that even matters, but since no one has yet claimed to be a Zen master, what is the relevance of criticizing anyone for not being one?
I do think some of the comments were pointlessly aggressive, but it’s equally pointless to respond by simply attacking the character of the commenter rather than to address the point being made - which is merely about the proper use of the English language.
Regardless of the name however, this is a very well-written and inspiring blog. Thanks Leo!

mama Says:

June 12th, 2007, 15:54 pm

fabulous! most certainly zen habits contribute to accomplishing goals. the past two years of my life have been the most difficult and through my reaquaintance with buddhism i have slowly re-focused and managed to accomplish quite a few goals, getting myself back on track. both my husband and i have been using “zen practices” to improve our relationship, build our finances and relate better with our children. thank you for your site, this is valuable in that you are a man, a parent and a person who instilled change in their life- you’re an inspiration for the rest of us regular people who are also doing extraordinary things.

Teknitis Says:

June 26th, 2007, 1:23 am

Zen habits is a perfect name… This describes the whole ideology of the thing. To be Zen is to be happy. and that’s is what you’re trying to dp!!

Terry Says:

July 18th, 2007, 22:59 pm

I love this site and I love the name. I love your philosophies on life and I am very similar to you…that is eliminate the physical and mental clutter in your life. I love how you get up at 4:30 am to which I say “WOW”. I am no where done reading all the posts in your blog but I am anxious to start creating more positive habits in my life. I have to do something to get toward my goals and my current “habits” are getting me nowhere. Thanks for inspiring me to be a better me.

Halima Voyles Says:

July 20th, 2007, 13:58 pm

Dear Leo, I am impressed and inspired by your story. In two years you have transformed your life! Amazing!

A few years ago I had my own transformation. My husband and family think I am crazy, but here’s what happened, and what I have accomplished:

I have written in a diary since I was 7 years old. When I was 24, I was newly married and having a sort of life crisis. My life felt aimless and I hated my job. At that time, I came across a diary of mine, from when I was 15 years old and when life was going “my way.”

At 15, I had charted out my life till the ripe old age of 21 in a series of plans and objectives. Even though I had since forgotten these, my 15 year old self had made the attempt to drive my life with purpose.

So at 24, reading these initial plans, I decided to get some control over my life again. I made a series of simple 4-year plans, detailing the major goals I wanted to accomplish in each time period. Each year since (6 years have elapsed), I have accomplished the vast majority of those goals simply by writing them down and reviewing them religiously.

We bought our first house, and then our second. I went to graduate school and graduated with high honors. We had a beautiful, wonderful baby daughter. My husband and I relocated two times and now live in Chicago. I wrote two books (am working on publishing them now). I got accepted to the top MBA school in the country, after planning for 4 years on how to get in! We give regularly to charity and make giving back a priority. We are down to one outstanding credit card bill, a mortgage and a car payment, all other debts have been paid off. We have started an emergency fund, and have also built up a vacation account and a monthly line which teeter on the brink, but which exist nonetheless and which we hope will one day get us closer to our short-term financial objectives.

This may sound like a lot, but it’s a daily struggle. I have days on which I am dreadfully unhappy, but most of the time, I feel very grateful for having had the opportunity to get along a little further in my goals. The failures have been many, and inevitable, but the successes by far outweigh the failures overall.

So, I read your story and was thrilled that there are other “loonies” like myself out there - who plan and think and try to do the impossible - which is to change ourselves for the better.

Congrats on your column and on all your accomplishments! And thank you for the continued inspiration!

Deb Estep Says:

July 25th, 2007, 8:46 am

Hello Leo,

I’ve surfed to your site from
a link at Phil Gerbyshak’s site.

I love it here and would like to
extend my congratulations on
not only your site, but the progress
in your life.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful
example of living.

WOW… I bet you never dreamed that
the title of your blog would draw
some of the negative feedback that
I’ve read here.
Hmmm go figure that those who
are critical do so under the
anonymous posting feature.

A person’s blog is their own
garden in this big ole world.
I’m going to rest here awhile and
you can bet I’ll be back.

xo xo
Deb

John Says:

July 27th, 2007, 18:59 pm

Love your site and can appreciate your attraction to Zen. All the folks who have a beef with it are a little too attached to words!

If you haven’t already read it, I think you’d enjoy The Compass of Zen by Zen Master Seung Sahn along with his other books - Dropping Ashes on the Buddha and Only Don’t Know.

Keep up the great work!

Susan Says:

August 6th, 2007, 10:44 am

May I suggest reading Alan Watts, “The Way of Zen”, or anything by Shunryu Suzuki including “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind” if you really want to learn about true Zen habits. For you Westerners, try Christmas Humphrey’s “A Western Approach to Zen”. A wonderful book about Koans is “Bring me the Rhinoceros (and other Zen Koans to Bring You Joy” by John Tarrant. Or perhaps it’s even better to just sit.

My husband sent this site to me thinking I would be interested, as I am a student/practitioner of Mahayana Buddhism and Taoism. I checked it out only because of the title, and thought I would leave info about the wonderful texts referenced above, as I admit I don’t understand the appeal of “blogs”… opinions are like…. well, you know the rest of the statement. Regardless, my wish for anyone entering here and all living beings is to find perfect peace and lasting happiness.

Zhaozhou asked Nanquan, “What is the Way?”
Nanquan said, “Ordinary mind is the Way.”
“Should I turn toward it or not?”
“If you turn toward it you turn away from it.”
Zhazhou asked, “How can I know the way if I don’t turn toward it?”
Nanquan said, “The way is not about knowing or not knowing. When you know something you are deluded, and when you don’t know, you are just empty-headed. When you reach the way beyond doubt, it is as vast and infinite as space. You can’t say it’s right or wrong.” With these words, Zhaozhou had sudden understanding.

Leo Says:

August 8th, 2007, 7:13 am

Hi Susan … excellent comment. I’ve read both Watts and Suzuki and prefer Suzuki. Watts takes Suzuki’s work and tries to make it in a more approachable format for Westerners, but it doesn’t feel as authentic. Still, it’s a good introduction.

Noel Says:

August 30th, 2007, 15:05 pm

I came across your site and I have found it to be extremely useful! From the practical tips of staying in the moment to dealing with debt, I come here daily to get motivated and stay focused on my goals! Keep up the good work! and Thank You!

Pat Says:

August 31st, 2007, 7:33 am

I read the negative, pedantic feedback about the use of the word Zen with incredulity, because it was that very word in the title of your Blog that drew me here. I came via a link from an online friend and found both common sense, humility and practical advice just when I needed a boost. My getup and go had got up and gone and I was trying to force it back to attend to far too many goals.

Thank you for all your insights, I have bookmarked this site and shall return regularly to this haven of calm.

Pat in England.

Thomas Says:

September 22nd, 2007, 10:47 am

Your blog is positive, and may be the impetus for people to learn more about Zen philosophy and practice.

Take it for what it is!

As you say:
“to be present, to live simply, to keep myself centered and at peace”

Michaelle Says:

October 16th, 2007, 13:59 pm

I just discovered your blog and am enjoying it very much. I applaud your efforts and congratulate you on what you have achieved thus far. I plan on reviewing your blog in a post on my blog. I will let you know when, so you can check it out. Keep up the good work!

juaxix Says:

November 13th, 2007, 5:11 am

Zen is not important.
I LOVE this theme, can you share it? :)

Satori Says:

November 14th, 2007, 3:01 am

Leo,
I read your blog today for the first time. I enjoyed it immensely and intend to return on a regular basis to gleen knowledge from your experiences. I wish you and your beautiful family the very best !

jim Says:

December 21st, 2007, 3:25 am

Leo,

I hate to be negative, but I too wanted to express my dismay at your use of the restaurant cliche of Zen as “simple” or “japanese” or “elegant”, especially in a blog about productivity for an audience poisonously obsessed with productivity, achievement, happiness, and future over moment to moment acceptance of the present (yes, hello Lifehacker, I read it too). It’s not wrong, offensive, or anything else; it just has nothing whatsoever to do with Zen (except in the sense that everything is Zen, but… aggg)… I just think so many would benefit so much from knowing a little more about the real subject.

To that end I would enthusiastically second Susan’s selections above - but I think in your reply you’re maybe confusing Shunryu (”Little”) Suzuki with D.T. (”Big”) Suzuki, the earlier and better known Zen master who did greatly inform Watts. “Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind” is a collection of spoken lectures, accessible to anyone with interest, but of utterly bottomless significance. And I wasn’t blown away by Watts’ books either, but the audio recordings of his (sometimes drunken, always impeccably spoken) lectures are fantastic, and plentiful as podcasts and mp3s floating around the net - check it out!

Conor Says:

January 12th, 2008, 8:23 am

Is the name more important as Leo’s intentions with his blog, or the substance of his information? Absolutely not.

It could be named Purple People Eater Habits, and I would still read his insightful entries.

Once you learn to look at things objectively, you can see those things for the truth that they are, and you won’t have a reason to assume or judge based on a name.

Keep up the good work Leo.

HomeBiscuitsAndGravy Says:

January 17th, 2008, 11:42 am

I find this debate about what is and is not “zEn” extremely amusing. And all this talk about Alan Watts and other spiritual authors and pursuits cracks me up too. My mother, god love her 74 year old soul, is the original “way out there” girl. That woman–a therapist, mind you–has studied Watts, Krishnamurti, Master Charles, Catholocism, mysticism, something called rampache (paper mache?), sand tray and a million other therapies, has studied under one of the dolly lamas (for real!), had her own guru, has lived in a spiritual commune, and…oh god, I can’t remember all the rest.

I tell my sister if NASA ever loses communication with the Spirit or Opportunity mars rovers, they should get hold of my mom, cuz she’s been in contact with them for years….

Adrian Kasper Says:

February 15th, 2008, 0:43 am

I really enjoy you web page . Many things I know ,but the point is bring this habits to every day life. My opinion about using the name zen good for you thats where the simple things are . If people tells you is not about zen what is zen . What ever you create with love and presence, that what counts. Zen is just label The question is what is beyond . Great writing

love it

Shelley Says:

February 24th, 2008, 18:21 pm

Hi! I just discovered your blog through your guestpost on Skelliewag.

I think your website title is perfect. The overall layout is peaceful and the content definitely rings in the same frequency as Zen teachings (being more present, making the best out of each moment).

You’ve got yourself a new fan :) Thanks and keep writing.

Laurel Vogel Says:

March 11th, 2008, 12:45 pm

Does it matter? Does Zen care if it’s called Zen? Does Zen care if what it is called is used by someone else for another purpose other than Sanzen,(or “just sitting”)?

I struggle when I see a spa or cosmetic business using the name Zen. I struggle because of the deep relationship I have with the practice and its teachings. But then I have a choice. I can use the appearance of this word in so many places of commerce as a reminder of my own practice and what it means to me.

It’s up to us, ultimately, how we see things–how we choose to take them in. Which is not to say we shouldn’t all make our valid comments and have our opinions–that is also Zen. If the culture commercializes the word by its overuse, does that mean it is no longer a valid experience? It’s deep practice that counts, not how mere words are appropriated or misappropriated. Ultimately, there are so many issues in the world to attend to–so does this one matter? I really don’t know. Maybe it does. And maybe it’s important that we are at least thinking about how words are used, and appropriated for market purposes. But also, to keep in mind that they are just words, not the practice itself…
And I am subscribing, because I like the advice here.

chee Says:

March 13th, 2008, 22:22 pm

I have seen Zen many times in many ways. I still do not understand it.

I am however, very interested in Taoism, which is closely associated with the Chen/Zen, Japanese interpretation.

I have just recently discovered that I have lived the Taoist way. And for 50 years, I have been just doing it.

The Taoist is constantly looking/seeking “the way”. May it be in waking up in the morning, breathing, eating, dressing, seeking information, etc. and creating a personal philosophy in living. And by all means, being frugal in everything you consume and use is part of the “way”.

Kat Says:

March 18th, 2008, 15:28 pm

I think Zen Habits is a fine name. Followers of Eastern thought are known for mental and physical discipline, so linking your name to this philosophy is perfect.

Patrick Says:

April 17th, 2008, 13:15 pm

Leo

What is your email address? I would like to send you a proposal.

Kind regards,

Patrick

Ryno Says:

April 26th, 2008, 14:43 pm

Hi there my name is Ryno i am from South Africa I only
started zen habits this month and i feel great thank you and your site is great Thanks

Thomas Says:

May 2nd, 2008, 4:01 am

I just stumbled across Zen Habits today, and after looking around at ZTD and some other posts, I think it’s really a wonderful blog.

The early comments about using “Zen” in your blog title are not surprising, but unfortunate. It’s clear to me that the blog is more about Habits than about Zen, but that the habits come from a Zen approach. Zen is not about pie-in-the-sky stuff, it’s about being grounded in reality, and I see that shine through in the writing here.

Starshooter Says:

May 29th, 2008, 5:22 am

Hi Leo
If only i found your blog earlier!
I’ve been to so many personal development (and other) seminars that i almost became a seminar junkie. I’ve been to guru’s seminars and paid a lot for them. What i’ve found is that most of them are like a rahrah rally and all the energy and determination disappeared one week(or even sooner) later….
I’ve just started reading some of your posts and really loved them so far. I don’t think i’ll ever pay thousands for a seminar again.
By the way, have you been to those seminars? How did you find them? did you have a mentor?

Rock on
Starshooter

daniel Says:

June 30th, 2008, 20:22 pm

great site. you and i have changed in almost exactly the same steps. no kidding. except i started sitting (zazen) first and then these changes followed spontaneously. i hate to admit it, but i decided to comment based on all the baseless accusations and apologists who comment previously. first of all, “zen” doesn’t even exist, so that takes care of that. and second, what is real is the path one takes and i see that you have actually experienced something “real” and that it works and you decided to give this as a gift to the rest of humanity. anyone that overlooks this is shallow and decietful and full of envy towards your inward successes. your children should be proud that they have a father such as you. anyway, i feel a great connection with the writing here and as such would like to express my gratitude for your efforts.