The Art of Simple Living
100 Daily Practices from a Japanese Zen Monk for a Lifetime of Calm and Joy
byShunmyō Masuno, Harriet Lee-Merrion, Allison Markin Powell
Book Edition Details
Summary
"The Art of Simple Living (2019) explores the little habits that will make a big difference in your daily life. It explains the teachings of Zen Buddhism and reveals how to put them into practice. Packed with useful tips, this is your how-to guide for a more tranquil life. "
Introduction
In our hyperconnected world, we've forgotten the profound peace that exists in simplicity. Every morning, millions of people wake up feeling overwhelmed, their minds racing with endless to-do lists, digital notifications, and the constant pressure to do more, be more, have more. Yet somewhere deep inside, we yearn for something different – a way of living that feels lighter, clearer, and more authentic. This ancient wisdom tradition offers us a different path. Through gentle shifts in our daily habits and subtle changes in perspective, we can discover extraordinary tranquility within our ordinary lives. The practices shared here aren't about escaping reality, but about finding profound contentment right where we are. Whether you're seeking inner peace, better relationships, or simply a more meaningful existence, these time-tested principles will guide you toward a life of elegant simplicity and genuine fulfillment.
Energize Your Present Self Through Mindful Habits
The foundation of a simple life begins with how we approach each moment. Rather than rushing through our days on autopilot, we can transform ordinary activities into opportunities for mindfulness and renewal. This isn't about adding more to our already busy schedules – it's about infusing intention into what we're already doing. Consider the story of a Zen monk who practiced what he called "morning awakening." Each day at 5:00 AM, he would walk around the temple opening shutters, not as a chore to complete quickly, but as a sacred ritual of greeting the day. He would pause to taste the morning air, notice how the light fell differently than yesterday, and feel the subtle changes in temperature that marked the turning seasons. This simple practice became his daily meditation, grounding him in presence before the day's activities began. Through this mindful attention to morning routines, the monk discovered something remarkable. Even though he performed the same actions each day, every morning revealed itself as completely unique. The angle of sunlight, the quality of air, the sounds of awakening birds – everything was constantly shifting, offering new experiences for those who remained present enough to notice. You can create your own morning awakening by rising just fifteen minutes earlier and moving through your routine with gentle awareness. Line up your shoes when you remove them, not out of compulsion but as a small act of respect for your space. Make your morning coffee with full attention, engaging your senses in the grinding, brewing, and that first mindful sip. The key is to transform habitual actions into conscious choices. When eating, pause between bites to truly taste your food and appreciate its journey to your table. When breathing, occasionally focus on slow, deep exhalation from your lower abdomen. These micro-moments of mindfulness accumulate throughout the day, creating islands of calm in the midst of life's natural chaos. Remember that energizing your present self isn't about perfection – it's about returning to awareness whenever you notice you've drifted. Each moment offers a fresh opportunity to begin again.
Build Confidence by Changing Your Perspective
True confidence emerges not from external achievements, but from a fundamental shift in how we view ourselves and our challenges. This transformation begins with recognizing that within each of us lives what Zen calls our "inner protagonist" – the authentic self that remains unchanged by circumstances or setbacks. A student once approached his Zen master, overwhelmed by anxiety about job interviews. "Even if I apply to companies I like, I might not get a response," he worried. "When I look at employment statistics, it seems hopeless." The master listened patiently, then offered unexpected advice: "Don't worry so much about the numbers. Get out there and see for yourself." When the student protested that this felt too risky, the master shared a profound insight about the nature of anxiety itself. He explained that anxiety lives entirely in the mind – it's something we create through our thoughts about future events that may never occur. Like clouds that appear solid from a distance but prove to be mere vapor when we fly through them, our fears often dissolve upon direct contact. The student, inspired by this perspective, decided to approach his job search differently. Instead of calculating odds and imagining rejection, he focused on presenting his authentic self with confidence. Within weeks, the student received multiple interview invitations. The change wasn't in his qualifications, which remained the same, but in his energy and self-presentation. By shifting from a mindset of scarcity and fear to one of openness and possibility, he naturally attracted opportunities. This principle applies to all areas where confidence feels lacking. Rather than comparing yourself to others or focusing on what you lack, concentrate on the unique perspective and experiences you bring to any situation. Plant metaphorical seeds through consistent small actions, just as you might tend a single flower, watching it grow day by day without forcing the process. When facing uncertainty, embrace the Zen teaching that "within nothingness there is infinite potential." You were born with everything you need inside you – confidence is simply a matter of removing the mental obstacles that obscure your natural capabilities.
Improve Relationships Through Compassionate Interaction
The quality of our relationships reflects the state of our inner world. When we approach others with genuine compassion and presence, we create space for authentic connection to flourish. This begins with releasing our attachment to being right and our need to control how others perceive us. The story of a master gardener illustrates this beautifully. When designing temple gardens, he never forced plants into predetermined arrangements. Instead, he would spend time observing each tree, understanding its natural growing pattern, its preferred direction, and its unique character. Rather than imposing his vision, he would ask: "What does this tree want to become?" Then he would position it in a way that honored its nature while creating harmony with the surrounding elements. As the garden matured, something magical happened. Each plant, allowed to express its authentic nature while contributing to the whole, flourished beyond what would have been possible through force or manipulation. Visitors would comment on the garden's extraordinary sense of peace and balance, though they couldn't quite identify why it felt so different from other gardens. The gardener had learned that true harmony comes not from making everything the same, but from understanding and honoring differences. He applied this same principle to his relationships with fellow monks and temple visitors. Instead of trying to change people or convince them of his viewpoints, he focused on understanding their unique perspectives and finding ways to create mutual respect. You can apply this wisdom by shifting your focus from what annoys you about others to what you can appreciate about their unique qualities. When someone says something that triggers irritation, pause and ask yourself: "What might they be trying to communicate beneath their words?" Practice the art of generous interpretation, assuming positive intent even when delivery is imperfect. Create space in conversations by truly listening rather than formulating your response. Join your hands together in the traditional gesture of respect, not just physically but energetically, approaching each interaction with humility and openness. Most importantly, give up the exhausting need to be liked by everyone. Like flowers that naturally attract their appropriate pollinators, when you show up authentically and compassionately, you'll naturally connect with people who appreciate your genuine self.
Make Every Day Your Best Day
The secret to making any day your best day lies not in external circumstances, but in your ability to find meaning and beauty in whatever the present moment offers. This final transformation requires shifting from a mindset of waiting for better days to one of creating goodness right where you are. A renowned Zen master named Ikkyu was once asked to write something celebratory for a merchant's new grandchild. The master thought for a moment, then wrote: "The parent dies, the child dies, the grandchild dies." The merchant was shocked by what seemed like a morbid message. But Ikkyu explained his deeper meaning: if a family experiences death in the natural order – with each generation living fully before passing on – this represents the greatest possible happiness. This story reveals a profound truth about appreciating the ordinary miracle of each day. The master wasn't being pessimistic; he was pointing to the preciousness of life's natural rhythm. Every morning you wake up, every breath you take, every ordinary interaction represents an extraordinary gift that countless people throughout history would have treasured. The practice begins with recognizing that you are protected and supported in ways both visible and invisible. When you truly accept this truth, anxiety about the future naturally diminishes. You can face each day with what Zen calls "beginner's mind" – approaching familiar experiences with fresh curiosity rather than tired habit. Notice the changes of seasons, not just in nature but in your own life. Spring arrives through new opportunities, summer through periods of growth and abundance, autumn through times of harvest and reflection, winter through necessary rest and inner preparation. Each phase has its own gifts when approached with acceptance rather than resistance. The master's father lived this principle until his final day. At age eighty-seven, he spent his last morning weeding the temple garden, tidying his room, and carrying out his responsibilities with complete presence. He died peacefully that afternoon, having lived every single day to its fullest potential. Your practice is to put everything into the here and now. Whatever today brings – whether challenges or celebrations – meet it with your whole being. Life is simultaneously eternal and brief, ordinary and miraculous. When you truly grasp this paradox, every day becomes your best day simply because you're fully alive within it.
Summary
The path to simple living isn't about abandoning the modern world, but about finding stillness and clarity within it. As this wisdom teaches us, "All days are good days" – not because every day brings pleasure, but because each day offers the opportunity to practice presence, compassion, and authentic living. The transformation happens through countless small shifts: waking fifteen minutes earlier to greet the morning mindfully, focusing on gratitude rather than complaints, and treating each interaction as a chance to express our highest self. The most profound change occurs when we stop waiting for perfect circumstances and instead commit to making the most of the life we've been entrusted with right now. Begin today by choosing one simple practice that resonates with your heart, and watch how this single seed of mindfulness gradually transforms your entire experience of being alive.
By Shunmyō Masuno
