What do you think Sigmund Freud and Zen agree on?
There is an expression attributed to Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, in response to the inquiry: “What is necessary for a person to be happy? The famous response according to Erik Erikson was “to love and to work”.
At times, we all face the experience of suffering and its more subtle version, feelings of dissatisfaction and insufficiency in life.
When life brings “good” or “bad” changes, which it always does, we can still love deeply and have clear purpose, and not be thrown. The results are profound and meaningful.
I recommend keeping in mind that inevitable future where we will once again all work together more actively. It will happen, whether that is months, years or decades in the future. If we maintain kindness and respect in this current era of conflict, it will allow that desirable future to appear more easily and more authentically, for everyone’s benefit.
Do you want to feel freedom? Do you feel free? These are important questions, but it is also important to understand what the meaning is of the words “free” and “freedom.”
When our mind lets go of the typical demands we can experience true freedom and joy. Find out more about how to do that.
Zen and Buddhism have guidelines on ethics and behavior, in addition to mindfulness. On the other hand, in Tai Chi Chuan practice the focus is on mindfulness and movement.
How can we reconcile these differences in approach, and what are core similarities?
What if we understand that a mind cleared of internal conflict is automatically present, and that presence is our natural state (but not so easy to attain)?
Our brain’s language is frictionless and spacious energy, experienced as connection with others and with ourselves.
