Nancy O'Hara has lived and worked in New York City for more than 30 years. Her search for serenity led her to Zen meditation and to pursuing her lifelong desire to write. Today, O'Hara shares her experience through books, meditation classes, and private Zen Life Coaching sessions. This accessible and well-written volume brings together two of her previous books: Find a Quiet Corner and Serenity in Motion. The result is an accessible and valuable compendium of insights and suggestions for everyday spirituality.
The tension, stress, and speed of contemporary life necessitates the need for a quiet corner which O'Hara defines as:
"A moment in time, a place in time, a breath. A quiet corner can be found anywhere, can be created anytime. It is an attitude, an outlook. It can be found in your particular approach to your particular day. A quiet corner simply needs a slight shift in perspective to emerge."
It is taking the time for three deep breaths in very stressful moments. It is taking care of yourself so you can give to others. It is sitting quietly by yourself at lunch by a fountain. It is replenishing your energy sources when you feel dry and worn-out. It is practicing acceptance instead of holding yourself and others to an impossibly high standard of perfection. It is being playful when the chance arises. It is smiling even when things don't go your way. It is calming the mind. It is clearing away the clutter so the beauty around you shines through.
In the second half of this book, O'Hara presents "a primer for learning how to approach the world without reservation, fear, or self-imposed impediments." She identifies the following themes as most important:
• Embrace whatever it is that pains you.
• Loosen the tight hold you have on people, places and things — good and bad.
• Just breathe.
• Expect nothing.
• Keep a positive attitude.
• Cultivate a sense of gratitude.
• Pay attention.
• Practice, practice, practice.
Here is an example of a practice:
Stuck in Traffic
"Given that you cannot change the traffic, the first thing you can do is let go of your desire to do that. Accept the situation as it is presented to you. Take advantage of this time to generate mindfulness. Be completely present to your body sitting in your car on Main Street. Notice the time, the slant of the sun, and the other drivers' faces. Be aware of your need to change how it is at this moment. Relax into being frustrated, being slowed down, and finally into being you. Acknowledge that the other drivers around you are probably feeling some frustration as well. Send them some positive energy. Smile at them. Share the experience of being there. Laugh at your collective predicament. And then when you finally get to your destination (and remember, you can't get there until you get there), you will be relaxed and ready for the next thing, in harmony with everything as it occurs."
