Zen is a concept that most of us associate with tranquillity and peace. It’s a school of philosophy within Buddhism that is concerned with using meditation – mental focus and absorption – to achieve a particular state of mind. A state of mindful control. A state of Zen.
As woo-woo as it sounds, there are benefits to be reaped by applying this school of thought to our finances. Rather than being esoteric and a bit “out there”, Zen’s practice of mindfulness offers eight simple steps that just about anyone can follow to cultivate a healthier relationship with money.
STEP 1
Live in the here and now
Being Zen means looking at your situation in a calm, unemotional – or unattached – manner. It is entirely rational. For some of us, knowing where we are, in this very moment, is difficult. Many of us project ourselves into an unknown future rather than facing up to our present-day reality. Being mindful about money starts with knowing precisely where you stand financially, so that you can begin to take firm action to improve what requires attention.
Start by taking a realistic look at your financial situation. Take stock, create an inventory, look at your monthly income and expenditure, list all your debts and know exactly how much money you have. Knowing where you are financially gives you a clear point from which you can move forward.
STEP 2
Make a mindful budget
This story is from the June 2023 edition of Balanced Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2023 edition of Balanced Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CHOCOLATE CHECKOUT
Easter calls for everything chocolate and we've got six spectacular ways to satisfy your sweet (and savoury) tooth.
Bye-bye BFF
We all age at the same rate, but we don't all grow up at a matching pace. So, what do you do if you feel like you're outgrowing your friends?
The science of SLUMBER
According to world-renowned sleep expert and neuroscientist Dr Matthew Walker, sleep is our best superpower. Here's why...
Money mindset MATTERS
Looking for less stress and more progress when it comes to reaching your #moneygoals? Here are five positive money habits to cultivate on your journey to financial freedom.
FUTURE PROOF - YOUR CAREER
\"Soft skills\" are more crucial to your career than you may think. We look at some of the most important professional skills you can attain to safeguard your working future...
HEAR THEM Roar
Through resilience and determination, these three extraordinary South African women have emerged as trailblazers. Here's how Candice Chirwa, Mushfiqoh Samodien and Julia Stuart make the impossible possible and the world a better place.
ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE
Pretty Yende has performed in the world's grandest opera theatres. She'll tick off even more this year, but she's driven not by a bucket list but by a burning curiosity to see how far she can challenge her voice and herself.
5 MINUTES WITH LEBOHANG MASANGO
SOCIAL ANTIIROPOLOGIST AND AUTITOR
Shall we DANCE?
I can confirm: It does take two to tango.
Empowerment UNLOCKED
Working women face a unique set of challenges both globally and here in South Africa. We find out what you can do to get fit for financial success.