The Shores of Zen

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The Shores of Zen

   As the waves roll in from the Pacific, the roaring water crashes against the rocks and stretches out to touch the sand.

   The light off-white clouds blanket the sky for a dim glow. The mist coming off the ocean sprays the coastline. Trees and driftwood line the coast, guarding entry into the forest beyond. Clusters of river rock are sprinkled up and down the coast, with the occasional boulders and seaweed that compliment them. Tall, Island-sized rocks lay in the water just out of reach.

   A constant cool breeze streams in and wraps around my body. The mixture of crisp salt water and coastal redwood fills the air. My eyes are open wide trying to memorize and record every detail. The beach is my home away from home.

   There's a comfort at this specific beach that I have not felt in a while. All the sounds, temperatures, and sensations calm and relax my body. All my worries escaped me, leaving me full of wandering thought and joy. It was pure bliss.

   Sitting on a rock I stared out into the expanse of the ocean. It was so freeing just sitting there. I thought about the amazing intricacies that this beautiful world gifts to us on a daily basis. I was able to completely detach from the man-made constructs, and for those couple hours I was completely present in the moment. 

   We walked up and down the coastline witnessing one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. I was walking around in a perma-meditative trance that heightened every sense in my body. I felt so connected to the Earth and the friends around me. I needed this. 

   I've never felt so calm and alive at the same time. My state of joy was explainable and I still feel it today as I am writing this. The beach re-energized and rejuvenated me. My thoughts flow freely and are not trapped behind the walls of complexity and society. Every time I have a block or feel the pressure of stress, I will listen and watch the numerous videos I took to bring me back to this special place.  

     Brad Slaughter is a Co-Owner of Try-Fun Fitness & Training, Writer for Inside My Inquisitive Mind, Producer, Entrepreneur and trained in Social Media Marketing By Corsera. 

   Follow him on

Twitter- @bradslaughter89                                                                                              or Facebook - @OfficialBradSlaughter

How Are You Doing Today?

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Found on Gifrific
http://gifrific.com/lou-bloom-points-and-smiles-nightcrawler/

   The lack of communication between people today blows my mind. Putting aside your phones and tablets, do you talk to other people in a public place in person? Do you know how much it would make that person's day to just say hello to them? 

   Yesterday my girlfriend and I went to the Apple Store in the mall to see if her computer could get fixed. From the car to the store, I think I witnessed only one face-to-face conversation. Once we were inside, there were plenty of conversations happening, because people have to talk to the techs to get their stuff fixed or to buy something. 

   Regardless, it was pleasant to see. The customers were happier inside the store than they were in the mall since each tech welcomed you with a smile and engaged each and every customer. When we were shown our seats, a tech promptly came up to help us. 

   His name was Aaron. The way he spoke and interacted with us was very warm and inviting. He was adept in customer relations. As he was going through the diagnostics, I asked him, "How are you doing today?". 

Found on Huffington Post
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   He stopped what he was doing and stared at me for a few seconds. I looked at him straight in the eyes and held a smile. Once he broke from his trance he smiled back and said he's having a great day. He went on to say that he rarely has someone ask how his day is going. Throughout the rest of the service I learned all about what he loves and does for a living. He helped us so much and gave us the best advice to solve our problems.

   The easiest way to make friends, influence people, and to bring out the best in someone is to take interest in them. This world is encompassed by instant gratification and taking. The more we give, the more we receive. I challenge you to take interest in someone today. Ask them how they're doing and what they're interests are. You'd be amazed at the impact you give to that person and how your life becomes more enriched because of it.

     Brad Slaughter is a Co-Owner of Try-Fun Fitness & Training, Writer for Inside My Inquisitive Mind, Producer, Entrepreneur and trained in Social Media Marketing By Corsera. 

   Follow him on

Twitter- @bradslaughter89                                                                                              or Facebook - @OfficialBradSlaughter

Take A Walk

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Found on Herondaled
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   Recently I have noticed that I haven't had as much energy as I usually have. I've been waking up later and drinking more coffee. Yesterday I was thinking about it while I was on my way to drop off a package. I took an Uber to the post office and sent the package off. When I walked outside, the sun was shining and the street traffic was low, so I started walking towards home. I wanted to go a few blocks down so it'd be easier to get a ride back. But as I walked a few blocks, I started feeling a lot better and more awake. I could smell the jasmine in the distance and it changed my mind. I plugged my headphones in and kept walking.

   I instantly realized why I haven't had any energy lately. Since I've taken an extended break from the entertainment industry, I haven't been walking as much. And I haven't been running lately. I've been flying around doing different things the past few months or so which has affected my energy levels. 

   The classic rock and the amazing smells of the flowering trees that line the residential streets flooded me with happiness. The sun was beaming down and giving me some much needed vitamin D. The vigorous walking got my blood flowing and a good sweat on. I was able to zone out and focus on what I wanted to talk about for my next Podcast. My thoughts were crisp and clear. Ideas were rushing in.

   The walk took about 25 minutes and spanned about 2 miles. When I walked into my place I was energized and ready to write. I got so many things done yesterday that I've been wanting to do for a week. The walk refreshed me. I slept better last night and I woke up earlier today. It's my body telling me that I was missing this much needed activity in my life. 

   If you're having a writers block, feel unproductive, or don't have a lot of energy; take a walk. Put on some feel good music or a podcast, leave the confines of your office or home and zone out. Let your mind wander and create. Your brain needs it for the exercise and as a catalyst for creativity.  

     Brad Slaughter is a Co-Owner of Try-Fun Fitness & Training, Writer for Inside My Inquisitive Mind, Producer, Entrepreneur and trained in Social Media Marketing By Corsera. 

   Follow him on

Twitter- @bradslaughter89                                                                                              or Facebook - @OfficialBradSlaughter