All About Zen: What to Read, Watch, Drink, and Do
Have you ever felt soaked up by the constant activity of today’s hectic modern life, where every moment seems to demand our attention? Amidst this chaos, pushing pause and slowing down the frame can feel like an elusive dream. Yet, with the awakening of spring, finding a sense of inner peace appears with rather more simplicity than strain. Doing this is the first step in infusing your life with more Zen – bringing calm into your days through concentration and mindfulness in every activity.
Zen is a form of Buddhism that originated in China, where it is called Chan and later spread to Japan, where it became known as Zen. Characterized by its tranquillity and emphasis on the present moment, we delve into this timeless philosophy and uncover how its principles can be applied to retreat from the hustle and bustle of contemporary living. This mirrors the words of the famous Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh who claimed that “we have more possibilities available in each moment than we realize”.
Read
Ikigai
The book Ikigai, written by authors Héctor Garcia and Francesc Miralles, unveils the Japanese secret to longevity and happiness. While ikigai specifically focuses on the Japanese philosophy of finding purpose and fulfilment in life, its principles resonate with the core tenets of Zen philosophy, offering readers a pathway to a more mindful and harmonious life with oneself and the world around us. Through the lens of the ikigai concept, the authors dive into ways of discovering one’s life purpose by examining the daily routines and cultural beliefs among the people in Japan, who are known for their exceptional longevity rates. With engaging anecdotes and insightful reflections, the book emphasizes the importance of finding one's passion, living with intentionality, fostering strong social connections, and embracing a positive outlook on life. It therefore inspires readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and live a more meaningful and joyful life.
“We have to learn to turn off the autopilot that’s steering us in an endless loop. We all know people who snack while talking on the phone or watching the news. You ask them if the omelet they just ate had onion in it, and they can’t tell you.”
Power of Now
Just like Zen, which encourages being fully present in each moment and finding enlightenment through self-awareness, in his book The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle invites readers to break free from the shackles of past regrets and future worries by embracing the richness of life when experienced directly. The author illustrates how the mind often creates unnecessary suffering through incessant thoughts and attachments, and he offers practical guidance on how to transcend these mental patterns and experience inner peace and simplicity in the here and now. In this sense, The Power of Now serves as a modern expression of timeless wisdom that is deeply aligned with the core teachings of Zen.
“As soon as you honor the present moment, all unhappiness and struggle dissolve, and life begins to flow with joy and ease. When you act out the present-moment awareness, whatever you do becomes imbued with a sense of quality, care, and love - even the most simple action”
Watch
Lost in Translation
Lost in Translation is a 2003 film directed by Sofia Coppola that stars Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson as two lost souls rattling around a Tokyo hotel in the middle of the night, who find themselves talking about their marriages, their happiness and the meaning of it all. While both characters are feeling disconnected and disillusioned with their lives, the movie creates a vibe of tranquillity and beauty to make the state of being lost a wonderful reality if you find treasure within it. As Bob (played by Bill Murray) and Charlotte (played by Scarlett Johansson) navigate the vibrant and chaotic city of Tokyo, they form an unlikely bond, finding solace in each other's company. They spend nights exploring the city, sharing intimate conversations, and grappling with their own personal crises. Despite the age difference, they connect on a deep emotional level, understanding each other's loneliness and longing for something meaningful. It feels like you go on holiday with the characters – there is plenty of melancholy, but it is still soothing.
In a slow-paced and emotional setting, a mediation of existentialism, the characters find themselves in a foreign culture, unable to fully communicate or understand their surroundings. This can be seen as a metaphor for the Zen concept of “beginner’s mind”, where one strives to approach each moment with an open mind, free from attachments. Through their inner journey in the bustling city of Tokyo, the characters embrace the uncertainty of the unknown and find moments of clarity in fleeting connections, evoking the beauty of living in the present moment. With its cinematography and soundtrack, the movie transmits a contemplative mood with many moments of stillness. Sofia Coppola uses long, lingering shots of Tokyo’s cityscape as well as quiet scenes that invite people to reflect on the characters’ experiences. The minimalist score by Kevin Shields further enhances this mood with subtle melodies. Unsurprisingly, Lost in Translation is celebrated for its poignant storytelling, nuanced performances, and atmospheric depiction of Tokyo, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards.
“The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you.”
Drink
Who doesn't sometimes enjoy a freshly prepared drink when everything seems to be happening at once and a break is desperately needed? This is the very point where matcha tea comes into play – a drink that has been consumed for centuries for its health benefits, beckoning with the promise of serenity. Picture this: you are seated in a cozy corner of your favourite café, cradling a warm bowl of vibrant green matcha between your palms. As you take your first sip, a wave of calm washes over you, grounding you in the here and now through its earthy, umami flavour.
Being finely ground from high-grade green tea, matcha tea has gained popularity through its combination with foamed milk – called matcha latte. Unlike its caffeinated counterparts that fuel the adrenalin rush, matcha offers a gentle, sustained energy boost and contains an amino acid called L-theanine, known for its calming effects on the mind and body. To experience this, I introduce you to two fabulous places in Copenhagen offering tasty matchas – which can of course also be served cold for the current spring lovers – and all have a story about where they get their matcha from.
Dzidra
In the heart of the hip Nørrebro district, Dzidra is waiting to be explored with its cozy charm and a tantalizing array of matcha-infused delights. It is a space for community, art installations, delicious food, and pop-up dinners hosted by chefs from all around the world. Central to its matcha repertoire is its renowned matcha latte. Tasting deliciously, its organic matcha is produced on a family-owned, high-quality tea plantation in Japan. While you’re there, find solace at one of the sunlit tables or sink into a plush armchair, where a freshly made matcha latte adds a touch of inner peace. To get the full experience, I would further recommend treating yourself to the café’s pièce de résistance – the Matcha Mille Crepe. Layers of delicate crepes, each infused with the rich flavour of matcha, are lovingly stacked and finished with a whisper-light topping of whipped cream. So, whether you are seeking a moment of solitude or sharing laughter with friends, Dzidra offers a delicious escape into the world of matcha magic!
Sing Tehus
A hidden gem in Vesterbro, Sing Tehus invites you to the art of tea, taking pride in curating the finest selection of teas from around the world with matcha being no exception. The tea house sources its tea from small independent farmers, many of them being family-owned, who carefully grow tea with quality and great respect for nature. Among their teas, you can order matcha latte produced with Yamabuki leaves from Hoshino Seichaen, which is one of the finest matcha producers in Japan. However, its premium matcha offerings do not stop here. Sing Tehus additionally offers expert guidance through its monthly organized matcha workshop, where people can learn the right way to make a perfect matcha and all about the culture behind this timeless green tea.
Do
Sauna85
In line with Zen, Saunagus is a type of aromatherapy practised in a sauna, which can help you find solace from the rigours of daily life and revitalize your mind, body, and soul. This is exactly where you should step into Sauna85 and embark on a sensory journey. Copenhagen-based, Sauna85 offers a unique fusion of Nordic tradition and contemporary wellness. At its heart lies its traditional Finnish sauna – a sanctuary where you can unwind amidst the gentle heat of natural wood and the soothing aroma of essential oils. Using a perfect combination of warmth, scent, and music, you can engage in what it proudly calls “heavy meditation” to melt away the stress of modern life and embrace a safe and peaceful environment. Yet, Sauna85 is more than just a sauna. It is a holistic wellness destination that caters to every aspect of well-being, from incorporating cold plunge pools to tranquil relaxation areas, creating an immersive experience to feel truly refreshed and renewed.
Sluseholmen Harbour
Located in the southern part of Copenhagen’s harbour and with its beautiful design, Sluseholmen Harbour offers a unique bathing experience, perfect for the warm days in spring. As the shape of the place is inspired by corals and surrounded by water and greenery, it holds out a natural oasis within the urban landscape of the city. Bathing in this environment allows you to connect with nature, which is known to have calming effects on the mind and body. Through its blend of natural beauty and tranquillity, the Sluseholmen Harbour is a wonderful choice if you are looking to reconnect with yourself and enjoy the present moment.
