The Very Gradual A to Z guide to Zimmer Zen - Moving On Slowly....

I'm on a bit of a roll at the moment but it may not last long, so enjoy...

E is for Enlightenment
This is the goal, the reason you're on the Zim-Zen path. But there are many different interpretations of this term so it's probably best to view it as a state of "delight-enment" - where your daily experience becomes an eternal delight. Delight in the way you do ordinary things, delight in the way you do extra-ordinary things too, but perhaps most of all, just simply delight in the fact that you are alive.

ZimZen Tip: Too much delight may be harmful so follow the middle way and take all delightful things in moderation.

F is for the Five Precepts
As a Zimmer Zen practitioner you will probably have trangressed most of these by now: 1) try not kill anything 2) try not to take what doesn't belong to you 3) try not to indulge in illicit nooky (sex) 4) try not to tell porky pies (lies) 5) try not to get drunk or take substances that make you feel cool

ZimZen Tip: Been there, done that. No point in worrying about it now so let it go.

G is for Guru (teacher)
Choosing a teacher can be tricky for Zimmer Zen members as some of them will look about the same age as your grandchildren. Still, treat them with respect, listen to what they say, take a power nap (if necessary) and then make up your own mind whether or not to take any notice.

ZimZen Tip: If you come across a guru the same age as you (or older) be delighted - and invite to tea to swap memories!

H is for Haiku (Zen- inspired Japanese poetry)
Traditionally, haiku is a verse of 17 syllables arranged in a specific way and it's aim is to point up the directness of ordinary life. If you are poetically inclined you might find it useful to read them and then contemplate on their meaning between power naps. If you're not a poet just take the power nap.

ZimZen Tip: If you feel inspired to write haiku you might find it useful to take a more gradual approach by beginning with limericks. To get you started here's a first line:

"There once was a chap with a Zimmer..."