Zen experience in Hangzhou

The term Zen comes from the Chinese school of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China during the Tang dynasty, known as Chan Buddhism. The Zen philosophy moved throughout Asia and is known as a method of rigorous self-control, meditative practice, self-awareness and the personal expression of ones insight in daily life, especially for the benefit of others.

While I was in Hangzhou, China in 2015 I had an opportunity to spend some time with Buddhist Monks who shared the Zen experience in many forms.  From Tai Chi, meditation, tea ceremony, calligraphy and through sounds like running water and wind whispering through dense bamboo.

This past year I have tried to implement some Zen habits into my daily life and have seen the most extraordinary year unfold. Meditative visualization focusing on my wants, desires and goals has been my practice of choice. 2016 has by far been the most successful year down the twisty road of life that has become Mike’s Road Trip. In addition to traveling to some amazing destinations this past year, I’ve also forged working relationships with companies whom I’m fortunate and excited to be collaborating with. I’ve also met some extraordinary people along the way and have begun developing new and exciting relationships.

2017 will be even better as I have begun building a team to take Mike’s Road Trip to the next level, by providing more (and better) content for readers/viewers, and more promotional opportunities for destinations, attractions, hospitality and brands. I will publish my first novel, Lines Signs and Forks. I will be doing more speaking engagements as my status in the travel industry continues to elevate. My video content will see a new and expanded audience with a distribution deal with DirecTV as they roll out a new technology and streaming service. So many exciting things in the works.

I can’t promise that if you implement some form of Zen into your life that it will have a profound effect, but I know for cretin it cannot hurt. Buddha teaches that through good deeds we are blessed. I have taken this to heart and in 2017 I plan to give more than I receive. If you meditate, subscribe to any Buddhist philosophies, or do any sort of visualization and have seen positive outcomes, I’d love it if you would share your experience by leaving a comment below.

In the meantime, watch the video below from my time in Hangzhou with the Buddhist Monks, hopefully it will leave you in a Zen state-of-mind and encourage you to take up some of the practices.