“The days are slow, but the years are fast.”

Kelly Ripa once said this on her talk show, LIVE with Kelly, when she was raising her children. She recognized each day is filled with its own sunshine, along with its own clouds. There are ups and downs of every single day, but the important thing to remember is time moves quickly.

Therefore, it is my goal to share with you a Zen Quote for each day of the month. I hope these quotes bring you peace and stillness. In that stillness, I would like for you to take a second to appreciate all that you have and those who surround you. There is plenty to be thankful each day. Take time to recognize these things and appreciate them before time moves on.

Enjoy ~

1. The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear. – Lao Tzu

2. If you try to aim for it, you are turning away from it. – Zen saying

3. Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others. – Buddha

4. When you are content to simply be yourself and don’t compare or compete, everyone will respect you. – Lao Tzu

5. All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become. – Zen saying

6. Working with plants, trees, fences, and walls, if they practice sincerely they will obtain enlightenment. – Dogen Zenji

7. We are what we think. With out thoughts we make the world. – Buddha

8. When there is no desire, all things are at peace. – Lao Tzu

9. Compassion is our deepest nature. It arises from our interconnection with all things. – Buddhist Proverb

10. In criticizing, the teacher is hoping to teach. That is all. – Bankei

11. From wonder into wonder existence opens. – Lao Tzu

12. The true meaning of the precepts is not just that one should refrain from drinking alcohol but also from getting drunk on nirvana. – Bassui

13. The best leaders of all, the people know not they exist. They turn to each other and say, “We did it ourselves.” – Zen Saying

14. Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. – Lao Tzu

15. Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being. – Lao Tzu

16. You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by your anger. – Buddha

17. You yourself must strive. The Buddha’s only point the way. Those meditative ones who treat the path are released from the bonds of Mara. – Zen saying

18. The obstacle is the path. – Zen proverb

19. Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity. – Lao Tzu20. All know the Way, but few actually walk it. – Bodhidharma

21. Regardless of what we do, our karma has no hold on us. – Bodhidharma

22. If you try to change it, you will ruin it. Try to hold it, and you will lose it. – Lao Tzu

23. If you want a certain thing, you must first be a certain person. Once you are that certain person, obtaining that certain thing will no longer be a concern of yours. – Zen saying

24. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. – Leonardo da Vinci

25. Nothing on Earth can overcome an absolutely nonresistant person. – Zen Saying

26. Knowing consistency is enlightenment. – Lao Tzu

27. Do not speak – unless it improves on silence. – Buddhist saying

28. Health for both mind and body comes from not mourning over the past, not working about the future, but to live the present moment wisely. – Zen Saying

I hope you February brings you peace, stillness, and appreciation. More Zen Quotes to come for March shortly!