To say I was happy when Trader Joe’s opened a store near me is an understatement. And I can’t really explain why I like it so much. In fact, they do many things that throw me for a loop. Then I started thinking how their business policies sometimes look like Zen practices.
Zen lesson #1: Want what you have (and not the other way around).
They are a specialty grocery store which means they don’t carry everything a full service grocery store does. Because I’m not a huge fan of grocery shopping, I make the limitation work. In order to avoid going to other stores, I get creative when doing meal planning and cooking. It’s fun and challenges me.
Zen Lession #2: Learn to embrace change.
As soon as I am comfortable whipping around the store and finding everything I need, Trader Joe’s rearranges things. The dairy case moves to the other side of the store, the fresh produce is now at the back of the store, etc. I am no longer able to shop blindly. And the brilliant thing about rearranging the store is I find “new” things. Of course they aren’t new, I just didn’t see them in their “old” spot.
Zen Lesson #3: Practice non-attachment.
I could go on and on that Trader Joe’s no longer carries my FAVORITE shopping items. Just as I get comfortable purchasing my standard food products, POOF they are no longer carried. It requires me to really let go and rethink menus.
Zen Lesson #4: Find joy where you are
And that would be about finding the monkey. Trader Joe’s mascot monkey is “hidden” in different places around the store and is often wearing a new costume. I know it’s meant for kids but I love looking for the monkey, it makes me happy!
In closing I’ll say this, I feel sorry for you if you don’t have a Trader Joe’s near you 😉
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