Creating Sanctuary : Passionate, Prosperous & Meaningful Living

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 😉