I realize I am not Zen Buddhist, not even a "proper" Buddhist, but a follower of my own way, er..., "Uki-do" (wink-wink).
Recently, my friend sarcastically laughed at me for hearing me say "I like normality" as if I was everything but. That was the first time I realized that I may be perceived by others as some kind of rebel without a cause, to me, in my own life, I stand up against what seems as unnatural to me.
So how do you practice my "Uki-do"?
At every moment try to be mindful (vipassana), be mindful of your own states of mind, and of others, try to see what causes the pain and anger. Don't let these states of mind control the life.
The most important principle is to try to do the best you can in every moment of your life. Then, don't worry when things go wrong, you already did your best and there is nothing you could have done better. Also, things do improve slowly in your life as you make the effort (karma). Remember, your "best" is subjective and others may think contrary, again, just try your best, trust your instincts, do not succumb to the peer pressure.
Stop to smell the roses, write a poem, observe. "Don't just do anything, sit there", goes an old buddhist saying.
Your life is your meditation, sitting in the cave may work for some, but not for me.
Train to live with the assumption that you may die the next day (momento mori), and your life will become full of meaning and maybe of peace (nirvana). Only young fools think they will live forever and waste their lives.
Battles are won before they even begin. Only young fools think otherwise.
Therefore be a warrior - imagine an old, wise, gentleman/warrior/master. Old warriors avoid the fights at all costs. The fights bring the casualties, but hardly ever the solutions. They are compassionate for their opponents before and after the fight, but never during - mind must stay clean during the confrontation. They are always preparing and instinctively know what to do when the time comes.
There will be plenty of fights that life will throw at you, don't try to pick one on your own, every fight may be your last. "Choose your fights wisely" my previous boss once said to me.
Prepare yourself, if you find that something matters, learn about it (dharma). You cannot learn about everything, but you can do your best. If you missed something, don't despair.
Be good to people, relationships are most important (sangha), you can try to live without them, but you will be miserable.
Eat well (read about my caveman diet), get good rest, make love and exercise.
Oh, almost forgot: "Snap out of it!", and seek your own enlightenment (buddha).
