The Zen of Venn is about living mindfully awake in the center of universal virtues such as humanity, transcendence, wisdom, courage, prudence, and justice. Living from this sacred overlap of what is right, kind, and true across all philosophies honors differences, enabling us to live from common ground. We ask not, “What is the true religion or philosophy?” but “What is the true way to live?” Wholeness comes not from choosing sides, but from holding them together in harmony.

Illwill ruffles our emotions like a rock thrown into a tranquil oceanic tidepool, distorting our peace, and tightening our heart. Within that distortion is a profound opportunity to grow through equanimity. Witnessing illwill with equanimity allows the distortion to be experienced and disappear on it’s own. Resisting or identifying with the ruffle magnifies it’s amplitude and duration.

So stop. Breathe. Connect with the now. Live with intention, not perfection. Recognize adversity as a unique once-in-a-lifetime learning/growth opportunity. Reflect with gratitude on your life highlights and lowlights. Each one of them happened in the now when the now was then.