Darrin Zeer describes his vocation as helping people to have more
peace and joy in their lives. CNN calls Darrin Zeer 'America’s Relaxation Expert' and his nine books which have sold over half a million copies may be testament to that title.
His books are Office Yoga, Office Spa, Everyday Calm, Office Feng Shui, Travel Yoga, Office Stress Emergency Kit, Lovers' Yoga, Lovers' Massage and How To Mess Up Your Life.
Having spent seven years traveling and studying yoga and meditation throughout Asia, Darrin currently lives in Colorado Springs and works as an author, speaker and seminar leader and has appeared on CNN, in Time magazine, in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times.
Hi Darrin. Tell us, what is the main message of this book, Office Spa: Stress Relief for the Working Week?
Office Spa is all about having more fun at work. When we feel relaxed and enthusiastic work goes by much more smoothly. Who doesn't love going to a spa? Why not make your workspace more spa-like?
What is/are your top tip(s) for somebody sitting for about 8 hours a day in front of a computer?
It's good to keep your mind fresh by having an "Herbal Tea Steam." Simply lower your head over your cup of peppermint tea and breath in the aroma.Close your eyes for a moment and take a deep breath. Freshen yourself up so you can stay focused on your work and feel good.
Throughout the day do spontaneous stretches right at your desk. Rotate your fingers, hands, wrists, arms and head in slow circles. One body part at a time. Enjoy the stress and muscle relief instantly.
What do you recommend for somebody who's not enjoying their office job and doesn't feel in a position to quit - maybe they are showing negativity by arriving late or complaining a lot....
No matter if you enjoy or don't enjoy your job, it's still important to try and not feel miserable.
Focus on having a positive state of mind. Realize work is stressful and search out ways to feel at peace within yourself.
What is the main way that company heads or business leaders can improve the workplace for employees?
Companies are realizing that if there employees feel happy and healthy they are more productive and successful. It's a win-win situation if stress management programs are implemented on a weekly basis.
My book Office Yoga teaches workers how to relax and stretch right at their desk. I am having good results across America simply by teaching employees how to do yoga while on the job. Stretching relieves body aches and creates peace of mind.
Yoga is an effective way to reduce the pressure and strain of having to work for long hours at your desk.
It's simple and does not require much training or equipment.
What inspired you to get into your yoga?
I love how I feel when I practice yoga. I feel very alive and intelligent when I get into a meditative space.
How would you describe your yoga practice?
I am busy like everyone else, so I do yoga whenever I can. When I wake up in the morning, I stretch my body for 5 minutes in bed.
While watching television, I do sitting stretches on the carpet. At my desk, I stretch in between calls and emails.
What changes do you see in your long term yoga students?
I taught Office Yoga at CNN. One producer kept my book Office Yoga on his desk for 4 years. He would randomly flick the book open and do the prescribed stretch. He reported that doing yoga throughout the day, eased the overwhelm of his incredibly busy schedule. He was more efficient and productive when he felt calm and relaxed.
What for you is the essence of life?
Life is all about trying to find balance amidst the day to day chaos. That is the challenge! I like to feel connected to some higher purpose as much as possible. I find my life is much more exciting and magical when I strive to make the world a better place.
What do you feel is the role of your soul?
We are meant to strive for our soul purpose in life. It's important to me to feel like I am doing God's work. My happiness is beyond material success. Money can't buy love.
What do you say to yourself in times of difficulty?
I love to feel happy like most people. When we feel like what we are doing is impossible, hopeless, that is the time to meditate, do yoga or whatever techniques to succeed under the pressure. I feel that life is most fulfilling when I am being challenged to the maximum.
In what aspect of life do you think humanity lacks awareness?
On a global scale, humanity can seem hopelessly lost in war and strive. But in my travels to every corner of the world, it takes my breathe away how good people are when I meet them. All people are good at heart. That gives me comfort about the future of this planet.
What is your greatest hope?
When I have love in my life, all is well.
In Utopia...
...all people are equal and peace and love rule the world.
To contact Darrin, go to www.darrinzeer.com