Zen Bash Test: Sharing and Focusing on Others Makes the Day Great

Dina and I held the Zen test party this weekend and it went really well. Now you might say, "Kim you write about parties all the time and seem to go to parties regularly, in what way are you a reluctant hostess?" Well the Zen Bash is a perfect example. You see before the party I thought to myself about 20 times that I just needed to call Dina and say I was sick. In a way I was sick, I was worried about work, family, and had this horrible negative track running through my mind. I had a clenched fist in my stomach and didn't know how I would smile and make small talk. (Fortunately, I was not really physically ill.)

Of course, I didn't let the negativity stop me because this is partly work. I showed up in time to bring Dina some lunch and help set-up for the party. In the process I gave myself some liquid courage - testing the Zen Martini and even making a minor adjustment to the recipe.

The guests started to arrive and I made it through the first 10-15 minutes by focusing on them; listening to their stories and ensuring they had a beverage and were comfortable. All the while blocking out the negative voice. As the party went on the negativity receded, I relaxed and truly enjoyed the Zen Bash activities and the great company at the party. Focusing on other people got me over the anxiety of a "party" allowing me to enjoy a wonderful afternoon.

It is interesting to me that the biggest feedback we received on the Bash wasn't about the products or the food. It wasn't about the activities we included like adult coloring, and wish paper. The biggest feedback was that we had a fantastic room full of women and we didn't share enough about ourselves. Our guest wanted more bonding - sharing our dreams, hopes, and "where we are in this moment". What lovely friends we have! How wonderful that our party inspired the desire to share MORE and connect with others, some of whom had just met. I think in this hectic overbooked time we live in, people really do want opportunities to connect, share, and bond in meaningful ways. Hopefully our Zen Bash can help a bit and get others over the anxiety of having a party. Drop me a line and let me know the ways you bond with your friends. Cheers,

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