Solitaire and Zen Connection

Solitaire is a game of logic and strategy, requiring players to focus on the task at hand and to be mindful of their choices as each choice has consequences, good or bad. Zen is a state of mind characterized by focus, concentration, and peace. Both Solitaire and Zen can help us to relax, de-stress, and find inner peace.

Solitaire and Zen are two concepts that actually have a lot in common. Let's try to further understand and explore this connection and see how we can use it to our advantage.

What Is Zen?

Zen is a state of mind characterized by a focus on the present moment, a non-judgmental attitude, and a commitment to simplicity. Its main means is meditation that leads to mindfulness. Here are several most popular ways to practice Zen:

Meditation. Zen meditation is a practice of sitting quietly, focusing attention on your breath and feeling the present moment.
Yoga. Yoga is a physical practice that can help to cultivate mindfulness and focus.
Tea Ceremonies. The tea ceremony is a nuanced and ritualized way of preparing and serving tea, seen as a metaphor for Zen practice, as it involves a focus on the present moment and non-attachment.

Zen and Solitaire — What’s in Common?

When we observe what happens to our mind while playing Solitaire, we are surprised to find that its effect is similar to that of meditation. The same invaluable skills learnt in meditation can also be trained by concentrated play of ordinary Solitaire card games.

Focus and Concentration. Solitaire requires players to focus on the task at hand and to be mindful of their choices. This can help us to train our minds to focus on the present moment. The aim of Zen practice is the same.
Problem-Solving. Problem-solving is a skill that often comes through rehearsal, and can improve through mental exercises. Solitaire is a great game for that purpose, requiring players to solve puzzles and find creative solutions to problems. Zen promotes focus on the problem at hand and assists to avoid becoming sidetracked by distractions. It develops patience and the ability to see problems for the reason they are, and creates a better mental state to make solving problems easier.
Creativity. Solitaire can be a creative outlet, allowing us to express ourselves through the way we play the game. Zen (or being in a Zen-like mental state) can allow for creative insights and expressions to arise naturally, with one working their way free from attachment to self-image, ego, or any form of external validation. Creative expression is regarded as a way to embody the present moment and express one’s true manner.
Relaxation. Few people who play Solitaire get all worked up when things don’t go their way. Solitaire is a calming and relaxing game that can help us to de-stress and to find inner peace regardless of whether one wins or loses. Relaxation is a large chunk of Zen (or Zen-like) practices. Techniques often related to relaxation and calm are rooted in Zen, such as meditation and breathing techniques.

Creating a Better Mental Space for Strategizing

The Zen-like qualities of Solitaire assist players to develop their strategy throughout the game. Both Zen and Solitaire help to develop a better-honed set of problem-solving skills, which is an important piece of strategy development. Practising a Zen-like state of mind while considering a problem, you get in a greater mental space to formulate strategies for other things completely unrelated to Solitaire.

Strategizing with a sense of calm, mindfulness, focus, and concentration will more likely produce a much better outcome, and prevent you from making mistakes that you’d be more likely to make in the heat of the moment.

Solitaire Meditation for Daily Life

Now we see that Solitaire gives us the effect similar to Zen: inner peace, less stress, enjoyment, improved focus, a sense of fulfillment, etc.

Looking for ways to reduce stress, improve focus, and exercise problem-solving skills? Solitaire can help with all of these. The good news is it is accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. So shall we Zen the game now?