Trying to be zen at work

Spirituality
#1

New here, so sorry if this would be better in a different sub-forum.

Since I started practicing yoga one year ago I’ve been much more peaceful and calm in all aspects of my life. I try to greet all human beings with loving kindness and accept everyone. This is proving to be very difficult with a coworker who I sit next to at my new job (of 3 months).

He is this older gentleman who is a bit odd… he talks to himself constantly, he must always butt into any conversation that happens within his ear shot even if it is not directed at him, he farts all day and stinks up our office area (just he and I sit in the same area), he moans loudly (several times a day he’ll go “uuuuuuuuuhhhhhhgggggg” VERY loudly), blows his nose constantly and LOUDLY, sometimes he even makes a strange loud yelp noise. He gets up from his desk once every hour and is gone for twenty minutes each time, either going to the restroom (possibly connected to the farting situation?) or calling his wife.

It is easy to see how he would annoy me, but it is not so easy for me to maintain my serenity around him. What are some ways you guys deal with annoying people like this? I don’t want to “not like him,” but I find myself feeling that way… I suppose living a life of peace and serenity doesn’t mean we have to like everyone, but I don’t want to constantly have negative thoughts about him either.

#2

Hi, Maluhia.
I had a similar situation at work some time ago. When a person annoyed me I just tried to “distantly” analyze reasons of it.
It really helped - she`s not working here anymore.
I believe it has some connection with parts of my own personality. Forcedly limited they show up that way.
In fact, what you wrote about this guy is really funny. :slight_smile:
You have a sense of humor, so use it. Imagine yourself in some kind of a stupid sitcom. :slight_smile: It will help to disperse a tension.

#3

If you are trying to be “Zen” at work, which to be honest the I don’t quite understand what you are saying, but if you are looking to Zen for an answer approach it from here

The Four Noble Truths

The Eightfold path

#4

Yulaw, it was a poor use of the word “zen,” hehe, but I just meant that I’m trying to not let this guy annoy me, but it’s very hard!

Sasha, thanks for the tip! I do try to think of him as Dwight from the Office and it helps a little… It REALLY works when I think of my silly boss as Michael from that show, and looks, it works so well that I didn’t even have to start a thread about trying to not let him bother me! Haha!

#5

No worries

The things I posted still may help with that.

#6

Maluhia,
Get a box of matches and light one every time he farts. It really does negate the methane smell! It also might make him ask why you’re lighting them, and you can respond “something smells and this seems to take care of it”. Maybe he’ll get the hint? If not, you have your matches! lol.
I have to agree, humor is the only best way I can think of to deal with it. Hopefully you get plenty of rest and don’t have to work with him on days you feel grumpy. :smiley:

#7

My experience whit this is that the more you try the harder it gets. The more you try not to let it get to you, ie the more you try to control the mind into not caring, the more the mind will rebel. If you try to accept that it bothers you and take an “observing” attitude towards your feelings, the annoyance usually pass away.

Anyway, this is my trick, and I find it works very well for me.

#8

[QUOTE=Maluhia;39286]

He is this older gentleman who is a bit odd… he talks to himself constantly, he must always butt into any conversation that happens within his ear shot even if it is not directed at him, he farts all day and stinks up our office area (just he and I sit in the same area), he moans loudly (several times a day he’ll go “uuuuuuuuuhhhhhhgggggg” VERY loudly), blows his nose constantly and LOUDLY, sometimes he even makes a strange loud yelp noise. He gets up from his desk once every hour and is gone for twenty minutes each time, either going to the restroom (possibly connected to the farting situation?) or calling his wife.
.[/QUOTE]

compassion… he farts because he is having problems with his digestion, he butts in to conversation because he dont feel appreciated and want to help, he moans because he is tired…

I love to discuss others problems… but instead I should send them compassion and forgive for that they do is due to ignorance, unhappiness or bad karma in general