To say I was happy when Trader Joe’s opened a store near me is an understatement. And I can’t really explain why I like it so much. In fact, they do many things that throw me for a loop. Then I started thinking how their business policies sometimes look like Zen practices.
Zen lesson #1: Want what you have (and not the other way around).
They are a specialty grocery store which means they don’t carry everything a full service grocery store does. Because I’m not a huge fan of grocery shopping, I make the limitation work. In order to avoid going to other stores, I get creative when doing meal planning and cooking. It’s fun and challenges me.
Zen Lession #2: Learn to embrace change.
As soon as I am comfortable whipping around the store and finding everything I need, Trader Joe’s rearranges things. The dairy case moves to the other side of the store, the fresh produce is now at the back of the store, etc. I am no longer able to shop blindly. And the brilliant thing about rearranging the store is I find “new” things. Of course they aren’t new, I just didn’t see them in their “old” spot.
Zen Lesson #3: Practice non-attachment.
I could go on and on that Trader Joe’s no longer carries my FAVORITE shopping items. Just as I get comfortable purchasing my standard food products, POOF they are no longer carried. It requires me to really let go and rethink menus.
Zen Lesson #4: Find joy where you are
And that would be about finding the monkey. Trader Joe’s mascot monkey is “hidden” in different places around the store and is often wearing a new costume. I know it’s meant for kids but I love looking for the monkey, it makes me happy!
In closing I’ll say this, I feel sorry for you if you don’t have a Trader Joe’s near you 
That is all so true, a wonderful store!! I am so sorry there’s no Trader Joe in Finland! I have to buy as much as I can load in my bag on my US visits…
Hi Paivi, Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Do I know you from the Interior Alignment group?
Hi Catherine,
I’ve always wanted to go to a Trader Joe’s..the closest is 3 hours away. Now I’m even more determined to get there.
[...] I’m a Trader Joe’s fan and don’t like to grocery shop, I attempt to do all my cooking from only Trader Joe [...]
Hi
I am looking for a grocery store that carry’s foods from Finland. i will have a student coming for the fall and would like to have something for him to feel at home. Any recomedation would be great. Thanks
Unfortunately your question is outside my area of expertise. Good luck!