Zen, Passion, and Disappointment

I want more Zen in my life.

But in my early resurgence of interest I have these beginner questions.

I like to think that I'm quick to see inter-relationships, the big picture, and the balance, or lack of balance in world events.

The "don't stress over anything" aspect of Zen is very very appealing. On every level imaginable.

But, on the "thinking too much" level I've got this challenge.  To be passionate about something, which is frequently a good thing, would seem to include feeling disappointment when "things don't work out" - and that disappointment is dispelled by one's Zen Peace.

And that feeling of disappointment just means you haven't seen that everything really is working just the way it should.

So - can one practice Zen - and be Passionate?  It can't be an either/or proposition can it?

Isn't "passion" born from expectations - and don't dashed expectations feul the flames of disappointment - and Zen wants you in a place where you minimize your expectations - so as not to be disappointed.

Is there an easy answer here.. or should I just wait for the topic to come up in my "Zen For Idiots" book?

Have you any relevent personal thoughts?

In Honor of A Second Follower

Having doubled the size my audience since my first stunning literary endeavour I feel obligated to share some more.  I am clearly a slow starter.  My motto has always been - Slow to mature, but quality that lasts.

One obstacle to my blogging productivity is that I'm not here to blog.  I'm treating blogger as a social netowrking site, and in my snarky with filled way.. I meander, read, comment and share the 'experience.'

Carry on, I'll strive to do my thing, as you do yours.

stand very still

I've heard it said often, in serious tones, don't be alarmed, he's friendly as chocolate.

"His bark is worse than his bite."  But ya know, a good bark, can still scare the bejeezus out of some people.