Shared by Kaz. Our mind is like a pond. Beneath the calm surface, dirt settles at the bottom. However, when the water is disturbed—when our mind is agitated —the pond becomes muddy and unclear.
Life offers countless things that can upset us. At work, perhaps it’s a demanding boss, a challenging coworker, or a difficult client causing frustration. In your personal life, family members, friends, or your partner may cause stress. Even during your drive to the zendo this morning, another driver might have irritated you. Or maybe your mind is filled with regret, cringing over the past, or worried about something beyond your control.
These experiences are like stirring the waters of our minds, making them cloudy and unsettled—the clarity fades away.
Yet we have a choice. While we can’t control others, we can control how we respond and how we feel. When you find yourself upset, worried, or disturbed, take a moment. Take a long, deep breath. Allow the waters of your mind to settle so the sediment sinks back to the bottom, restoring clarity.
During zazen, we practice long, calm breaths. Let’s embrace this practice whenever we encounter life’s disturbances. By calming our minds, we allow the mud to settle, and the water to remain clear.
Hakone Zendo 