By Dongmin
Today I would like to share the Zendo mediation impacts to me lately:
-Changes I’ve noticed in my life since beginning regular practice five months ago.
-How meditation connects to my childhood memories
Wisdom from my Grandmother
My grandmother, now 96 years old and still remarkably healthy, has practiced a home-style form of Buddhism for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories, when I was perhaps eight or nine, is of her rising early each morning, sitting on the edge of her bed with a small candle lit, reciting her mantras. Every night before sleep, she would repeat this ritual.
Despite raising four children and managing a household with my grandfather (who had quite a fierce temper), she remained an unwavering source of calm. She was always the anchor that held our family together.
Since joining these meditation sessions, I often find myself transported back to those childhood moments, standing beside her, listening and repeating those mantras. I miss her deeply and hope to see her again very soon this year.
Five Months of Transformation
When I first joined this group in 2024 December, I shared how I believed meditation could help me find balance amid the chaos surrounding us. Now, I’m noticing subtle but significant changes in my daily life.
At Work
My day job is demanding, filled with stressful conversations and heated debates. Recently, I’ve started taking two minutes to breathe before walking into meeting rooms. When things become overwhelming, I step outside for a few deep breaths to reset myself. These simple practices quickly bring me back to center, helping me maintain calmness throughout challenging days.
At Home
I’ve noticed I no longer multitask while driving. No music, no podcasts—only driving or talking with my kids during school drop-offs. When meal prepping for my children’s lunches on weekends, I’ve stopped watching YouTube. Now I just focus on chopping vegetables, truly present with the task. I joke with my husband and friends that these have become my “immersive cooking sessions”, a way to focus entirely on the present moment.
In Movement
I’ve started running sessions with my friend Mark. We’ve discussed how running is another form of meditation—a different way to focus on the presence of my body. This perspective motivates me to keep running, staying present during those 30 minutes or hour-long sessions.
Sharing the Practice
My nine-year-old son has a very busy mind that’s always racing from thought to thought. Last week, I invited him to try meditating with me—just one minute of focus on breathing. It was challenging for him to sit still without wiggling, but afterward, he acknowledged feeling relaxed, even if just for a few seconds. He seems open to continuing, so I plan to practice with him whenever possible. Every minute counts.
Gratitude for Community
Finally, I want to express my gratitude for this community. Coming here to sit and reset my mind weekly has been invaluable. The stories others share inspire me and introduce new perspectives I might never have considered.
Hakone Zendo 