By Leo
When I first started this journey back in October, I thought it would be simple. The instructions seemed straightforward: sit with proper posture, breathe deeply, and focus on the present moment. Easy, right? But as I quickly learned, simplicity doesn’t always mean ease.
At first, even the physical aspect was a challenge. Sitting upright for a long time made my shoulders ache. Over time, my muscles adapted, and the physical discomfort lessened. But the real struggle wasn’t physical—it was mental. The challenge of sitting still while my mind raced in a thousand directions was something I hadn’t anticipated. Thoughts would pop up from nowhere: “What’s for dinner?” “How should I plan my next trip?” “Did I finish that work project properly?” It felt like my mind wasn’t in the room at all.
This made me reflect on why staying present felt so difficult. I realized my daily life had conditioned me to constant multitasking. At work, I’d juggle projects, listen to music, browse the news, and chat with friends—all at once. It felt productive in the moment, but looking back, I hadn’t achieved anything deeply meaningful. My conversations were shallow, my reading was rushed, and my work lacked focus. I mistook being busy for being effective.
Recognizing this pattern was a wake-up call. I saw the value of slowing down and doing one thing at a time. By focusing on the present moment, I could start to prioritize what truly mattered. This wasn’t just about meditation—it became a shift in how I lived my life. I’ve taken concrete steps, like deleting unnecessary apps and setting boundaries with my work devices. When I’m with family on the weekends, my phone stays out of sight so I can fully enjoy those moments.
I’m not perfect yet. Sometimes, I slip back into old habits, but this experience has taught me to reflect and keep moving forward. It’s a work in progress, but the rewards are already clear: a calmer mind and a deeper sense of connection with what matters most.
And for that, I’m deeply grateful to the community that supports me on this journey.
Hakone Zendo 