Hakone Zendo

By Diana

A few weeks ago, Kaz shared with us the proper way of sitting in the Zendo, drawing from his observations during a recent visit to a monastery in Japan. I listened closely, but I’ll admit my “Type A” mind immediately started questioning: How is this going to help me? I already do everything right. I follow the instructions.

But then I heard him mention that sitting just a little taller helps the knees touch the floor and aligns the entire posture. It made sense to me, so during our next session, I decided to try an extra cushion.

The physical shift was immediate. I noticed my knees naturally touched the floor, my spine aligned, and even my jaw felt more relaxed. But the real surprise was how it affected my mind. My thoughts were more at peace and flowed much better during the session. In the weeks that followed, I found my decisions were more effective and difficult conversations didn’t feel quite so daunting.

This mindfulness followed me into my Sunday morning ritual of bringing flowers to the Zendo. For a long time, I found myself circling the same lavender bush, searching for the “perfect” flower even when there were none left to pick. When I finally turned my head to the opposite side of the garden, I saw a different bush full of beautiful purple blooms.

It sparked a realization: Am I always looking for abundance and peace where there is none?

I’ve learned that often the problem isn’t what happens outside of us; it’s the internal dialogue that repeats our errors, fears, or the things we think we should have done differently. When I listen to my healthy mind, it tells me to simply be in the present moment. By sitting tall and straight, I can find a state of peace that is free from who the world wants me to be.