Category: Weekly Sharing
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Finding Magic in the present
Claudia shares her recent feelings of calmness and happiness, describing a meditation experience at Zazen-kai where she brought flowers and invited her late grandmother’s spirit. A hummingbird’s presence during meditation symbolizes resilience and spiritual connections. She reflects on finding joy and gratitude, emphasizing the importance of perspective in one’s search for happiness.
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Nothing Happens
The author reflects on experiences in Alaska, where the unique quality of sunlight alters perceptions of time and activity. This contrasts with their home environment, where light dictates schedules. Through observing light changes, the author finds beauty in detachment and questions the need for busyness, realizing that the essence of light transcends location.
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Meditation is not clearing the mind
Adam reflects on his meditation practice, comparing it to laundry, where he cleans his mind weekly but faces challenges during stressful workdays. Inspired by Gelong Thubten, he learns meditation is not about clearing thoughts, but about gently returning focus. Emphasizing self-compassion, he advocates for mindfulness in daily life and embracing discomfort.
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Building the Bedrock: A New Father’s Journey into Meditation
The author, a father of a 9-month-old named Juniper, shares his meditation journey. He struggles with a restless mind but learns to embrace it with acceptance. Realizing his own delicacy, he reflects on his role as a parent, understanding that nurturing a safe environment for Juniper will help her grow stronger and wiser.
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Uncovering Joy: Four Realizations from Sitting at Hakone Gardens
In this reflection, Igor shares four key realizations from his meditative experiences at Hakone Gardens. He emphasizes the importance of presence and how focusing on the present quiets the mind, transforming perception. Additionally, he highlights the power of thoughts, the sustainable path through meditation, and the concept of the Middle Way, promoting gratitude as the…
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Befriending My Changing Body: Practicing the Four Abodes
By Rona Sitting in the zendo this morning, with the warmth of the sun on my leg and a cool breeze moving through the room, I am reminded of the simple, lovely gifts of the present moment. Lately, my practice has centered on my physical form—specifically, navigating an aging body and the chronic pain I developed a…
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The Power of “Yet” and “Get”
Susan LI reflects on her experience sharing at an event without her husband’s support, embracing the discomfort that accompanies change and growth. She emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset, using the word “yet” to foster improvement, and shifts her perspective from “have to” to “get to,” cultivating gratitude for opportunities.
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Impermanence and an Open Mind: Reflections from Kamakura
Kaz shares his experiences from a recent trip to Tokyo and a visit to Engakuji temple, emphasizing the decline in younger monks in traditional practices. His conversation with a monk highlights the importance of evolving traditions, such as at Hakone Zendo, while embracing impermanence and adaptability in daily life.
Hakone Zendo 