Category: zen
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The Power of Accumulated Moments
Shared by Michael Life has its way of throwing unexpected challenges our path. For me, this realization hit hard after experiencing a near-fatal bike crash a few months back. As I’ve been navigating the recovery process, I’ve spent a lot of time contemplating new beginnings and what they truly mean. We all experience fresh starts—whether…
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Navigating Anxiety Through Mindfulness: Insights from My Year of Change
Shared by Taylor This year has been a whirlwind for me, packed with nerve-wracking moments and transformative experiences, particularly becoming a new parent. Seven weeks ago, my wife and I welcomed our baby into the world. The weeks leading up to this life-altering event were filled with anxiety—those pre-baby jitters that many say are quite…
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Living in the Now: A Journey Beyond Pain
Shared by Hannah Today, I wanted to share some thoughts inspired by a profound book, “The Power of Now.” While I don’t agree with everything in it, there’s a particular part that resonates deeply with how I view the world—it speaks to the idea of creating ‘no more pain’ in the present moment. Our lives…
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Finding Perfection in the Imperfect: A Zen Reflection
Ann shared a profound reading from “Seeds for a Boundless Life: Zen Teachings from the Heart” by Blanche Hartman, a respected Zen teacher and former abbess at the San Francisco Zen Center. The passage she chose resonated deeply with the group, emphasizing the idea that we are perfect just as we are and that everything…
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Learning Tai Chi: My Journey to Peacefulness
Share by Shengyu Practicing Tai Chi has been a transformative experience for me. Philosophically, Tai Chi aims to achieve a state of peacefulness. It’s not just about the movements, but also about quieting the mind and focusing on the postures, akin to meditation. One fundamental posture in Tai Chi is called “standing like a tree”,…
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Embracing Mindfulness at the Zendo
Shared by Sonam Visiting the zendo every Sunday has become a cherished part of my life. From the moment I step into the beautiful garden, I’m filled with gratitude for the serene environment and the dedication of those who maintain it. The rituals—vows, chanting, and more—rekindle my appreciation for my cultural roots and instill a…
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日々是好日
“Hi bi kore kōjitsu” Finding Beauty in Our Everyday Lives Shared by Reni 日々是好日 which means “every day is a good day” I personally like to say “every day is a beautiful day.” One of my favorite concepts from Japanese life philosophy. I first encountered this phrase in The Wisdom of Tea by Noriko Morishita’s…
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Neuroscience of Meditation
Shared by Lakshmi We often hear that meditation is good for you or that it’s good to be in the present moment and we often take that on faith. Today, I want to explore why it may actually have practical benefits for us. In psychology, a concept that has been well-researched is – ” the…
Hakone Zendo 