Funny enough, nowadays a lot of people talk about “finding their Zen”. But what does that mean? Finding peace and quiet? Finding flow? What are you really looking for? Zen is not something you find. Zen is hard work. And nothing.

Zen was my first experience with meditation, which I began during my studies. Looking back, it was quite advanced and demanding. I had never meditated before, and Zazen took me miles outside of my comfort zone. This was extremely valuable, as it really sparked something inside me.

To be honest, it also scared me a little at first because it is so ritualized and strict, but I learned to appreciate that. Why? Because it kept me committed to the practice. I enjoyed the rituals! It was challenging but satisfying to sit for long stretches of time, not always knowing when they would end. There was a great kindness in the relentless „stay put no matter what,“ and I was in awe of the clarity and understanding of my inner life it left me with. I learned to sit with anything.

I had a wise and kind Zen teacher, and my exchanges with him were the highlight of my meditation experience. I loved it, though I didn’t fully understand the depth of it at the time. I just felt that it changed the way I dealt with my own mind and body.

I stayed with a small Zen community for about two years before moving on to Hatha Yoga. It wasn’t because I wanted to leave Zen, but because I was in an experimental phase, exploring different practices. Zazen remains an important part of my meditation practice that I wouldn’t do without.

I do not think that Zen solves world problems, nor does it give you bliss. It simply gives you the opportunity to look inward, if you want to.

Try it if you want to know more, and only talk about it or criticize it if you’ve tried it!

Next week, I’ll tell you about why I laughed at and rejected Yoga initially, and how I ended up practicing it for many years. 😊

Enjoy mindfulness!

Kristin