Zen and the art of sittin’ on yo’ ass

Tonight I attended a Zen meditation seminar (the technique known as “zazen” was taught — for those who don’t know what zazen is, you basically sit down). I found out about it from a flyer on the bulletin board outside of my office. I couldn’t resist — who couldn’t use a dose of serenity and a clear, empty mind now and again?

Learning the basics of zazen was difficult, but it was one of the most beneficial things I’ve ever done for myself. I found it extremely hard to just sit down and think nothing at all — to exert effort towards simply being still opened a myriad of issues (why couldn’t I sit still? what compelled me to move? why couldn’t I just focus? why couldn’t I just not focus for a change?). Being fully present in my body at all times — being awakened — these things are incredibly difficult for me.

So yeah… I got together with a bunch of hippies tonight, sat facing the wall, and stared at it for like an hour. It’s incredible how much you can really get out of it. Letting thoughts roll into, through, and then out of your mind can be very therapeutic — it’s a huge act of decompression.It’s as if all of the lurking issues, emotions, thoughts, and other mental objects that seize your energy and resources are freed and flee before your awareness for a mere, brief moment. You nod, they go on their merry way, and you on yours. What a great process to go through.