Taking Zazen Into Everyday Life

[JimInBC]

That was beautiful, @Risho. Thank you.

I find it helpful to remember that the Pali word "Sati," which is usually translated as "mindfulness," also means "remembering." So often, it seems what is needed in that moment is remembering.

Say I'm sitting on the sofa next to our dog drinking my morning black coffee and the Achilles tendonitis in my right heel is particularly inflamed and painful and my mind is racing with the long to-do list from work and I have that feeling of hot tight anxiety in my chest and...

Then I remember.

And the heel and to do list and anxiety are all still there - maybe there's a touch more pleasure when the bitter coffee hits my tongue, a touch more awareness of the dog's breathing - and suddenly there is also an ease. This is life. This is how it should be. And I lean into the painful heel and racing mind and breathing dog and bitter coffee and anxious feeling in my chest with a slight smile.

Gassho, Jim

ST/Lah

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[Jundo]

I find it helpful to remember that the Pali word "Sati," which is usually translated as "mindfulness," also means "remembering." So often, it seems what is needed in that moment is remembering.

Say I'm sitting on the sofa next to our dog drinking my morning black coffee and the Achilles tendonitis in my right heel is particularly inflamed and painful and my mind is racing with the long to-do list from work and I have that feeling of hot tight anxiety in my chest and...

Then I remember.

And the heel and to do list and anxiety are all still there - maybe there's a touch more pleasure when the bitter coffee hits my tongue, a touch more awareness of the dog's breathing - and suddenly there is also an ease. This is life. This is how it should be. And I lean into the painful heel and racing mind and breathing dog and bitter coffee and anxious feeling in my chest with a slight smile.

[GrasshopperMan17]

Thank you all so much for the wonderful advice. I have found all of it very helpful in my daily practice. You all are the best, and i am very grateful for this sangha.

Gassho and Namasté, John
ST/LAH

[Gareth]

I'm a fan of mindfulness bells, e.g. https://awakeningbell.org/, and making certain activities a focus for being in the present moment. Things you do every day, like washing the dishes, cooking, or sitting down for a meal, but only when possible.

Gassho,
Gareth

Sat today