A year ago, I was asked to give a talk in a network of engaged Buddhists about what I bring from my zen-practice into my work as a physician.
I talked about this from several perspectives both practical and more as an approach/ intention in different situation, meetings and challenges.
Some part of that I have later repeated when talking to people, and I got the response that some found it helpful. Hence, I share one part of it here too.
I think wherever you work some part of this or at least the intention could be of value.
When I work in the psychiatry emergency there is a long corridor. Along it there are doors with red lights on signaling there is a client waiting in that room. I do not always have time to take a break or leave to get myself together between my clients. Sometimes I need to get straight from one room to the other. So, I stop in the empty corridor. My feet’s on the floor. I put my hands and arms and body in position to walk in kinhin. My gaze on the floor a bit in front of mee. And I take few slow steps of kinhin.
This way I leave what was in the room before.
I get stabilized in my mind and body,
I get ready to meet my next client.
This does not replace any of my other zen-practice, it’s a reminder of an approach an intention.
For me kinhin in essence is a way of connecting the zazen practice of sitting and rise, walk and act in life as an engaged Buddhist. (- Thats maybe another thread of reflection.)
Do you do something similar or have reflections about this? I would love to hear what you bring from your practice into your daily life and work. Not just practical but as approaches that you are aware of.
Thinking of it I do many things since it is not separated from the rest of my life.
Seijin
I sat, and I lent a hand and I will try to accept a hand when I need one.
I talked about this from several perspectives both practical and more as an approach/ intention in different situation, meetings and challenges.
Some part of that I have later repeated when talking to people, and I got the response that some found it helpful. Hence, I share one part of it here too.
I think wherever you work some part of this or at least the intention could be of value.
When I work in the psychiatry emergency there is a long corridor. Along it there are doors with red lights on signaling there is a client waiting in that room. I do not always have time to take a break or leave to get myself together between my clients. Sometimes I need to get straight from one room to the other. So, I stop in the empty corridor. My feet’s on the floor. I put my hands and arms and body in position to walk in kinhin. My gaze on the floor a bit in front of mee. And I take few slow steps of kinhin.
This way I leave what was in the room before.
I get stabilized in my mind and body,
I get ready to meet my next client.
This does not replace any of my other zen-practice, it’s a reminder of an approach an intention.
For me kinhin in essence is a way of connecting the zazen practice of sitting and rise, walk and act in life as an engaged Buddhist. (- Thats maybe another thread of reflection.)
Do you do something similar or have reflections about this? I would love to hear what you bring from your practice into your daily life and work. Not just practical but as approaches that you are aware of.
Thinking of it I do many things since it is not separated from the rest of my life.
SeijinI sat, and I lent a hand and I will try to accept a hand when I need one.
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