I am not an expert in meditation, and I don’t see myself as an instructor of meditation. That’s why we’re essentially practicing Zazen, which is extremely simple, not guided, and commonly found in traditional Japanese martial arts like Karate or Jujitsu (our core Sunday group are all martial artists). I lead the group because somebody has to, not because I’m claiming any extraordinary expertise. I have meditated a fair amount, at home and before and after many training sessions, and have enjoyed a short retreat at a Zen monastery. In no way do I claim to be a teacher or expert of Zen Buddhism. I practice this stillness as a part of my martial arts training, to quiet my mind, and to check in with my body and energies. For me it is a non-religious, medically proven health practice. I invite everybody to join us.

Zazen is seated meditation, where we practice stillness, and traditionally it is with the eyes open, relaxed, and softly gazing downward at a point, wherever the eyes relax to. I like this practice because it helps me stay alert, in my body and out of any dream like states. Thoughts will come, and the goal is to simply observe them and let them pass through. I’ve found it helpful to count my breaths quietly if my thoughts are extra busy. There will be no guided meditation, preaching, lessons, or agendas. We just sit still together.

We sit for 15 minutes, get up and walk around the mat for 5 minutes, then sit for 10 more minutes. It’s very simple and potently good for your mind and body.