Zen in daily life can help with our well-being

Zenbird held an online event, “Cultivating Well-being Through Zen Practice,” on March 24. The event aimed to rediscover Japan’s centuries-old, fascinating “way of living,” and ways to better take care of ourselves.

We invited Dorothee Eshin Takatsu, an ordained Zen priest, who operates a Zen retreat center in Suzaka, Nagano Prefecture. Eshin shared that, surrounded by nature, Nagano is a suitable place for retreat. The lecture explained effective ways of practicing Zen-related activities that can be incorporated into everyday life, such as various types of meditations. The talk featured a significant connection between meditation and physical and mental well-being. Additionally, since the coronavirus pandemic brought along unusual and robust emotions, coping with loneliness was one of the topics discussed at the event.

To immediately put what they learned into practice, the participants received instructions and resources for mandala creation. Art activity such as mandala making is considered a helpful approach to build focus and calm our minds.

After the event, we received positive feedback from the participants, including, “Because Zen can be incorporated in one’s daily life, learning that repetitive activities, nature, walking, all help calm the mind was helpful.” Others commented, “I learned that it is enough to simply acknowledge my emotions instead of analyzing them. It naturally encouraged me,” and “I didn’t know you could make mandalas yourself, and I was able to learn the resources available.”

Zenbird aims to connect with readers and be a helpful platform for them to live better, more enriched lives through the community. Therefore, we will continue to offer opportunities to deepen understanding and experience sustainable ideas unique to Japan.