Zazen: The Art of Sitting with Yourself
In a world that measures worth in productivity, stillness can feel almost rebellious.
Yet in Japan, there’s a centuries-old practice dedicated entirely to it: Zazen.
Zazen, which means “seated meditation,” comes from the heart of Zen Buddhism. But it’s not about clearing the mind, chasing bliss, or striving for enlightenment. In truth, it’s about something simpler and far more challenging: sitting with yourself, just as you are.
The Posture of Presence
In Zazen, posture is everything. Sitting upright, whether on a cushion or a chair, isn’t about stiffness, but about openness.
The spine rises naturally, hands rest in a soft oval in your lap, and the gaze falls gently forward or toward the floor.
This alignment isn’t only physical. It’s an inner gesture, too. A way of saying: I’m here. I’m present. I’m ready to notice.
Not Empty, but Spacious
Many think meditation means “emptying the mind,” but Zazen takes a gentler view.
Thoughts will come: about your to-do list, a conversation you had, a memory from years ago. The practice is to watch them arrive and let them drift away, without holding on or pushing away.
It’s less about silence and more about spaciousness; making room for whatever is here, without judgment.
Why We Practice Zazen at Mizu & Mori
At MIZU & MORI, Zazen is woven into the day like tea, gentle movement, and time in nature. Zazen gives guests a rare, uninterrupted space to simply be, away from the noise of schedules, screens, and expectation. In the quiet, you might notice the sound of your own breath, the way light moves across the floor, or a sense of ease you haven’t felt in years.
Taking Zazen Home
You don’t need a temple or a retreat to practice Zazen. You only need a few minutes, a comfortable seat, and the willingness to be still.
Start with five minutes each morning or evening. Sit upright, breathe naturally, and notice your thoughts passing like clouds in a wide sky.
Over time, you may find that this simple act shifts the way you move through your days—bringing more presence to your work, your relationships, and the way you meet yourself.
At its heart, Zazen isn’t about becoming something new.
It’s about remembering the stillness that’s already there.