#10 Facing yourself in this moment

A process as challenging as rewarding

Dear Friend, 

How was your week?  

I prepared this newsletter last Sunday because I’m currently in a meditation retreat. 

No talking, no phone scrolling for 7 days. 

Does that sound like the definition of Heaven or Hell? 

ART 

Clear mirror, still water

Last week I introduced the Japanese tradition of Kakizome, the first writing of the year. 

Kakizome 2024 “Clear mirror, still water” by Maden Fura (Meikyô Shisui - 明鏡止水 )

The traditional Japanese idiom “Clear mirror, still water” describes a serene and calm mind. 

Not stirring up the water
morning zazen

Not letting dust align on the mirror
evening zazen

Making time and space
for calm and serenity

The clear mirror of creativity 

The more I paint, the more I experience how painting is about facing yourself. 

Meditation is learning to befriend yourself.
And creating is a form of meditation. 
But I easily forget to befriend myself in each stroke. 

Painting requires from you radical honesty. 

It can be the most joyful and playful experience. 
The moment after it is the most painful and frustrating experience. 

Like a mirror exactly reflecting 
the current challenges of your mind and heart. 

Water and Fire 

For those intrigued by the historical roots of Kakizome, the tradition of writing the first calligraphy of the year was originally a court ceremony during the Heian period.

• On January 1st, the first water of the year was drawn from the well. This newly drawn water was considered pure and sacred. 

• On January 2nd, calligraphers would grind their ink sticks using this holy water and write a poem. 

When calligraphy schools were spread all across Japan during the Edo Period, they kept this tradition for their students. 

Then, in mid-January, during the Dondo-yaki fire festival, the kakizome calligraphies are burnt along with traditional holiday decorations on huge bonfires at shrines. 

According to the Japanese tradition, burning lucky items is the most respectful way to dispose of them and keep the luck going for the new year. 

No attachment 
Vowing to improve your handwriting
Be ready to burn your calligraphy

ZEN

Advice from a Zen Master

Last week I recommended meditating longer when you feel overwhelmed or too busy. 

Maybe I should have started with the base, how to meditate? 

I would like to recommend this introduction to zazen meditation by Shodo Harada Roshi. ( Please make sure that you activate the captions in your language by clicking on the cc button) 

This video is a true gift from a very experienced Master.
It’s a great start to learn how to harmonize the body and mind.

Then you will always have with you a toolkit of how to handle your mind on busy days. 

Whenever you feel unsettled, you can sit and breathe. 

From raging torrent to still water

Sitted silent meditation is directly facing yourself.

People often have the misconception that when you sit on a cushion to meditate, everything is nice and calm. 

But it’s a long process to experience your mind as clear as still water. 

However, even on days when I’m experiencing my mind like a raging torrent, I’m getting closer to knowing myself. 

Developing self-awareness, I notice that I have a choice on how to express myself in this world. 

Not a victim of your mind

Zen teachers are here to remind you that you are not a victim of your mind. You have in you the ability to navigate any water and weather. 

With self-awareness comes self-acceptance, ownership of responsibility, and growth. 

Pema Chödrön points out in the book The Wisdom of No Escape:

“There are ways of doing what you want to do and being who you want to be. You don’t have to feel like a victim of your mind” 

Try and you will quickly see for yourself.

If the mind has the power 
to drag your attention
towards random thoughts, 

Then you have the power 
to bring back the attention
to the present moment. 

As short as the focus span might be, 
you can use your power
again and again. 

Arm-wrestling ?
It's actually about pacifying. 

FOOD

Nutty banana split

For a quick and nutritious breakfast or snack, cut a banana in half and then slice each half in its length like a banana split.  

Spread nuts butter ( 100% hazelnut paste for example) on the flat side of the banana, like you would do on a toast. 

Keep it simple or sprinkle with cacao nibs and coconut flakes. 

Try it for sure! 

Take action today :

Pick one day when you can free yourself from social obligation.
Put your phone on flight mode for 24H.
Notice how you feel.

See you next time,

Maden

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