#846: Permission to Do Nothing — Guided Meditation with Zen Master Henry Shukman
🤖 AI Summary
Overview
This episode introduces a guided meditation led by Zen master Henry Shukman, focusing on the concept of non-doing
as a meditative practice. It is part of a four-episode series aimed at helping listeners cultivate calm, peace, and effectiveness through Zen techniques.
Notable Quotes
- Let the quiet come. Don't do anything. Just let it come. It will flow in by itself.
- Henry Shukman, on embracing stillness.
- It's an opportunity to reset, to restore ourselves, to recharge because we're doing less.
- Henry Shukman, on the power of non-doing in meditation.
🧘♂️ The Philosophy of Non-Doing
- Henry Shukman emphasizes a meditative approach centered on doing less
rather than actively employing techniques.
- This practice involves letting go of the need to perform or achieve during meditation, allowing a natural state of peace to emerge.
- He describes this as reconnecting with an intrinsic well-being that is always present but often untapped in daily life.
🪷 Practical Steps for Stillness
- Begin by sitting comfortably, with hands relaxed and body balanced.
- Close your eyes or lower your gaze, and focus on being still, unplugging from daily activities.
- Allow your body and mind to power down,
creating a sense of restfulness and ease.
- Notice the quiet and restfulness already present within your awareness.
🌿 Meditation as a Reset
- Meditation is framed as a respite
or oasis
where one can detach from to-do lists and agendas.
- This practice offers a chance to recharge and restore by stepping away from constant activity.
- It also serves as a return to a fundamental part of oneself, patiently waiting to be recognized.
🌟 Closing the Practice
- Gradually reintroduce movement by wiggling fingers and toes, raising your gaze, and stretching.
- Reflect on the experience of stillness and carry its benefits into the rest of your day.
- The next session will explore techniques for managing stress.
AI-generated content may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon as a sole source of truth.
📋 Episode Description
This episode is part of a series called Meditation Monday. The teacher, Henry Shukman, has been on my podcast twice before. He is one of only a few dozen masters in the world authorized to teach Sanbo Zen, and now, he’ll be your teacher.
In addition to my long-form interviews each week, every Monday I’ll bring you a short 10-minute or so meditation, which will help you for the rest of the week.
Over this four-episode series, you’ll develop a Zen toolkit to help you find greater calm, peace, and effectiveness in your daily life.
Henry’s app, The Way, has changed my life since I first started using it. Unlike other meditation apps, where you’re overwhelmed with a thousand choices, The Way is a clear step-by-step training program guided entirely by Henry. Through a logical progression, you’ll develop real skills that stick with you.
I’ve been using it daily, often twice a day, and it’s lowered my anxiety more than I thought possible.
As a listener of my podcast, you can get 30 free sessions by visiting https://thewayapp.com/tim and downloading the app.
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