A Morning Restorative Walk, a heron who never hurries, and how routines set something free “Repetition is not boredom — it is a whetstone that sharpens our sensitivity.” September is here, and schools have begun their new term. How have you all been? Today, I’d like to talk a little about “routines.” I used to think of routines as “things that trap you in a mold and rob you of freedom” — something rigid and stifling. But lately, having built a routine of my own, I’m seeing th

Why the subtle urge to fix ourselves keeps us from peace—and the quiet practice of remaining as you are. The greatest paradox of inner work is this: the subtle effort to “change” or “heal” ourselves quietly reinforces the belief that we are incomplete. In trying to become whole, we distance ourselves from the very peace we seek. In ordinary life, effort means reaching for something outside ourselves. So when suffering arises, we instinctively look for an action to take. Yet h

The fundamental error of conventional management theory is the belief that leadership is a set of external actions—procedural checklists, communication techniques, and policy frameworks. We treat leadership as a series of choices made by a "human doing." But in moments of intense institutional crisis, rising conflict, or systemic upheaval, these surface-level strategies are the first to collapse. When pressure mounts, our biology and conditioning take over, pushing us toward

Have you ever felt like you're running a race with no finish line, surrounded by a world that never stops shouting for your attention? In the midst of the chaos, there is a quiet power in simply being here. In the current conditions of our world, uncertainty, chaos, and a relentless pace have become common parts of everyday life. Information, responsibilities, expectations, and constant stimulation surround us. Even when things are going relatively well, it can be difficult t

Recovery is an art that asks us to trade intensity for observation. After the physical and emotional peaks of group hiking in Japan, I returned to the quiet shoreline of my local lake to breathe the lake air, feel the wind, and find a different kind of strength. I didn’t necessarily want to slow down. I don’t like downtime—especially during the best outdoor season in the Pacific Northwest—but jet lag, my aching back, and tired feet insisted on it, turning my focus toward the

Being real is often described as simple honesty, but in practice, it requires courage. It is not a passive state — it is a choice. And it is not only about telling the truth to other people. It is also about being willing to face what is actually happening in our own lives, bodies, and minds. Many of us avoid this kind of honesty without even realizing it. When life feels uncertain, painful, or overwhelming, distraction becomes an easy refuge. We scroll through our phones. We

You’re standing in the grocery line, scrolling through your phone while mentally rehearsing tomorrow’s meeting. The argument with your partner from this morning is still echoing in your mind. Many of us assume mindfulness requires a quiet room, a meditation cushion, or a long stretch of uninterrupted time. But true peace is not found by escaping a busy life. It is found by transforming how we meet it. The practice of 24-Hour Zen reminds us that there is only this moment, exac

"Before we talk about circles, let's talk about our approach to community and conflict. Do we, as a staff, agree to move toward a framework rooted in high accountability, high support, and mutual respect?" As schools increasingly adopt restorative practices, how do we address the hesitations that arise among staff members? There is a growing emphasis on utilizing circle processes for community building and conflict resolution. However, some individuals remain hesitant to eng

Mindfulness is often discussed in terms of an individual’s state of mind or as a technique for reducing stress. This time, however, I would like to broaden the perspective and explore what mindfulness looks like within relationships. What Is Mindfulness in Relationships? Mindfulness in relationships—or what we might call social mindfulness—is the capacity to observe what is happening in society, politics, and human interactions without immediately reducing them to simple cate

"Even though I’m working hard towards my goals, I feel mentally exhausted." "I find myself comparing myself to others and getting anxious." "I know what I should do, but I can't take action." Have you ever experienced such worries? In fact, the most important aspect of achieving your goals is not skill but rather the "capacity to clearly accept the current reality." I am convinced that the approach of "sonomama" (as-it-is-ness), based on Zen teachings, is an essential foundat