Do you feel it?

–– Zen practice is not about becoming numb.

The practice of sonomama is not to pick up what arises, not interfere with it, and simply let it be.

But as we continue this practice, some people may begin to wonder, “Am I becoming emotionally or physically numb?”

But that’s not the case. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

We’re not becoming numb at all. If anything, we’re feeling everything even more clearly. What changes is that we become more able to say, “It’s okay to feel this.”

More than that, we’re cultivating the capacity to gently hold those feelings—to stay present as they naturally arise and pass, without getting swept away.

That might sound like a small shift, but it’s actually a profound and essential difference.

We’re not avoiding our emotions. We’re not ignoring them. We’re not becoming cold or disconnected.

Rather, we’re learning to stay with whatever arises—no matter how strong or uncomfortable—and simply be with it.

When we stop labeling, analyzing, or resisting our emotions, what’s actually here becomes clearer. What is present is present. What is not, is not. And when that becomes clear, we can remain with what’s here, as it is, without confusion or struggle. That is what we call inner peace.

Some people might feel guilty about being at peace . They might ask, “How can I be calm when the world is going through so much?”

But cultivating inner peace is not selfish—it’s the foundation for living in harmony with others and with community. If we ourselves are not at peace, how can we possibly bring peace to the world?

This means standing firmly on the ground of now, even in the midst of difficulty.Not getting thrown around like we’re inside a washing machine,but gently resting in the present moment.

All that exists is what’s here, now. And everything is changing. Nothing stays forever.

This practice doesn’t make us less human. On the contrary, it helps us become more human.

It strengthens our ability to face reality as it is, and to live with an open heart, guided by responsibility and compassion.

And when we are truly present in the here and now, life opens up—more vibrant, more colorful, more full of quiet richness.

This, Just This

Yes, right here—

there is sorrow,

there is anger,

there is loneliness.

But you don’t have to do something about it right away.

Just as it is, let it be—gently.

In time, they will pass like the wind.

And in the quiet that follows,

what’s truly here will begin to show its face.

That is the gentle strength we call peace.

Let’s enjoy our lifelong journey—that is it. The journey itself is the way.

Words and Photo by K E I K O