Zen is a Japanese word which literally means 'meditation', but has come to refer to a wider path of practice, and the discoveries we can make as we explore that path in our own ways.

The Zen approach helps us to calm and focus the mind, let go of habitual worries and concerns, manage our emotions more effectively, and ultimately lead richer and more fulfilling lives.

Although the Zen tradition is rooted in Buddhism, the approach I take is not 'religious'. You do not need to be Buddhist to practise Zen meditation and mindfulness. These practices are simple, straightforward and open to everyone, and have been shown to be highly effective by scientific researchers over the last few decades. Rather, I present these practices in the context of Zen because I feel that the tradition is rich, beautiful and has a great deal of profundity and inspiration to offer people in the modern world.

If you'd like to explore Zen in more detail, I recommend my Wednesday night Zen class. The class is free, running on a donation basis, and explores a wide range of themes from week to week.

​​Three key pillars of the Zen approach are meditation, mindfulness and embodiment, described in more detail below.

Meditation

Meditation is a formal practice performed sitting, lying down, standing or walking. We use a variety of techniques which ask us to 'anchor' our minds in some way (such as by paying attention to the breath), then observe phenomena as they come and go. This practice is a powerful way to develop mindfulness. Along the way we also come to understand ourselves better as we see the habits and patterns of the mind.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the quality of noticing what is happening in the present moment in a non-reactive, non-judgemental way. We simply notice what is coming and going, without trying to change it. Over time, mindfulness allows us to take a step back from challenging situations and experiences, giving us the opportunity to choose how to respond in a wise way rather than merely reacting out of habit.

Embodiment

Meditation is sometimes seen as an inward-focused, head-oriented or even selfish activity, or perhaps something that we do for a certain period each day as a hobby but which doesn't have much application beyond that. In Zen, however, we place great importance on finding ways to embody our practice and take it into our daily lives, so that over time it becomes something transformative that benefits both ourselves and the people around us.