Recently, I attended a Zen meditation class, stepping into it without much knowledge of this particular practice. What struck me immediately was the simplicity of its approach: there is no goal, no end objective—just the invitation to be fully present in the moment.
The practice is about witnessing life as it unfolds, with no pressure to achieve anything. There is no failing or doing it wrong; it’s simply about noticing when your mind wanders and gently guiding it back to your breath, with kindness and compassion.
I’ve experienced many yoga and meditation classes where the focus is on returning to the breath, but never had it been described to me as beautifully as it was in this Zen class.
This 7 week programme is an embodied exploration, of the facets of the feminine, through the lens of sexuality.
The instructor guided us to notice every aspect of our breath: the cool air entering our nostrils, filling our lungs, the gentle expansion of the chest, the rise of the stomach, and the subtle movements in our body as the breath flows in and out. The relaxation of the shoulders, the settling of muscles—all observed with quiet attention. This deep noticing, paired with the sounds around me, drew me fully into the present, anchoring me within myself.
For that moment, I was simply there—bearing witness to life as it was. A profound simplicity that resonated deeply, offering an understanding of presence in a way I hadn’t felt before.
Now, I carry this awareness into my everyday life—while walking, moving, and interacting. I try to notice my body, the small, fleeting moments, and appreciate each one as it comes and goes.
It’s a gentle reminder that being present is a practice, a gift of truly living each moment as it unfolds.
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