Winter in the Virtual Dojo

Winter sunrise in Tuscon, AZ

2020 was a painfully difficult year, personally and collectively. With the intention of resetting my vision and energy, I eagerly signed up for Winter Keishin during January 4-10. While some people likely prefer in-person sesshin to online keishin, I appreciate the opportunity to fully integrate training within my home and daily life. Over the seven days, I was deeply moved by the depth of the group kiai that developed as we struggled through the peaks and valleys of body, breath, and mind, and the fears and anger that arose as we weathered the uncertainties of a tumultuous week in US history.

During keishin, Greene Roshi instructed us to get outside three times a day and then, upon returning inside, to write a hexagram, or six-word poem. At first, I was resistant to walking in my neighborhood in the five a.m. dark but soon came to look forward to this time most of all. Taking in the shimmering lights of Tucson in the valley below, the stars in the clear skies above, and the quiet slumber of my neighbors, I wrote this hexagram:

Under the stars

True nature sees.

A highlight of the keishin came on the last night when a few of us stayed up for all-night training. A deep bond and affinity grew between us, built from the week we had shared and our commitment to sustaining each other. With the support of the group, we all pushed beyond our limitations. For myself, I can report going beyond fatigue to a place of light and love and life. It is still with me as I write this.

I’ll also say that during this challenging year, the Virtual Dojo has been a lifeline for me. It feels like an extended family, even though I hardly know anyone personally. Seeing the same people show up for morning zazen or keishin or Tai Chi makes me feel connected. It has been a lifesaver in these dark days of COVID and grief. The group has truly created something masterful!