Remarking that along with structured activity in the zendo, Zen is also characterized by creativity and playfulness, especially in dokusan, Sean noted that this creativity can help keep zazen practice alive when we feel we are getting stuck and, without judging our zazen, discern that it is not working. Creative solutions include knowing when thoughts involve memories, future events, or judgments of the present, and instead recognize that the present moment, the reality of our life, generally feels positive. We can also listen to and contemplate teachings, then raise the spirit of inquiry by asking ‘who am I?,’ ‘what is emptiness?’ ‘what is no-self?’ He suggested pausing between breaths and centering ourselves in stillness, becoming absorbed without getting sleepy or spacey. When he does this practice, Sean places his attention between thoughts and stays there. Following Q&A, Sean offered a metta meditation for the Palestinians of Gaza.
