Stepping out into the early freshness this morning was so much like the bell ringing to begin zazen a little while later. Any moment, every moment brings with it its own freshness, its own call to be right here.  All things proclaim the dharma.

We need only notice. The world naturally calls to us, reminds us, here, thisIn kinhin, we emerge into the zendo garden where the flowers, leaves, grasses wave at us in the breeze, scenting the air. Immediately whatever filled the attention inside is instantly gone with the wind outside. Each step, just this step.

This view is balm to us in a time of great uncertainty and conflict in the world, near and far. Keeping our hearts open, regularly taking refuge in the clear bright immediacy of this step helps us to be able to say, “How can I help?” as we meet the garden of troubles and the confusion of worldly demands. Helps us to remember the enormity of every emerging moment with all of the resources from our wisdom practice in the zendo and the many gardens of just this step.