Yeah, John. And I find this practice extraordinary because it leverages the fact that the brain works in that way.
If we get used to ask the question consistently, we'll end up asking it when we least expect it. Hence, receiving replies when the time is ripe.
For instance, I had a big revelation just at the end of a yoga session (in savasana), since the question popped up in my mind with no conscious asking. And the reply was there, waiting for me!
I've noticed that each example of a koan you gave starts with "How". Is it a coincidence or is it intentional? in other words, is there a rule around how the koan should be formulated?
Yes I love the simplicity of it and sparks a slew of generic questions about this topic and all the other examples you mentioned. I’m a less is more kinda gal but find myself myriad in stuff with no place for it to go. Just another reason to purge my dream is to live with very little so I can really appreciate and bask in my motto of less is more. It’s a process that I’m continually trying to perfect. Lol 😂 thanks for this I really love it! I’ll will keep you posted on my progress. 😊🙏
Also journaling the replies helps a lot. But I realised was becoming too burdensome after a while. So stick to ask in my head, and go with the first things that come up :)
I love this! It’s true but so different from how most people are raised or think they should act. I used to think I had to act like I knew everything in order to seem intelligent, but realized the opposite was true. That’s just pride. Asking (the right!) questions is the real cornerstone of intelligence & growth.
I love this idea! I’m starting with the last question you posted. How can I release some weight today? However, mine relates to the physical weight! Does this work for physical changes as well?
In case of physical weight, a question might be “how can I eat more balanced today?”, or “how can I make space for some more movement today?”, or, simply, “how can I release some (physical) weight today?”.
I’ve found that generic questions work better. For instance, at the generic question “how can I be kinder with myself today?”, my replies could have ranged from “going slower”, to “remove items from my to do list”, to “take a long bath”. Replies are often quite trivial and effective at the same time!
The power of the technique is in its simplicity. And, also, in finding the right moment to ask. For me, after shower, meditation or yoga works very well. The more present you are, the better.
So often, when wrestling with a problem, the answer comes to me when I'm out for a run or walk and have totally forgotten about the problem.
Yeah, John. And I find this practice extraordinary because it leverages the fact that the brain works in that way.
If we get used to ask the question consistently, we'll end up asking it when we least expect it. Hence, receiving replies when the time is ripe.
For instance, I had a big revelation just at the end of a yoga session (in savasana), since the question popped up in my mind with no conscious asking. And the reply was there, waiting for me!
I've heard of people taking this approach before sleeping at night too. Let go and trust the unconscious mind...
True. And get replies in dreams. I’ll add this to my list :)
I know this works, I often use a version of it myself.
👏👏👏
I've noticed that each example of a koan you gave starts with "How". Is it a coincidence or is it intentional? in other words, is there a rule around how the koan should be formulated?
Good point. And, not really.
The 5 basic zen koans of the tradition I follow are:
Who am I?
Why am I here?
What is this?
What is my true nature?
Where am I from?
So they all look quite different!
Yes I love the simplicity of it and sparks a slew of generic questions about this topic and all the other examples you mentioned. I’m a less is more kinda gal but find myself myriad in stuff with no place for it to go. Just another reason to purge my dream is to live with very little so I can really appreciate and bask in my motto of less is more. It’s a process that I’m continually trying to perfect. Lol 😂 thanks for this I really love it! I’ll will keep you posted on my progress. 😊🙏
Ah, and this article is on doing less. You might like it ;)
https://open.substack.com/pub/livmkk/p/dont-work-more-than-your-client
Also, Claire Pedrick’s book is highflying recommended, if you’re interested in coaching or counselling.
Also journaling the replies helps a lot. But I realised was becoming too burdensome after a while. So stick to ask in my head, and go with the first things that come up :)
Please do 🙏
I love this! It’s true but so different from how most people are raised or think they should act. I used to think I had to act like I knew everything in order to seem intelligent, but realized the opposite was true. That’s just pride. Asking (the right!) questions is the real cornerstone of intelligence & growth.
Yeah, we all have our conditioning. And, in the end, we do the best we can. Always. In any given circumstance. Even if that is often hard to believe!
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Livio, I will give it a try. Thanks for the tip. D
Yeah, Dave. Let me know.
My recent koan is “how can I express my anger in a healthy way today?”
I love this idea! I’m starting with the last question you posted. How can I release some weight today? However, mine relates to the physical weight! Does this work for physical changes as well?
Well, why not? Works virtually with everything.
In case of physical weight, a question might be “how can I eat more balanced today?”, or “how can I make space for some more movement today?”, or, simply, “how can I release some (physical) weight today?”.
I’ve found that generic questions work better. For instance, at the generic question “how can I be kinder with myself today?”, my replies could have ranged from “going slower”, to “remove items from my to do list”, to “take a long bath”. Replies are often quite trivial and effective at the same time!
The power of the technique is in its simplicity. And, also, in finding the right moment to ask. For me, after shower, meditation or yoga works very well. The more present you are, the better.
What does this spark in your mind?