Think with your whole body

Think with your whole body

Taisen Deshimaru, a Japanese Zen Buddhist teacher, is known for his profound teachings on mindfulness and living in the present moment. One of his famous quotes is “Think with your whole body,” which encapsulates the essence of Zen philosophy and the importance of being fully present in every aspect of our lives.

When Deshimaru encourages us to think with our whole body, he is urging us to engage not just our minds, but our entire being in the process of thinking and decision-making. In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, we often rely solely on our intellect and rationality to navigate through life. However, Deshimaru reminds us that true wisdom and insight come from a deeper place within us – a place that is connected to our physical sensations, emotions, and intuition.

Thinking with our whole body means being attuned to the signals that our body is sending us – whether it’s a feeling of tension in our shoulders, a knot in our stomach, or a sense of lightness and ease. These physical sensations can provide valuable information about our inner state and guide us towards making decisions that are aligned with our true selves.

Furthermore, thinking with our whole body involves being fully present in the moment and letting go of distractions and preconceived notions. By tuning into our breath, our posture, and the sensations in our body, we can cultivate a sense of mindfulness and awareness that allows us to see things more clearly and make choices that are in harmony with our values and intentions.

In the practice of Zen meditation, thinking with our whole body is a key principle. As we sit in stillness and silence, we learn to quiet the chatter of our minds and listen to the wisdom that arises from the depths of our being. By bringing our attention to our breath and the sensations in our body, we can cultivate a sense of inner peace and clarity that transcends the limitations of our thinking mind.