Minnesota Zen Meditation Center - Sunday Talk Archive Embodiment and Mindfulness of Body
Nov 10, 2025
Ben Connelly dives into the mindfulness of the body in Soto Zen practice. He outlines foundational elements like breath and posture while emphasizing the importance of body awareness for awakening. The discussion explores contemporary notions of embodiment and how mindfulness bridges the gap between body and mind. Ben leads guided meditation focusing on breath, shares personal experiences of transformation through practice, and reflects on how culture shapes our body perception. He also addresses the significance of mindfulness in daily life and contemplative practices.
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Body Awareness As A Path
- Mindfulness of the body is both a grounding awareness and a path to care without clinging.
- The practice invites deep seeing of sensations while releasing attachment to outcomes.
Use Breath To Invite Calm
- Use the breath to induce calm: note breathing in and out and relax the body.
- Intentionally welcome states of calm as part of mindfulness practice.
Patachara's Simple Awakening
- Patachara's awakening occurred through simple, attentive household acts like bathing feet and tending a lamp.
- Ben uses this Terrigatta example to show liberation arising from embodied care in ordinary tasks.
