Sitting Zen and Making Art
In my last year of college, 1975, I went to a Zen Center in Sonoma County. At the time, I was studying psychology and art, reading Alan Watts, and seeking consciousness raising experiences. I remember my anticipation to spend a weekend at a Zen retreat high on a hill in the beautiful Sonoma valley, where I would often take long bicycle rides by myself or friends to enjoy the sunshine, great views, and subtle scents of nature.
It was quiet at the Zen Center, and dark. Monks in robes wandered about. There were hours of sitting in quiet meditation. I remember being eager to learn and have something happen. The long hours of silence were punctuated by the ringing of a gong before meals. We were served tea, organic breads, rice. The tea was Mate and the smells were like the organic food stores where we bought our bulk food supplies in Sonoma County. Although I felt calm all day, I kept wondering what was expected of me by the few robed monks who appeared quietly and mysteriously. I realized afterwards, it was about what was happening in me, rather than what was happening around me, which was very little. I was meant to simply watch my being present with myself, not do something about it, or have someone do something to me. This reflection parallels my experience with creating art. In the best moments of “flow” while creating it is an unhurried experience of presence with no thought or effort.
Today I looked online and found the Zen Center is still there. It looks just the same. The practice continues, just the same. I am glad. I attended the year after it was established in an old barn, high on a hill in the Sonoma Mountains, under the live oaks. At the time, it was secluded and quiet. I imagine now, not far away, are acres of high quality grapes growing in manicured vineyards, and scores of chalets and wineries inviting wine lovers and guests to this beautiful region. After many years, I find the same impulses motivate much of my life, from raising my family, caring for my loved ones, and making art. Then and now I am ever curious to experience the mysterious and unbidden that rises up in life. Certainly, much of our endeavors involve effort, planning, expectation ,and goal setting, but like my experience at the Zen Center, it is through these that we get to moments of stillness where our creativity emerges and flows.
