Background

Karen, from a young age, found herself drawn to the Episcopalians, captivated by the beauty of a small church in Denver with incense, candles, and vestments. Her interest in sewing, fueled by a passion for fashion, led her to contemplate creating vestments. In high school, she sought camaraderie at a Methodist church but felt a deeper calling while observing teachers in Portland.

Her spiritual journey took a significant turn in Japan, where the sight of Jesus on street corners and prayer rocks left a lasting impression. The Zen center became a sanctuary, offering a sense of completeness with its form, stillness, bowing, and informative incense. During a confusing period in her marriage, residing in a Zen center for a year grounded her.

Karen explored various spiritual lineages, appreciating their unique flavors but finding solidity in Zen. Altars, devoid of excessive visual elements, provided the mindfulness she needed. Wearing black robes symbolized mindfulness and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of doing one’s internal work.

Despite the serious appearance, the Zen community embraced playfulness and silliness. Learning from the Sangha, witnessing transformations, and sharing karmic threads became radical and life-changing. The suffering of others, though emotionally challenging, highlighted the transformative power of communal support.

In the pursuit of authenticity, Karen moved towards calligraphy in the art world, viewing it as a profound discipline. Zen’s discipline became internalized, shaping her life around it. The intellectual grounding, while ever-present, opened a spaciousness that she trusted, bringing faith and sustaining her.

Meditation and practices allowed Karen to navigate complexities without being thrown off course. Over time, she honed the ability to release herself from the grip of challenges, recognizing the consistent clarity gained from Zen as a profoundly important aspect of her life.