mushin || day 169: armor 鎧

poems 1 Minute

©2022 Michael Raven

this armor
has become a burden

cutting loose
tumbling to the jungle
below

This series of writing explorations that I call mushin are an attempt to grasp the concept of mushin no shin (mind without mind, 無心の心, often shortened to mushin, or “no-mind”). I am using prompts from 365 Tao, largely because they are Zen and Tao themes for meditation (which suits this exploration), not as an endorsement for the book from which they are derived. The daily prompts can be found in this table. Anyone wishing to participate is welcome to do so, either post your own response to the prompt below or post a link to your response in the comments.

Published

4 thoughts on “mushin || day 169: armor 鎧”

  1. I’ve put on a lot of weight recently—an armor of sorts. It followed a traumatic moment in my life and your words hinted at what I’ve been feeling about wanting to cut it loose and free myself again.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. I can relate to that element as well. I’ve been weighed down by expectations that aren’t mine and I’ve built up a facade to buffer the increasing imposter syndrome I’m experiencing as a result.

      I agree, it’s time to just be myself again.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

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