By emptying our mind, we enable a state of nothingness. In the world of Zen, we call this mushiryo, or “beyond thinking.” It refers to a state in which we retain nothing within ourselves.
Clear your head and look up at the sky—you will see the shifting clouds. Empty your mind and listen actively—all around you are the various interwoven sounds of nature: the singing of small birds, the wind rustling fallen leaves.
Even if you’re in a city, there are still many sounds and scenes that evoke nature. Take in as much of this natural world as you can. By doing so, you will notice that you, too, are a part of nature.
For example, the rain that falls from the clouds you saw up in the sky empties into a river or becomes groundwater that eventually will be your drinking water. This is the moment when you experience the full interconnectedness of nature.
Especially when you’re busy, make time to clear your head.
Even for just a few short minutes, try the Zen practice of mushiryo, of going beyond thinking and nonthinking. You may be surprised by how much it can calm your mind and suffuse your entire body with tremendous power.