Tai’s Descent Into Stillness

Tai was used to altitude. Thirty-seven thousand feet up, engines humming, the world below a quiet mosaic. From the cockpit, life seemed organized — a checklist, a heading, a plan. But on the ground, things were different.

His layovers were restless. His sleep was light. His mind constantly ran simulations: weather systems, fuel levels, and what-if scenarios. The hum never stopped.

A Serendipitous Encounter

One evening, grounded in Kyoto after a delayed flight, Tai wandered through the backstreets of Gion. He wasn’t looking for anything — just walking. Then he noticed a wooden gate slightly ajar, with a small sign that read, Zazen: Visitors Welcome.

Curious, he stepped in.

An old man in robes greeted him with a slight bow. “You are early. Good.”

“I didn’t make a booking,” Tai said.

“You made a decision,” the man replied.

Tai removed his shoes and followed the others into the meditation hall. They sat. Silence filled the room like water in a stone basin.

The Challenge of Stillness

At first, Tai’s thoughts fought back. Flight logs. Autopilot glitches. His upcoming simulator test. But the room was still. His breath — ragged at first — began to smooth.

After the session, he approached the old man. “Is this... a religion?” Tai asked.

The man poured tea. “Some think so. Others think it is a philosophy. For you, maybe it is just sitting.”

“And that helps?” Tai inquired.

The man smiled. “It doesn’t help. It shows you that you are already okay.”

A Day of Reflection

Tai stayed in Kyoto an extra day. He returned to the hall the next morning and again before his evening flight. Each visit deepened his understanding of stillness.

Later, back in the cockpit, as he watched the horizon blush with dawn, Tai found himself breathing differently. Not slower, not faster. Just aware. Just present.

High above the earth, Tai discovered that stillness didn’t require landing. It simply required letting go.

Zen, he would later tell a friend, is not something you chase. It’s something you stop running from.

Embracing Urban Zen

In our fast-paced world, finding moments of stillness can be challenging. Tai's experience in Kyoto serves as a reminder that peace can be found anywhere, even amidst the chaos of city life.

The Importance of Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present. It allows us to connect with our thoughts and feelings without judgment. This practice can lead to greater clarity and calmness in our daily lives.

Finding Stillness in the City

Urban environments can be overwhelming. However, they also offer unique opportunities for mindfulness. By taking a moment to pause and breathe, we can cultivate a sense of peace.

Join Us for an Urban Zen Experience

🌿Urban Zen: Finding Stillness in the City

Date: Saturday, 28 June 2025

Time: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Location: Peninsula Plaza, Singapore

Price: $48

Early Bird: $38 (until 21 June or while spots last)

Join us for a unique afternoon experience where ancient garden wisdom meets city life. Explore the philosophy of “bringing the mountains to the city” in a guided talk, followed by a reflective walk where you’ll capture your own glimpses of urban stillness. Return to share and connect over light refreshments.

🎟️ Limited spots available – *reserve now