In the evening of a thousand peaks, I close

my eyes.

Among humans, myriad thoughts are trivial.

Serenely I sit on the mat.

In solitude I face an open window.

The incense has burned out and a dark night is long.

The moon has risen over the highest peak.

— Ryokan (1758 – 18 February 1831)

Ryōkan spent much of his time writing poetry, doing calligraphy, and communing with nature. His poetry is often very simple and inspired by nature. He loved children and sometimes forgot to beg for food because he was playing with the children of the nearby village. Ryōkan refused to accept any position as a priest or even as a "poet." In the tradition of Zen his quotes and poems show he had a good sense of humor and didn't take himself too seriously. (Wikipedia)

I work with many people, young and old, whose incense has burned out and they are stuck in the long dark night. Our work together can open that serene space of contemplation and allow us to think about the assumptions and experiences that have contributed to their depression. We engage in the work of understanding and allow the opportunity for insight for change to be realized. We use myriad thoughts to guide us through the long dark light and together we can discover the thousand peaks illuminated by the moon.