I live quietly with other temple monks,

Get up at dawn to chant Namu.

The valley stream transcends clamor and stillness,

Mountain clouds know nothing

Of being or nonbeing.

Room a half a span wide,

Empty enough to hang a bell in;

Gruel in a gourd bowl

That might be left dangling.

And since I came here, what have I done?

Bathed in the Yi, enjoyed the breeze

In the rain altars.

-Gensei (1623-1668)

We rely on our capacity to think about our experiences and utilize our knowledge to solve problems or acquire new information to help us manage the day-to-day stressors in our lives. Strong emotions can compromise that capacity and we tend to react quickly in emotionally intense situations. Moments of calm reflection can be elusive in a busy day filled with unexpected problems. Psychotherapy and psychoanalysis provide us with opportunities to sit in a room and reflect on those feelings and reactions. The conversation becomes a valley stream that transcends the clamor and stillness. Our journey together allows us to realize the fundamental points that are embedded in the busy and unexpected parts of our lives.