Looking after your feet (Kyakkashoko)

Kyakkashoko - Looking after your feet

Words to calm your mind when you suddenly stop in the morning

"Look carefully at your feet" is a Zen phrase that means "look carefully at your feet" or "look here and now."

They are often displayed at the entrances of Zen temples, encouraging people to take a look at themselves the moment they take off their shoes.

But this isn't just a warning.

"Where do you stand?"

"What are you feeling right now?"

--Such questions are quietly contained within the work.

Fallen leaves dancing at my feet on an autumn morning

For example, on your way to work, you might suddenly look down and see a single autumn leaf at your feet.

It could be a letter announcing the change of seasons.

"Looking after your feet" is a Zen phrase that emphasizes the importance of such small realizations.

What I want to tell young readers is that "you don't have to always look to the future."

In a world where we are constantly being overwhelmed by social media notifications and schedules,

Just taking a moment to focus on yourself in this moment can sometimes help you to calm your mind.