About

Focus on the essential. Let go of the rest.

For over 15 years, I have been a practitioner of Rinzai Zen. My journey is defined by the discipline of returning to the present moment—a skill that has become the foundation for how I navigate my life, my work, and my training.

Leadership at Hakone Zendo

I currently lead Hakone Zendo, a non-profit organization entering its 28th year. My role is to maintain a space for traditional zazen (seated meditation) and to help others explore the transformative power of silence. Whether I am leading a zazen-kai or sharing a Dharma talk, my goal is to make these ancient practices accessible and practical for modern life.

Business: The Practice of Clarity

Throughout my career, I have managed teams and navigated the complexities of the business world since my 20s. I have faced the same challenges many leaders face: high-stakes negotiations, managing difficult employee dynamics, and the constant pressure to grow revenue.

What I have learned from Zen and Stoicism has been my greatest professional asset. These disciplines allow me to focus on what truly matters, providing the clarity needed to direct myself and my team toward our goals, regardless of the external pressure.

Endurance: Training the Mind

I have been racing triathlons for over a decade, including two Ironman finishes. During the long hours of training, I often struggled with a “racing brain”—a mind that didn’t want to stop.

By deploying the techniques I learned in Zen, I was able to disconnect from those intrusive thoughts and focus entirely on the act itself: the swim, the bike, or the run. This ability to quiet the mind and remain present can be used in any training situation to push yourself harder and achieve a higher level of performance.

My Mission at TryZazen

I created this space to share the thoughts and daily phrases that keep me grounded. Over the years, I have learned that the ability to focus on the current moment and let go of distracting thoughts is a skill that can be developed.

I am happy to share these reflections here to help you find your own “still point” and focus on what truly matters.