Step One Zen: Discovering The Path To Your True Nature

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​Step One Zen Spiritual Intensive: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Love
After years of exploring traditional personal development through mainstream books, audios, 12-step programs, talk therapy, and delving into the profound existential questions through philosophy and metaphysical teachings, I found a deep spiritual alignment in both mystical Christianity and Zen Buddhism. Under the guidance of Upaya Zen Institute, I embraced the path of a Zen practitioner, dedicating myself to the study and practice that reveals my true nature as a being of love and light.
In my exploration, I also found valuable frameworks like Spiral Dynamics and the 9 Stages of Ego Development, which have become essential tools in understanding my evolving levels of consciousness. These models continue to guide me as I discover deeper layers of self-awareness, moving through ever-expanding levels of understanding and awakening.
This intensive invites you to embark on a journey of self-discovery, grounding your practice in both the wisdom of Zen and the spiritual principles of love. Together, we will explore the first step in this transformative path—acknowledging where we are and opening ourselves to the possibility of becoming more fully aligned with our truest, most authentic selves. Through this journey, we cultivate a deeper connection to our inner light and a compassionate understanding of our shared humanity
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At Step One Zen, we believe that healing and transformation are deeply personal and are most powerful when integrated into the rhythm of daily life. This journey is not confined to a specific place or time but woven into the very fabric of your existence. Our offerings are designed to support you in creating a life of mindfulness and intentionality, where your Zen practice becomes a living practice.
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We will work closely with you, offering regular life coaching, structured support, and guidance throughout this period of deep engagement. While we provide the necessary structure and meetings to help you along your path, this practice period takes place within the world itself—not apart from it. It is not centered around a specific location, but rather a way of being that brings the wisdom of Zen into your everyday life. This intensive practice period—whether you call it a retreat or simply a focused practice—is your opportunity to immerse yourself fully in your journey of healing and awakening.
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Healing is not a one-size-fits-all journey, and neither is Zen practice. At Step One Zen, we tailor our programs to your unique needs, whether you are looking to overcome specific struggles like mental health challenges or seeking more peace and fulfillment. You can engage in various ways, from a day-long practice to a full 90-day period. Each of these experiences will be integrated into your daily life, allowing you the flexibility to weave Zen practice seamlessly into the demands of modern living.​ For those ready to engage deeply, here are a few of the ways we can work together:
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Sesshin: Intensive Transformation
Sesshin offers an immersive, multi-day experience of focused meditation, self-reflection, and inner work. Over the course of three days to a full week, you will engage in a rigorous schedule of zazen (seated meditation), walking meditation, and dharma discussions designed to help you let go of distractions and touch the heart of your being. This time of profound transformation allows you to break through personal limitations and experience deeper clarity and peace.
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Ango: Long-Term Peaceful Dwelling
For those seeking a more extended commitment to healing and transformation, ango is a 90-day intensive practice period modeled after traditional Zen retreats. During this time, you will integrate meditation, lifestyle changes, and personal guidance into your daily life, working closely with me to support lasting inner growth and long-term peace. Ango is ideal for those committed to deep practice, mental health recovery, or shifting their life direction.
Rohatsu Sesshin: Awakening to Your True Self
Held in early December to commemorate the Buddha’s enlightenment, the Rohatsu Sesshin offers a special week-long retreat focused on deep awakening. This intensive practice period draws on the energy of this sacred time, supporting you in connecting with your true self and accessing the boundless potential within you.
Zazenkai: Day Retreat for Centering & Balance
For those seeking shorter but impactful experiences, zazenkai provides a one-day or weekend retreat focused on restoring balance and aligning your inner self with your life’s outer manifestations. Through meditation, mindful dialogue, and contemplative practice, zazenkai offers a renewed sense of peace and clarity.
Shugyo: Embracing the Discipline of Practice
If you're looking for a challenge to push beyond your current limitations, shugyo offers a disciplined and rigorous approach. Together, we will embark on a journey that incorporates physical and mental discipline, helping you transcend patterns and attachments holding you back. Shugyo is for those who want to experience the edges of their endurance and emerge more resilient and free.
Takuhatsu: Cultivating Humility & Gratitude
Takuhatsu offers a unique approach to integrating Zen into daily life through acts of service and humility. Traditionally, this practice involves monks begging for alms in the community, but we adapt it to modern life by encouraging you to engage in acts of service and mindful connection. Takuhatsu cultivates gratitude and helps you rediscover your place in the web of life.
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Each of these practices can be tailored to your needs and woven into the fabric of your life. We’ll work together to create a structure that honors your journey and helps you integrate Zen practice into your daily world, offering support at every step.
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In keeping with the spirit of Zen, we also honor the ancient tradition of dana—the practice of giving and generosity—as the foundation for our work together. Dana reflects the truth that everything in life is interconnected. When we give freely, without attachment or expectation, we open ourselves to receive in ways that go beyond monetary exchange. It’s about trusting that the flow of generosity moves in all directions, and through serving others, support naturally returns.
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We invite you to participate in this spirit of generosity, offering what feels appropriate and aligned with your means and heart. Suggested contributions are available for each practice period, but we trust in your ability to determine what feels right for you.
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Suggested Dana Contributions
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Zazenkai (Day Retreat): $100 - $250
A focused day of meditation and self-discovery. -
Sesshin (3-7 Days): $500 - $1,200
An immersive multi-day retreat for deep spiritual transformation and insight. -
Ango (90 Days): $2,000 - $6,000
A 90-day intensive for profound inner growth and long-term peace. -
Rohatsu Sesshin (1 Week): $700 - $1,500
A special, week-long retreat celebrating the Buddha’s enlightenment, for deep awakening. -
Shugyo (Ascetic Practice): $300 - $900
A disciplined, rigorous practice designed to push beyond personal limits and transcend attachments.

May you enter the intensive practice period like a traveler embarking on a deep, inward journey, with each moment as a step into the unknown. As you immerse yourself in stillness, may you find that the distractions of the world fall away, revealing the vast landscape of your true nature. In the rigorous rhythm of practice, may you discover that each challenge is an invitation to go deeper, shedding old layers and emerging lighter, freer, and more connected. With every breath, may you ascend the mountain of awakening, realizing that the summit is not a place, but a state of being, ever-present and always within. Through this period of deep focus and surrender, may you return to life not as a separate self, but as an expression of the boundless truth, carrying the wisdom of your practice into every corner of your world.