The Zoom link to participate in this event will be provided at least 24 hours before it begins. Please call 415-354-0360 if you have any questions.
First Sundays: November 2, December 7, January 4, February 1
10 am–12:30 pm PT
Bring fresh energy and perspective to your creative practice in this monthly workshop inspired by Soji, the Zen practice of temple cleaning.
Whatever "creative practice" means to you, this workshop will offer ways to cultivate a mindset of contemplative care and engage with all facets of your work with a refreshed sense of curiosity. The workshop cultivates an ethos of respect and care for each participant’s process. All are welcome.
What is Soji?
Soji is a period of mindful work, often following zazen: sweeping the walkway, raking leaves, shaking out zendo cushions. In Soji, you enter a task for a set period of time, attending to it as fully as possible. In each session, we’ll cultivate this quality of immersive and attentive care in relation to creative practice.
A creative practice has its own ongoing activities and tasks that support and make the work possible. We will give attention to whatever may benefit from care in your practice, especially to those tasks that can sometimes feel in the way of creative work. The framework of soji can allow us to enter a task that might feel otherwise difficult, offering a held space that can feel grounding and restorative.
Each session includes:
Short Dharma talk and discussion
A brief meditation/free write
Guided writing and discussion
Three 20-minute soji sessions [off-screen]
Informal sharing of participants’ work
No prior experience with Zen practice is necessary.
What Participants Are Saying:
Genine is a star. I cannot speak highly enough of her skill, warmth, and ability to hold the space. This was one of the most nourishing and supportive creative spaces I’ve experienced.
Genine’s enthusiasm for Soji and her knowledge of Zen practice were infectious. I now turn toward cleaning or clearing my desk as a way to open a creative door.
Delight! Water felt better while doing the dishes. I found myself fully present in the most ordinary tasks. It changed the tone of my day.
The support of a group lightens the load. I felt held and encouraged to face the aspects of creative work I usually avoid.
See Genine's website: www.geninelentine.com
Recordings:
All course sessions will be recorded, and registered participants will receive temporary access to the recordings for later viewing.
- Sustaining Level: $280
- Member (Become an SFZC Member): $252
- Sliding Scale 1: $168
- Sliding Scale 2: $75
- Current SFZC residents and qualified SFZC retirees may attend this course for free. To register, please email onlineprograms@sfzc.org at least 72 hours before the program begins.
Or call 415-354-0360.