#848: From Stress to Stillness — Guided Meditation with Zen Master Henry Shukman

Stress management requires a counterintuitive shift from resisting tension to actively allowing and including it within one's awareness. Henry Shukman, a Sanbo Zen master, introduces a meditative practice designed to lower anxiety by transforming the physical experience of stress into a manageable sensation. The process begins with grounding the body through rhythmic breathing and progressive relaxation of the limbs and torso. By focusing on the chest—where the vast majority of people physically manifest stress—practitioners learn to visualize the ribcage as a soft, warm sheath capable of holding uncomfortable energies without judgment. This approach cultivates an internal capacity for patience and self-compassion, shifting the focus from productivity-driven pressure to a fundamental state of well-being. Ultimately, acknowledging and welcoming difficult feelings serves as the primary mechanism for de-stressing and resetting the nervous system.