#850: The Peace That's Always Within You — Guided Meditation by Zen Master Henry Shukman

Zen master Henry Shukman introduces the "backward step," a meditative technique designed to shift focus from external engagement to the intrinsic fabric of awareness. This practice involves a deliberate physical and mental "floppiness," where the body is released like a rag doll to reset the nervous system and trigger a restorative state of rest. By receding from the forward-facing demands of daily life and the stream of clock time, individuals can access a wider field of vision and a sense of timelessness that exists independently of external circumstances. This shift in perspective illuminates a pre-existing, quiet stillness within the self, offering a practical intervention for reducing anxiety and enhancing daily effectiveness. The process emphasizes that this restful awareness is not a special achievement but a natural condition always available for discovery through simple disengagement.