Drawing the Enso

a mindfulness practice of embracing imperfection and transience

Before I put the brush on the sheet I perform a ritual: 

I smooth out the sheet of paper, arrange the water glass, the inkwell and dip the brush in the black ink. 

Then I gather all my concentration, breathe deeply in and out, and prepare myself inwardly for the brushstroke. 

Are you ready? 

Before I have the chance to answer myself, I paint the circle. 

Basically, painting an Enso is very simple: In one brushstroke, without stopping, and in one breath, we paint a circle. 

It is like a snapshot.  We accept the result as it is and do not make any corrections. 

For a moment there is silence. 

Then my thoughts start again: Was I really ready? No! And that's ok. The Zen circle's beauty lies in its imperfection and transience. 

So, the sheet with the circle remains on the desk, tomorrow is another day, and this is the reminder that I will perform the ritual again.