Nothingness Mind
In Zen mind there is nothingness. Even the idea of nothing is not present. Zen mind truly resides in the present moment. Here and now, the mind with nothingness absorbs the present moment with a fresh perspective.Desire and attachment rise and fall like waves of impediments, unable to shake loose the fruit of the mighty tree, which grows peacefulness from within. Searching outside the self for the answer that lies within, the waves continue to break, and the only calm achieved is that before a storm. Only water nurtures the tree bearing the fruit, but the waves of unsteady waters can drown internal peace with obstacles.
A free mind dwells in the nothingness found in Zen mind. That does not mean one should avoid their responsibilities, but it does mean that one should not be consumed by them when not engaged in that activity. Each day requires a moment taken aside to achieve Zen mind before engaging in the activities of that day. Without a clear mind, meditation occurs anyway, but the lack of focus from ignoring the eightfold path is like the waves crashing on the tree bearing peace for each of us.