Last night at our weekly zazen, a woman who I have not seen in a long time named Laura showed up with her mother to join us. She explained that her mom, I would guess around 90 years old, has dementia and might not be able to keep still or quiet for the duration of the sit. I told her that it was fine, not to worry. I went downstairs and grabbed a chair for her to sit in and explained to her that we were going to sit still in silence for about twenty five minutes. She nodded and put her hands into prayer position and I rang the bell.
At the end of the sitting period, I rang the bell and looked up and she was still sitting there with her eyes closed, hands in prayer position. Laura expained to me that she was Catholic and holding her hands that way was natural. I explained that I was born and raised Catholic and I completely understood. I was amazed at this woman's ability to sit completely still and in silence for that long considering her condition. It was powerful to say the least.
As they were leaving, we hugged and she looked at me and said "You're a good kid" and smiled.
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