Member Spotlight: Myoshin Diane Benjamin

Name: Myoshin Diane Benjamin

Occupation: Zen teacher/non-profit communications director/musician/mom/human being

How did you discover Clouds?

If your life was the title of a book or movie, what would it be called?

Healing: A Life’s Journey

Why do you practice zazen and mindfulness?

Why not?

What excites you?

Being alive each day. After having a surprise heart attack in 2020, I don’t take it for granted!

Where are some places you feel at home in the Twin Cities?

Clouds. At home with my little family (wife and daughter, dog June Bug and cat Clementine). Lake Nokomis.

If you had to recommend one dharma book, what would it be?

Happiness, by Thich Nhat Hanh.

Anything on your bucket list?

What are you listening to right now?

Sarah Jarosz. Deb Talon. Ruth Moody.

Do you have any favorite words of inspiration – a quote, song lyric, poem, or something else that supports you?

Peaceful Life by Dainin Katagiri Roshi.

Summer or winter?

Summer. (I hate being cold.)

Tea or coffee?

Tea. Hot and Green, not bagged. (See Tea Source.)

Evening with a book or a night on the town?

My “introvert” score on the Myers-Briggs test is off the chart, so guess!

What or who is nourishing you most right now?

I am nourished by all the people I know who are committing themselves daily to living lives of dignity, compassion, respect, and courage.

What are you most looking forward to at Clouds in 2025?

Another year of practice together, especially sesshin!

Any Twin Cities community organizations or efforts you’d like to highlight?

I’m on the board of Interfaith Action which works in partnership with diverse faith and spiritual communities to drive significant change in the East Metro community.