Member Spotlight: Sosan Flynn

Name: Sosan Flynn

Occupation: Soto Zen Priest and Guiding Teacher at Clouds in Water

How did you discover Clouds? I was a founding member of the Clouds in Water board of directors.

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

The Feast of Love. I chose that title because I feel I have been so fortunate in my life with love and relationships. I have a wonderful marriage to a great guy - this January we'll celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary. I have close connections with friends and family. And I love my life!

Why do you practice zazen and mindfulness?

It helps me remember that I am alive and that I am not separate from all that is. It helps me to be compassionate towards others, based on this realization.

What excites you?

I'm excited by snow, especially if there is enough for cross-country skiing. 

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

I love Clouds in Water, and feel very at home there. I also love my house in the Midway neighborhood of St. Paul, where I've lived for over 30 years. I feel at home on Wita Tanka, the big island in Fort Snelling State Park where I hike with a friend almost every week. I also love the Como Park Conservatory, especially on grey and gloomy days. 

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

The Heart of Buddha's Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh.

Anything on your bucket list?

I am already doing the things I love, so nothing jumps out. 

What are you listening to right now?

I'm writing this over the holidays, so I've been listening to "It's Christmas, Man" by Brave Combo.

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

There's a story in the book, "Aging With Grace" by David Snowden, in which a researcher recounts one of the last conversations she had with a nun who had Alzheimer's. The researcher was saying goodbye at the end of her annual visit, and feeling grief that this may be the last time she saw this nun. The sister, probably sensing this, took hold of the researcher's hands, looked into her eyes, and said: "I just want you to know that I love you." Then, after a pause, the nun asked, "Who are you?" It is my goal in life to be like that nun. That even amid any confusion or pain with aging, I could be filled with love for everyone I come into contact with.

Summer or winter?

Winter! But I love summer too. I love all the seasons, and especially that we have all four seasons here in Minnesota (at least for now). If I had to put them in order of preference, it would be Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer.

Tea or coffee?

Decaffeinated Tea. I no longer drink coffee, but I do love the smell of it.

Evening with a book or a night on the town?

I enjoy spending time in the evenings reading, playing Scrabble with my spouse Shokai, and having occasional dinner parties with friends. Since Shokai reviews classical music concerts and theater as part of his job as an arts journalist, I get to tag along with him to some of those as well. 

What or who is nourishing you most right now?

Friends, Family, Sangha. I am so blessed.

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

I'm looking forward to our second annual Sit-a-thon, doing more work on our Systemic Equity goals, leading our retreats (especially those at Ryumonji, Pacem in Terris, and Hokyoji), and Jinzu's shuso ceremony this spring!

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

I have been very inspired by the work of Ujamaa Place, and recently decided to make it a regular recipient of my charitable giving dollars. Ujamaa Place serves young African-American men experiencing inequity at the intersection of race/ethnicity and poverty. They help to ensure stable housing, increased educational attainment, career acquisition and retention, family connection, elimination of contact with the Criminal Justice System system, and healing from emotional and social traumas

Anything else you’d like to add to help us get to know you better?

Shokai and I have recently decided to increase our charitable giving to 10% of our income. Half of those donation dollars will go to Clouds, our favorite charity! This 10% goal has been a dream of mine for a long time. I know people who make a lot less money than I do and have managed to do this, so I'm really excited that it is finally happening. We just finished making a spreadsheet of all the places we're going to support in 2025, and it feels wonderful!