Shindo-Fuji: Reclaiming Connection
- Eiten
- Jul 7
- 10 min read
Let’s start with a rhetorical question: Do you ever feel overwhelmed?
Of course you do. We all do. The world relentlessly demands that we are always “on.” Connected and available 24/7. We have even been trained to allow the world into our private lives, documenting our downtime minute-by-minute with Instagram posts and TikTok videos—all in hope of real connection. But authentic connection is what’s missing in much of modern life, and it is perhaps what we need the most.
Shindo fuji, the third and final shōjin ryōri principle, is a way of reintroducing profound connection into our lives. Translated directly, it means “body and earth are not two.” The human body is inseparable from the land on which it exists. By bringing our awareness back to this direct connection between our existence and the planet, we can reclaim our physical and mental well-being, while also making a positive impact on our outer world.
What does this have to do with my to-do list you ask? Read through to the end, and I promise you’ll see the connection. You may disagree (that is what the comment section is for!), but you will at least have a better understanding of my perspective. Which is a form of connection.
Modern Disconnect: More Connected, Less Connection
Contemporary human experience is increasingly defined by a relentless pace and an unprecedented level of connectivit. Technology drives this "always-on" culture, promising—by way of the countless apps that bloat our phones—to help us filter through the noise, be more productive, and stay connected. Yet, they do anything but.
They simply normalize the busyness, affording us the ability and an excuse to believe this is just the way it is in the modern world. Juggling demanding careers, family responsibilities, social obligations, and personal ambitions, with precious little time left for rest, genuine self-care, or meaningful connection, has become the new norm. But is it truly normal?
Despite being more "connected" than ever via the digital platforms on our screens, most people feel more and more isolated and lonely. Modern societal norms often prioritize individualism and productivity over meaningful connection: connection to ourselves and our own well-being; to the people and communities that surround us; and to nature, and the world of which we are inextricably a part.
This wasn’t always the case. And it doesn’t need to be now either. We simply need to make an intentional decision to choose otherwise. It is time to shut down our devices and step outside.
Shindo-fuji: An Ancient Alternative to the Modern Dilemma
In the face of this modern dilemma, shindo-fuji (身土不二), reveals a path forward. Its essence holds the key to a more profound sense of connection and belonging: "the human body and the land of one's birth are inseparable," or more simply, "body and earth are one.” This isn’t simply a flowery, poetic phrase but a foundational principle emphasizing the deep, symbiotic relationship between people and their immediate environs that has been obscured in this day and age.
Shindo-fuji offers an antidote to modern disconnect by advocating for a return to the root source of interconnectedness, and helping us to rediscover our place in the environment, in the universe. It teaches us that true well-being—encompassing physical vitality, mental clarity, and spiritual grounding—is achieved when individuals live in harmony and collaboration with their surroundings. We’re encouraged to recognize the intrinsic link between our health and well-being and that of the land that sustains us. A powerful call to re-embed ourselves within the natural cycles and local ecosystems, directly countering the isolation and environmental strains of modern life.
Embracing the philosophy of shindo-fuji represents a fundamental paradigm shift. The central idea, "body and earth are not two", stands in stark contrast to the anthropocentric worldview that has characterized Western thought, which often positions humanity as separate from and superior to nature. It demands a reorientation from human dominance over nature to human integration within nature. This shift is crucial if we truly want to address the root causes of contemporary problems, rather than merely treating the symptoms. And when considering actionable ways to implement shindō-fuji in our lives.
Why This Matters: A Holistic Imperative
The ancient wisdom of shindo-fuji has profound relevance in the modern world, offering a holistic imperative that addresses moral, ethical, health, and ecological challenges simultaneously. Embracing this philosophy is not merely about adopting new habits and feeling good; it is about fundamentally redefining our relationship with ourselves, our communities, and the planet. And doing good.
Redefining Our Relationship with Nature
At its heart, shindo-fuji challenges the prevailing anthropocentric view that prioritizes human interests above all else. That limited way of seeing the world has often led to nature being perceived as little more than a resource to be exploited for our gain.
By contrast, shindo-fuji aligns with contemporary philosophies like ecocentrism and the burgeoning "Rights of Nature" movement, both of which assert that the natural world possesses intrinsic value, independent of its utility to humanity. This perspective encourages a "total-field" understanding, recognizing that human beings are not separate from nature but are deeply interconnected within its intricate web of life. This shift in moral standing extends our obligations directly to the non-human natural world itself, fostering a sense of responsibility that transcends mere self-interest.
Shindo-fuji offers an antidote to modern disconnect by advocating for a return to the root source of interconnectedness, and helping us to rediscover our place in the environment, in the universe.
Remember ichibutsu zentai? I covered that principle in last week’s post. It dictates that true gratitude for what the Earth provides requires full utilization of the entirety of a resource, without producing any waste. At the very least without doing so intentionally. This extends beyond simply using vegetable scraps in cooking; it encourages a holistic appreciation for all resources, promoting choices like organic farming and fostering a greater awareness and respect for the larger ecological environment. It’s an approach that cultivates a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things.
By embracing local and seasonal food, a direct application of shindō-fuji, transparency and accountability within our food systems is fostered. Consumers gain greater insight into the origins and production methods of their food, often directly interacting with the producers. This direct connection, whether at farmers' markets or through community-supported agriculture (CSAs), helps to rebuild social ties that have been eroded by industrialized food systems. It promotes a sense of shared responsibility and purpose, as well as overall community well-being.
Stress Reduction: Nourishing Body, Mind, and Spirit
Shindo-fuji advocates for a reconnection with nature, serving as a powerful antidote to the stress and anxiety that stems from the disconnection that I have been talking about.
When I was training on Mount Hiei, one of our many daily responsibilities was gathering shikimi leaves to adorn our altars during the performance of certain rituals. Standing amongst the trees on top of this mountain, far above the urban hustle of Kyoto, the sound of wind rustling the leaves replaced the endless cacophony of sound that punctuates city life.
There are many lessons that I am still unpacking from my training. But the lesson learned amongst the trees—the transformative effect of stepping outside, both literally and figuratively—hit me soon after coming back to the “real” world. Not only were there physical benefits to being in such a natural environment, breathing in the clean mountain air, and working with my whole body seemingly non-stop. The mental benefits were undeniable.
When I was getting ready to leave for Japan, and put life on pause for two and a half months, to say I had concerns would be an understatement. One of the many pieces of paper that I was required to sign as part of the application process was an agreement to hand over my phone and any other means of communication upon arrival at the temple. The gravity hit when I was actually asked to hand it over. Actually, I was so overwhelmed upon arrival that I failed to do so at the designated time. The next day I had to make my way down the creaking stairs and traverse the long, dark hallway leading to the Sensei’s office to explain myself, hoping I wasn’t told to leave immediately.
I wasn’t told to leave. What I was told was to hand over the phone, be more mindful moving forward, and get back to my chores. Happily I did just that. So did my monkey mind. No sooner had one worry passed, my mind was quick to grab onto the next one. My house, my wife, my dogs, my team at the restaurant … what if something happened? My phone was gone now. What if???
The lesson I learned was that the answer to what if is nothing. Nothing happens. Most of what we think is urgent isn’t at all. What is, isn’t as urgent as we think. The stress is self-imposed. Most situations aren’t life or death, but we often give that sort of weight to them. At the end of the day, my to-do list was still there, but it was shorter. Because upon returning I was able to apply the deeper lesson of discerning between what is truly important and what isn’t. I was quick to strike what wasn’t from my list, and have ever since.
What is always on my list now is taking the time to get outside, move my body, take in the beauty of the world around me, and be grateful for the opportunity to do so.
By making small, intentional decisions in our lives about what we consume and thereby manage the resulting waste, we are able to make a positive impact that extends to our community and the environment, fostering the deeper connection that we seek.
Stewardship of the Planet
Embracing shindo-fuji also benefits the environment. The average food item travels over 1,500 miles before reaching our plates, a journey that necessitates burning significant fossil fuels and contributing to environmental pollution. By choosing seasonal and local food, we can significantly reduce these "food miles" and their associated carbon footprint, promoting a lighter ecological impact on the planet.
The practice of shindo-fuji encourages mindful consumption, serving as a direct counter to the pervasive hyper-consumerism that drives environmental degradation and further contributes to stress and anxiety levels. It encourages us to consciously choose quality over quantity, embrace reusable items, and be thoughtful about every purchase, rather than succumbing to impulse buying or mindlessly trying to keep up with the Joneses.
Three Low-Barrier Ways to Embrace Shindo-fuji
Integrating the profound wisdom of shindo-fuji doesn't require drastic overhauls. No disruptive life changes necessary. Just taking small, consistent steps can lead to significant shifts in well-being and environmental impact. Here are three low-barrier ways to begin your journey back to harmony:
Eat & Shop Locally
This is perhaps the most direct and delicious way to embody shindo-fuji. By prioritizing foods that are in season and grown close to home, individuals connect directly with the rhythms of their region. Seek out farmers’ markets in the community, consider joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, or even start a small herb garden on a windowsill or balcony. Maybe there is even a community garden to volunteer at in your area. Seasonal produce, ripened naturally, and harvested at just the right time (shun) is not only fresher and tastier but also boasts higher nutrient content, providing the vitamins and minerals that the body needs. Eating locally also reduces food miles, lessening the carbon footprint associated with food production and distribution, and directly supports the local economy and farming communities. Beyond that it encourages dietary variation and helps align the body with nature's cycles, providing the specific nourishment needed for each season. Just as nature intended.
Reconnect with Nature, Daily
Do what I did. Put it on your to-do list. Nothing stressful about having to check this off. Regardless of where you live, even if you live in a major urban environment like I do, there are a myriad of ways to connect with the natural world.
Incorporate "green micro-breaks" into your daily routine. This could be as simple as taking five minutes to stand outside and feel the sun on your skin, or removing your shoes to feel the grass beneath your feet. When the weather is uncooperative, don’t let that stop you: gazing out of a window at a tree or a patch of sky offers a quick nature fix. To ensure that I keep myself grounded and connected I leave my windows open and let the breeze tether me to my environment. If it is raining even better. I can shut off the Sounds of Nature channel on YouTube and tune into the real thing.
If you have a bit more time, try taking a 25-minute stroll to a local park, eating lunch outdoors, or taking a phone call while walking through a green space can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels, improve mood, and enhance concentration and creativity. These regular interactions with nature provide a mental reset, reduce sensory overload, and contribute to overall physical activity, fostering a sense of calm and peace.
Practice Mindful Consumption & Reduce Waste
Embrace the ichibutsu zentai principle and make every effort to use the whole thing, and waste nothing in daily life. Whatever the thing is. This means adopting a mindset of true gratitude that extends to all resources, intentionally making an effort to produce minimal waste.
In the kitchen, this could be using vegetable scraps for broths or composting food waste. Beyond food, it involves making conscious purchasing decisions: paying a bit more for things that are produced ethically and sustainably, opting for reusable items over disposables like bringing your own cup to the local coffee shop, and repairing items instead of immediately replacing them.
Efforts such as these reduce environmental impact and increase our sense of purpose and fulfillment. By making small, intentional decisions in our lives about what we consume and thereby manage the resulting waste, we are able to make a positive impact that extends to our community and the environment, fostering the deeper connection that we seek.
Your Journey Back to Balance: A Call to Connection
The wisdom of shindo-fuji offers a powerful and timely framework for navigating the complexities of our modern lives. It reminds us that our personal well-being is not separate from, but interconnected with, the health and vitality of the Earth. By embracing the principle that “body and earth are not two,” we can unlock profound benefits for our mental, physical, and spiritual health, while simultaneously contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for all. This ancient wisdom invites us to return to a life of harmony and balance, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and purpose in an often-disconnected world.
What small step will you take today to deepen your connection with your local environment and embrace the spirit of shindo-fuji?
Share your ideas and experiences in the comments below – let's inspire each other on this journey as we look for more and more ways to implement Sustainable Change, Rooted in Wisdom.