2026 Sit-a-thon

Sitting for Each Other

We recently lived through something many of us never imagined would happen in the United States again: neighbors taken from their homes by masked individuals acting under government direction, families separated, communities under seige. In these days, something else happened too—something very human. We showed up for each other.

At Clouds in Water Zen Center, we opened our doors so our Sangha could gather, breathe, and find refuge. We sat together in fear, in grief, in courage, and in deep commitment to protecting one another and practicing together. Our members were among those who showed up in neighborhoods, at the airport, in the streets, and in mutual aid spaces at great personal risk to keep people safe.

As board members, Yūho and I recently held listening sessions with our Sangha. We heard gratitude for our teachers and a deep appreciation for the diversity of their voices. Many people also appreciate our connection to Isaiah—where people of many faiths work together to address the root causes of suffering in our state. People were especially eager to talk about our Sangha as a whole. We also heard a shared concern: the financial stability of our center. People want us to be able to pay our staff well, hire more support as we grow, and build a strong foundation for the future.

That’s why I’m participating in this year’s Sit‑a‑thon. My personal goal is $2,500, and thanks to a generous donor, every dollar you give will be matched 1:1 up to $50,000. This is my first time "sitting" for a fundraiser, and another generous donor will match the first $500 donated.

Your gift—no matter the size—directly supports the place where we gather, practice, care, and learn to meet the world with clarity and compassion. It supports the teachers and staff who guide us. It strengthens the community that showed up for each other when we needed it most.

If Clouds in Water has been a refuge for you…and or If you believe in the power of spiritual community… If you want to help build a more compassionate world…

Please consider donating to my Sit‑a‑thon page. I will sit 6 hours so that we can continue to build a strong foundation for "each other." I hope you’ll join me.