Zen & the Tech World: How Mindfulness Became a CEO Trend

The wellness industry often feels…performative. A carefully curated aesthetic of athleisure, matcha lattes, and expensive sneakers. But a recent meditation class in Venice, California, led by a Zen Buddhist monk who consults with companies like Meta and Salesforce, offered a surprisingly grounded experience. It wasn’t about achieving a perfect state of zen, but about intentionally noticing the small details of everyday life – a practice that felt surprisingly attainable, even for someone like me who typically treats meditation as a sporadic New Year’s resolution.

Toryo Ito, vice abbot of Ryosokuin Temple in Kyoto, a temple with over 600 years of history, is bringing a modern approach to Zen Buddhism to the corporate world. His operate highlights a growing trend: the embrace of mindfulness practices by business and tech leaders, including Marc Benioff, Jack Dorsey, and Palantir CEO Alex Karp, as a means to combat burnout and improve performance. This interest has fueled a surge in the popularity of meditation apps, which have collectively raised hundreds of millions in funding.

Beyond “Thinking About Nothing”

The class, held at the Venice studio of mindfulness startup Open and organized in partnership with skincare brand Tatcha, was a study in contrasts. While attendees – many Tatcha fans – documented the experience with photos and social media posts, Ito sat calmly, seemingly unaffected by the surrounding activity. This initial observation quickly revealed a fundamental misunderstanding I had about meditation: it’s not about emptying your mind, but about paying attention.

Ito explained that Zen emphasizes two core concepts: mindfulness and expanding the boundary of the self. He stressed that there’s no “perfect” meditative state, and that the practice can be integrated into daily life through small moments of intentional awareness. He encouraged us to notice the sensations around us – the sounds, smells, and physical feelings – and to disrupt the autopilot of our daily routines. He even suggested practicing mindfulness during simple activities like drinking coffee, truly savoring the taste instead of mindlessly consuming it.

This approach resonated with me. I’d always assumed meditation required a significant time commitment and a specific environment. Ito’s emphasis on small, intentional moments made it feel far more accessible. He shared that he himself had spent the morning walking through Venice Beach, simply noticing the sensations of walking and being present in the environment.

The Practice of Noticing

The class itself consisted of three 10-minute meditation sessions. The first focused on auditory and olfactory awareness – noticing the chime, the birdsong from a nature soundtrack, and the scent of incense. The second involved focusing on physical sensations, like the feeling of lifting and holding our arms. The third session prompted us to explore associations related to self-love – what color, what drink, came to mind?

Ito’s guidance was subtle but effective. He didn’t offer prescriptive instructions, but rather encouraged us to observe our own experiences without judgment. He explained that he prefers “dynamic meditation,” like walking, where you can actively feel your connection to the physical world. As he put it, “Intentionally disrupt that autopilot.”

What struck me most was the shift in the room after the class ended. The initial energy of documentation and self-presentation had dissipated, replaced by a quiet stillness. Attendees shared their experiences, describing feelings of peace and calm. It wasn’t a dramatic transformation, but a subtle shift in perspective.

Mindfulness Beyond the Studio

I left the class not as a perfect meditator, but with a renewed appreciation for the moments of mindfulness I already experience. The walk where I notice the scent of jasmine. The quiet moments spent observing a campfire. These weren’t “failed” attempts at formal meditation, but rather instances of being present and engaged with my surroundings.

Ito’s teachings helped me reframe my understanding of meditation, moving away from the idea of achieving a specific state of mind and towards the practice of simply noticing. This shift has made it easier to prioritize and appreciate these small moments of awareness, integrating mindfulness into my daily life without the pressure of rigid adherence to a formal practice.

The idea of finding mindfulness in the mundane – in the taste of coffee, the feel of the sun on your skin – might seem simplistic. But it’s a powerful reminder that presence isn’t something to be achieved, but something to be cultivated, one intentional moment at a time. And perhaps, that’s a lesson worth savoring, even without a perfectly curated athleisure set and an iced matcha latte.

Looking Ahead: Integrating Mindfulness

Ito’s work suggests a growing recognition of the value of mindfulness in navigating the demands of modern life. The continued exploration of these practices, both within corporate settings and in individual lives, will likely involve further research into the neurological and psychological benefits of mindfulness, as well as the development of accessible tools and resources for integrating these practices into daily routines. The challenge will be to move beyond the performative aspects of wellness and cultivate a genuine sense of presence and awareness.