Zazen, which I personally really like, is all about "practice" -- like practicing and instrument. So in a sense you're improving something. But where zen gets s

Zazen, which I personally really like, is all about "practice" -- like practicing and instrument. So in a sense you're improving something. But where zen gets somewhat hard to write down on paper is this idea that you're trying to walk this middle line of trying but not trying. Kind of like walking with a cup of hot coffee -- don't spill it, but don't concentrate on not spilling it because you'll spill it :) Put in software terms, the improvements that come with meditation are "side effects" -- you're really just doing it to continually make your practice better. In that way it affects the rest of your life as you become more mindful of any activity you engage in. I recommend the book Zen Mind Beginner's mind -- it does a great job communicating this concept of balance.