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Wandering Close to Home: A Year of Zen Reflections, Consolations, and Reveries
An extraordinary collection of essays and reflections that will inspire you to live more fully, from Zen master and life coach David Rynick.
In these brief and deeply perceived musings, Rynick celebrates both the triumphs and the misfortunes of everyday life and teaches us how to value them all. His lyrical reflections on the miraculous and the ordinary, the practical and the poignant, help us to see the subtle patterns of the world we inhabit. Rynick’s gentle insights will inspire you to appreciate the wisdom of your life and your path in remarkable new ways.
In these brief and deeply perceived musings, Rynick celebrates both the triumphs and the misfortunes of everyday life and teaches us how to value them all. His lyrical reflections on the miraculous and the ordinary, the practical and the poignant, help us to see the subtle patterns of the world we inhabit. Rynick’s gentle insights will inspire you to appreciate the wisdom of your life and your path in remarkable new ways.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 24, 2025
Just the right amount of gentle wisdom and reflection that I needed. David is a Zen teacher as well as a certified life coach, plus relevant to this book, a joyous grandparent.
This book is based on daily writings that range from gardening, grandparenting during the pandemic,, poetry, Zen practice, and simple daily wisdom from a life well-lived.
This book is based on daily writings that range from gardening, grandparenting during the pandemic,, poetry, Zen practice, and simple daily wisdom from a life well-lived.
September 10, 2024
While sticking close to home, David Rynick’s gently incisive talks range so far afield that it’s impossible to survey the terrain they cover in a handful of words. This is not a book that you will be unable to put down: in fact, it is a book you will HAVE to put down in order to appreciate its particular virtue, the way it investigates the everyday details of a life and penetrates to the heart of the matter: the experience of being human in an ever-changing and sometimes bewildering world.
Arrayed in the form of brief reflections punctuating a pandemic year, this is actually a report from the front lines of everyday living by a Zen teacher who walks the talk, who understands that there is no overarching goal, no terminus for the train to pull into, no rest save in motion—and in the realization of the moment that is hiding in plain sight, if we will only bring awareness to it.
Although a friend describes the author as a relentless positivist, DR does not shrink from the dark side of the human predicament, but rather leads us straight to the places that most challenge our ability to stay positive, if we do not simply look away or seek refuge in some form of distraction or intoxication. Thus in reading these brief and buoyant reflections, we come face to face with suffering, with grief, with burnout, with the losses of aging, with the intractable nature of things (which makes for a lovely prose poem in one particularly light-hearted entry).
The Zen teaching of facing everything, excluding nothing, not knowing, shines through the straight-forward, lucid prose. And this Zen teacher has the wisdom to know when he has hit the wall—and to know what to do about it: namely, nothing. The compassionate nature of Zen is fully expressed in DR’s reflections: no need to try to pull myself up by my bootstraps, to insist on self-perfecting, to be right all of the time. These are not teachings for saints, or sinners either, for that matter. Instead, they delineate a middle way, a quietly passionate and persistent aspiration to meet whatever arises, a confidence in human wisdom informed by practice in an ancient tradition.
Though wandering, David is never astray; for him, as for Dogen, every step I take as a human being is truly my home.
Arrayed in the form of brief reflections punctuating a pandemic year, this is actually a report from the front lines of everyday living by a Zen teacher who walks the talk, who understands that there is no overarching goal, no terminus for the train to pull into, no rest save in motion—and in the realization of the moment that is hiding in plain sight, if we will only bring awareness to it.
Although a friend describes the author as a relentless positivist, DR does not shrink from the dark side of the human predicament, but rather leads us straight to the places that most challenge our ability to stay positive, if we do not simply look away or seek refuge in some form of distraction or intoxication. Thus in reading these brief and buoyant reflections, we come face to face with suffering, with grief, with burnout, with the losses of aging, with the intractable nature of things (which makes for a lovely prose poem in one particularly light-hearted entry).
The Zen teaching of facing everything, excluding nothing, not knowing, shines through the straight-forward, lucid prose. And this Zen teacher has the wisdom to know when he has hit the wall—and to know what to do about it: namely, nothing. The compassionate nature of Zen is fully expressed in DR’s reflections: no need to try to pull myself up by my bootstraps, to insist on self-perfecting, to be right all of the time. These are not teachings for saints, or sinners either, for that matter. Instead, they delineate a middle way, a quietly passionate and persistent aspiration to meet whatever arises, a confidence in human wisdom informed by practice in an ancient tradition.
Though wandering, David is never astray; for him, as for Dogen, every step I take as a human being is truly my home.
September 4, 2024
Book Review
David Dae An Rynick, Wandering Close to Home: A Year of Zen Reflections, Consolations, and Reveries
By Barry Walsh
Early in my Zen training David Roshi said something important as part of a Dharma talk. He referred to Zen koans as “teaching stories. His book “Wandering Close to Home: A Year of Zen Reflections, Consolations, and Reveries” are “teaching stories” of a different but related type. Each of the 104 chapters is a teaching story presented in diary-like form with a length of 2 to 4 pages. I enjoy conciseness and parsimony because of the accessibility.
Here are some of my favorite insights from this book:
Excerpt 30: A dialogue between friends: “Will everything be okay?” Answer: “Short-term or long-term?” In the short term most things work out, but long-term there is “sickness, old age and death.”
Excerpt 35: “When we can find the courage and support to stay right where we are – opening our hearts and minds to that which is already here - then the present moment blossoms and transforms.”
Excerpt 54: “Very slowly over the decades, I have come to realize that my original vision of oneness and presence was actually true but … that the point of life is not about achieving … wondrous states of mind, but about living ever more deeply into the truth and love that already surrounds us.”
Excerpt 63: “The great ninth-century Chinese Zen teacher put it this way: Do nothing!
And my favorite also from Excerpt 63: “We often think about “growing up” but like the trees we also have to “grow down,” – to send our roots deep into the dark soil of life.”
Much of this wise book is about growing including the growth of seedlings, plants, trees, grandchildren, grandparents, and Zen practice. A deep bow of thanks to David Roshi.
David Dae An Rynick, Wandering Close to Home: A Year of Zen Reflections, Consolations, and Reveries
By Barry Walsh
Early in my Zen training David Roshi said something important as part of a Dharma talk. He referred to Zen koans as “teaching stories. His book “Wandering Close to Home: A Year of Zen Reflections, Consolations, and Reveries” are “teaching stories” of a different but related type. Each of the 104 chapters is a teaching story presented in diary-like form with a length of 2 to 4 pages. I enjoy conciseness and parsimony because of the accessibility.
Here are some of my favorite insights from this book:
Excerpt 30: A dialogue between friends: “Will everything be okay?” Answer: “Short-term or long-term?” In the short term most things work out, but long-term there is “sickness, old age and death.”
Excerpt 35: “When we can find the courage and support to stay right where we are – opening our hearts and minds to that which is already here - then the present moment blossoms and transforms.”
Excerpt 54: “Very slowly over the decades, I have come to realize that my original vision of oneness and presence was actually true but … that the point of life is not about achieving … wondrous states of mind, but about living ever more deeply into the truth and love that already surrounds us.”
Excerpt 63: “The great ninth-century Chinese Zen teacher put it this way: Do nothing!
And my favorite also from Excerpt 63: “We often think about “growing up” but like the trees we also have to “grow down,” – to send our roots deep into the dark soil of life.”
Much of this wise book is about growing including the growth of seedlings, plants, trees, grandchildren, grandparents, and Zen practice. A deep bow of thanks to David Roshi.
September 24, 2024
Wandering" is a fitting title for this book, as it mirrors David Rynick's unique approach. Rather than a linear narrative, Rynick invites readers to meander through his intimate, human, and personal stories. As a Buddhist Zen Master and practitioner, he uses his garden metaphorically for life's changes. His willingness to share his most personal experiences serves as a reminder that, regardless of our titles, we all share the same curiosity, vulnerability, and questioning nature in this complex world.
My review could be biased because I know David from joining many of his dharma talks and find his musings captivating. What I appreciated most about this book is that he does not proselytize or promote - he references Buddhism, God, and atheism with delicacy and humility, never pushing one belief over another. This book is a journey of daily musings. He rises early, grabs his coffee, and writes from his porch with no particular agenda. This nondetermined agenda is evident, and some of his musings are ramblings, and some are so insightful they will make you stop and wander through your thoughts and where you are now.
Reading this book brought me back to the beauty of silence. I awoke one morning, and instead of getting up and rushing about, I lay in bed and listened, genuinely listening to the world outside. I hadn't heard seagulls so early. There are hidden gems in this book, which I will return to, and it constantly reminds me of the impermanence of everything and the need just to be "here." This is a book I will always come back to, like coming back to ones self.
David is a unique individual with humility and grace; this book is a testament to these characteristics.
My review could be biased because I know David from joining many of his dharma talks and find his musings captivating. What I appreciated most about this book is that he does not proselytize or promote - he references Buddhism, God, and atheism with delicacy and humility, never pushing one belief over another. This book is a journey of daily musings. He rises early, grabs his coffee, and writes from his porch with no particular agenda. This nondetermined agenda is evident, and some of his musings are ramblings, and some are so insightful they will make you stop and wander through your thoughts and where you are now.
Reading this book brought me back to the beauty of silence. I awoke one morning, and instead of getting up and rushing about, I lay in bed and listened, genuinely listening to the world outside. I hadn't heard seagulls so early. There are hidden gems in this book, which I will return to, and it constantly reminds me of the impermanence of everything and the need just to be "here." This is a book I will always come back to, like coming back to ones self.
David is a unique individual with humility and grace; this book is a testament to these characteristics.
September 5, 2024
Wandering Close to Home” is honest, wise, down-to-earth and organic spirituality that is for anyone interested in living life as an embrace of all things (great and small). It reads as if strolling through the temple garden with David – with a natural ease – and being captivated along with him through his skill for directing attention, imagination and intrigue to what really matters.
I particularly love all the interactions with his young grandson, their conversations and play together - the puddle stomping at the side of the road, the flower-smelling-without-picking discipline, making dandelion soup and many others.
Infused with David’s enthusiasm, wisdom, humility and humor, it is a delight to wander close to home, see through his eyes, his heart, discover and embrace all that is here, including all that we wish was not here like (metaphorically speaking) the invasive plants, the broken pump, the shy, uncomfortable or seemingly insignificant things.
“Wandering Close to Home“ is a sharing that has the potential to bring everyone along on this wild ride that is life and live as fully present, connected beings - already here, already blessed, already arrived in the present moment and the boundless, bountiful garden of Life.
I particularly love all the interactions with his young grandson, their conversations and play together - the puddle stomping at the side of the road, the flower-smelling-without-picking discipline, making dandelion soup and many others.
Infused with David’s enthusiasm, wisdom, humility and humor, it is a delight to wander close to home, see through his eyes, his heart, discover and embrace all that is here, including all that we wish was not here like (metaphorically speaking) the invasive plants, the broken pump, the shy, uncomfortable or seemingly insignificant things.
“Wandering Close to Home“ is a sharing that has the potential to bring everyone along on this wild ride that is life and live as fully present, connected beings - already here, already blessed, already arrived in the present moment and the boundless, bountiful garden of Life.
September 6, 2024
David Rynick’s latest book, Wandering Close to Home, take us on an excursion: through a rainy garden, into a boisterously colorful garden, among his sangha, and most notably within his thoughts and insights and self-reflection. The book is comprised of 103 well written short essays in which David shares his observations, reflections on what the days have presented to him. These reflections may be about the simple pleasures, sights, sounds and scents of nature. They may be musings on his own thoughts, longings and self-doubts. And while there is not a single story-line that connects these short chapters they share a view of this world, seen through David’s eyes, that is finely observant, humble and subtle.
I enjoy the book and find it enriching. I plan to take a chapter each morning as a tonic and inspiration, as a corrective to the busy pace and distraction in daily life.
I enjoy the book and find it enriching. I plan to take a chapter each morning as a tonic and inspiration, as a corrective to the busy pace and distraction in daily life.
September 6, 2024
David has captured and stayed true to his voice that emanates love, and care. His book reads like an everyday devotional that you can read once daily wherever you are drawn by title or need. It is accessible to any reader, and the short readings will inspire.
He observes the natural world and shows our human connection to all life, from rain to air, to moon and light. David writes lyrically, questioning, urging us to reconsider, for example, the simple act of breathing. He pushes us to take time to contemplate, to ponder, to wonder.
What if It’s True? Slow down and slow down, then slow down some more. Now, take a breath and look around. Forget everything you’ve been told and you will find yourself where you have always been: at the center of it all.
Yes, slow down, get a cup of tea, and be inspired to breathe, take note, and rejoice.
He observes the natural world and shows our human connection to all life, from rain to air, to moon and light. David writes lyrically, questioning, urging us to reconsider, for example, the simple act of breathing. He pushes us to take time to contemplate, to ponder, to wonder.
What if It’s True? Slow down and slow down, then slow down some more. Now, take a breath and look around. Forget everything you’ve been told and you will find yourself where you have always been: at the center of it all.
Yes, slow down, get a cup of tea, and be inspired to breathe, take note, and rejoice.
September 5, 2024
This book succinctly describes the spiritual and artistic life as reconnecting with our own process of creativity. In a refreshing way, he points out an ordinary yet wonderful way of being ourselves in everyday life. On page 54, Rynick brings his lifetime’s commitment of practice into a relatable framework that I for one found easy to resonate with, minus a couple of decades:
“Over many decades, I have learned that what I long for is always available but often requires that I move out of the world of my opinion and thought to engage more fully in the constantly self-renewing world of life itself. This full participation allows for the arising of actions and words and ways of being that are fresh and unexpected. We can call this creativity.”
“Over many decades, I have learned that what I long for is always available but often requires that I move out of the world of my opinion and thought to engage more fully in the constantly self-renewing world of life itself. This full participation allows for the arising of actions and words and ways of being that are fresh and unexpected. We can call this creativity.”
September 4, 2024
David Rynick tells us, "Fulfillment begins by noticing what brings us alive." Reading through his book brings me alive!
This ongoing invitation to open, to trust, to dare living one's life, is brim with gentleness and humor and oh so much heart! His musings are a song of love - that deep love that allows for being present to whatever arises; the kind of lopve that embraces without judging - and when there is judgment, makes a space for that too.
Thank you, David Rynick, for sharing your mind, your heart, your faith, with such tender wisdom.
Definitely calls me to engage in living and loving more fully!
This ongoing invitation to open, to trust, to dare living one's life, is brim with gentleness and humor and oh so much heart! His musings are a song of love - that deep love that allows for being present to whatever arises; the kind of lopve that embraces without judging - and when there is judgment, makes a space for that too.
Thank you, David Rynick, for sharing your mind, your heart, your faith, with such tender wisdom.
Definitely calls me to engage in living and loving more fully!
September 4, 2024
I love the way David Rynick shares his stories and experiences by bringing them down to the humble human level. We are all just trying to get from one end of the day with a little dignity and some kind of little moral victory that we have done something right somehow. And as I read David's ruminations I feel as if he is holding my hand and giving me a little breath and ease and perspective to make getting through this or that or the other thing just a little bit easier. Reading "Wandering Close to Home" gives me a little break each time that lets me get back to work just a little bit lighter in my heart. I am grateful.
March 26, 2025
Rynick lifts up mirror after mirror, inviting us to see and contemplate how the Zen way, without talking directly about Zen, is the wisdom of everyday. He never intimates one should adopt Zen. He simply speaks from his experience, intimately.
Rynick writes, not as an ordained teacher, which he is, but as a human among humans. It's refreshing to see how one's wisdom path can influence one's life, permeating and enlarging it like subtle, silent yeast. There is much wisdom in the pages of this book.
Rynick writes, not as an ordained teacher, which he is, but as a human among humans. It's refreshing to see how one's wisdom path can influence one's life, permeating and enlarging it like subtle, silent yeast. There is much wisdom in the pages of this book.
September 3, 2024
A wonderful collection of daily reflections filled with candor, wit, and wisdom that are as profound or as light as the reader wishes to wander in and out of. This book was a comforting companion to me, finishing each chapter with a smile and a deep appreciation for the simple enlightenment that the author provoked. David Rynick’s writing style is charming, relatable, and full of gentle humor- perfect for anyone in need of a pleasant refuge.
September 4, 2024
I had to read this online (pre-published); I prefer a book in hand. Beautifully written. I remember receiving these daily meditations during pandemic shutdown. He chose a selection to expand and publish, some poetry. Much about gardening, time with his toddler grandson, interior thoughts and reflections about self, life, spiritual showing up to the world’s love. Lovely revelations of his inner life. An uplifting settling and peaceful read.
September 6, 2024
“ Off all things simplicity is the hardest to imitate” David does a splendid job here in guiding the reader through the wonder of the simple and at the same time extraordinary daily life…During reading the book I noticed a new kind of curiosity towards the garden and what we can learn from it… how lovely the silence of growing things. I recommend this book to everyone who wants to learn the skill of ‘hanging out in the garden’ or ‘do nothing’.
Kristel Vleugels
Kristel Vleugels
September 3, 2024
Find inspiration for your own wanderings by starting each day with this book as your companion. Author David Rynick approaches the joys and sorrows of our human condition with honesty, compassion and humor. Drawn from his deep experience of Zen, these beautifully written reflections remind us of the wonder to be found in every day.
September 8, 2024
Such a readable and beautifully written series of reflections on everything: Zen, life, death, gardening, weather, you name it. I've been sitting down to it every morning with a warm cup of tea in my hand, and reading this book feels like a warm hug from a kind, erudite, funny and very wise mentor.
December 26, 2024
Thoughtful and Beautiful
What a treasure this book is. I read it one or two essays/meditations daily. It has reminded me of all the good things waiting for me every day. Thank-you!
What a treasure this book is. I read it one or two essays/meditations daily. It has reminded me of all the good things waiting for me every day. Thank-you!
September 5, 2024
Wonderful passages about meeting life where it is. The ups, the downs, and the in-betweens. Highly recommend.
September 10, 2024
I appreciate the direct way in which David writes, it is deeply touching. His latest book is a true offering to the heart and mind.
October 21, 2024
HOME
The author shares his heart through his journals & musings that strives to bring him closer to home. Enjoyed this book
The author shares his heart through his journals & musings that strives to bring him closer to home. Enjoyed this book
January 7, 2025
Renewing
This collection of essays captures the everyday nature of our worlds in a way that, upon reflection, renews and refreshes our view. It is a delightful read.
This collection of essays captures the everyday nature of our worlds in a way that, upon reflection, renews and refreshes our view. It is a delightful read.
January 8, 2026
David Rynick’s new book, Wandering Close To Home, is a book that is at once both accessible and profound. Sharing many of his daily experiences during the first year of the COVID pandemic, Rynick’s writing shows us how even in the midst of a wholly new crisis (the pandemic), the range of human emotions and responses to life are recognizable as the same ones we feel, and have felt, since the day we were born.
What this book does for me is remind me that in each moment of our lives, an opportunity exists for us to pay attention to what’s really happening - whether we like it or not. Rynick’s use of common, shared human experiences - gardening, working, volunteering, spending time with loved ones - as his canvas allows us to more easily understand the picture he paints with his beautiful writing.
Wandering Close To Home reminds me somewhat of Everyday Zen by Charlotte Joko Beck. Both Beck and Rynick have the ability to show us how the ordinary can be profound and, in turn, how the profound can be quite ordinary.
Reading Wandering Close To Home was an absolute delight, and Rynick’s words brought me a sort of relief that really, paying attention to the present moment, is all that needs to be done. This book will stay on the shelf near my bed - I anticipate reaching for it again and again whenever I need a reminder that this moment is all we truly have.
What this book does for me is remind me that in each moment of our lives, an opportunity exists for us to pay attention to what’s really happening - whether we like it or not. Rynick’s use of common, shared human experiences - gardening, working, volunteering, spending time with loved ones - as his canvas allows us to more easily understand the picture he paints with his beautiful writing.
Wandering Close To Home reminds me somewhat of Everyday Zen by Charlotte Joko Beck. Both Beck and Rynick have the ability to show us how the ordinary can be profound and, in turn, how the profound can be quite ordinary.
Reading Wandering Close To Home was an absolute delight, and Rynick’s words brought me a sort of relief that really, paying attention to the present moment, is all that needs to be done. This book will stay on the shelf near my bed - I anticipate reaching for it again and again whenever I need a reminder that this moment is all we truly have.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews