Sit for Something: A 24-Hour Sit-A-Thon

This is 
Shinkū Michael Dotson's Sit-a-thon page: Sit for Something.

Just as runners gather for a marathon or walk for a cause, we are inviting practitioners and supporters to sit for a cause. Through meditation, we embody the values we want to see in the world—compassion, steadiness, and presence.

And through community support, we sustain a spiritual home where people can practice together

Our goal is $50,000. Thanks to generous donors, we have a dollar for dollar match for every dollar raised during the Sit-a-thon that will go towards paying down our mortgage.

Why I Sit

I sit to cultivate and stay open to a connection with:

>>>> The Spirit of Life >>>> The energy of the Universe >>>> Wisdom beyond thought and emotion >>>>  Tao  >>>> The Buddha nature of all things

I sit to be centered, and try for equanimity,  while being part of the tempest and cascade of living.

I sit to be mindful of the moment, here and now…. I sit to see and hear clearly, including the things that I find unsettling… I sit to  open to the energies of the beings and things around me… I sit to connect with people, needing to work  through my self protections… I sit to be aware of my karma and the karma that surrounds me, the causes and conditions that brought the current moment forward, and to be aware of the seeds of possibilities also present… I sit to respond to the moment fittingly, with what wisdom, skills, experience and imagination that I may have… 

I sit to be a light and presence that brings understanding and compassion, intention, challenge and support☯️

I sit to find my way ☯️

My goal is to  sit and walk meditation  for ten hours,  to raise $2000.00‼️… Will you help me❓❓

Thank you 🙏🏾… Walk in beauty ☯️☮

This Sit-a-thon is both a spiritual practice and a collective act of generosity.

Our Goal

Together, we are raising $50,000 to support the programs and operations of Clouds in Water Zen Center.

Your donation helps sustain:

• Meditation instruction and Dharma teachings

• Community practice opportunities

• Interfaith and community partnerships

• A welcoming refuge for spiritual practice in our city

• The next generation of practitioners and teachers

Every gift helps keep the doors open for anyone seeking stillness, wisdom, and belonging.

A Simple Practice, A Powerful Impact

In a noisy world, sitting still can be a radical act.

Each breath.
Each moment of awareness.
Each act of generosity.

Together they create something powerful.

Sit for Something.

Donate today and support a community dedicated to mindfulness, compassion, and awakening.

About Clouds in Water
Clouds in Water Zen Center is a vibrant urban community in the Soto Zen Buddhist tradition dedicated to awakening the heart of great wisdom and compassion. Located in the Frogtown neighborhood of Saint Paul, we welcome people of all backgrounds and faiths. As a non-profit organization, we operate primarily on donations and no one is turned away for lack of funds for any of our classes, retreats, or events.

Why Support Our Work?
While the Twin Cities has several Zen Buddhist communities, Clouds in Water Zen Center is unique in advancing a broad social justice and racial justice agenda informed and supported by Zen philosophy and frameworks.

Clouds is passionate about creating and maintaining a thriving sangha that celebrates diversity and inclusion. From our services and classes throughout the week to our LGBTQ support, BIPOC sitting group, Racial Awareness Groups, Friday Night Zen, 12-Step Mindfulness Group, Youth & Family Program, and more. 

About Me and Why I'm Supporting Clouds in Water  

I have been a reader of Tao for 35 years. A practicing Unitarian Universalist for that time as well, and facilitated a BIPOC Circle there for ten years.  

I came to Clouds in Water in  June of 2020, and sat with the BIPOC Sitting group for five months before becoming one of the facilitators of that group. I am a member of the Ethics and Reconciliation Committee at Clouds and the Jisha Coordinator. With five other dharma siblings, I completed a year's period of preparation for Jukai in October of 2024.

I am supporting Clouds because of the the different cultures that I find present there, and the practice of acceptance, study, compassion,  and wisdom  that Clouds is dedicated to.

You can learn more about our work on our website - and feel free to email me with any questions you have.

🙏🏾May you be happy, healthy, safe, and at ease in 2026 and beyond!

Walk in beauty ☯️ ... 

Shinkū Michael