Samu (作務) is the work period of the day in a Zen monastery, such as Korinji Rinzai Zen Monastery, pictured on the left, at which Shakutake trains seasonally in silent retreat as a formal student. During this block of the day, residents and trainees use their bodies, effort and labor as a vehicle for cultivating samadhi and understanding their true nature, among other things. One might clear trails, chop firewood, plant an orchard, clear a storage shed, weed the driveway, clean the monastery, or engage in another task that needs doing around the grounds. This is seen as a vital opportunity to pour back into the land and structures that support practice, as well as a unique meditative training exercise. As someone with OCD, I have had to navigate structure and discipline intentionally in my practice. It is easy to work for hours without having been present for more than a few moments. During samu, I am invited into embodiment and presence while exploring my physical limitations and ability, expression and efficiency in movement, and creative caretaking.