# Expression of inner nature In zen philosophy, there is a concept around preparation versus existence, where the object of doing something isn't for any purpose, but for the expression of self. In the doing there is another opportunity to express. When cooking food, for example, the goal isn't to prepare for the week ahead, but for a chance at expressing self. Paired with the idea that if one sits (meditates) for long enough with no expectations, eventually the true self will continue expressing itself. I take this to mean once we allow everything that isn't us to fade away (turning off the screen, music, game, etc), we can actually continue to be ourselves without external influence. All of this clicked for me in understanding life a lot better. The point isn't to always be occupied with one thing or another in preparation for some future goal. The point is to exist right now THROUGH the one thing or another we choose to do. **The check on whether the framework is being applied:** - Am i doing something mindlessly, just going through the motions? - Am i allowing myself to be expressed?