As a living being, what is the most basic state you can be in? A state requiring no effort on your part whatsoever and of which all human beings are capable, but which most of us rarely engage in except if forced? The answer: existing; simply being.

Just follow Master Suzuki's simple advice: leave the glass on the table and come back in ten minutes. Or a half hour. Or an hour. The glass of water may not be crystal clear; not yet. But gradually, after some span of regular practice, it will be less and less cloudy.

What does it truly mean to 'be yourself' or to 'be authentic'? The nature of the ‘authenticity’ mental health professionals strive to cultivate in their patients is the same kind those independently seeking such authenticity through yoga, zen, or self-help practices strive for in their own lives. This brand of authenticity is much harder to quantify and study.