The Practice That Cuts Through the Noise
In a fast, complex world, there is a simpler option than you think...
Teach yourself. Just stare at the damn wall. Seriously.
Read the Introduction to the Book!
Rooted in inclusion.
No exotic lingo.
No dogma.
No bullshit.
No woo.
When You Feel Like Your Life is Spinning Out of Control
What can you do?
Your thoughts race constantly - exhausting mental chatter that never shuts off, leaving you drained
Nothing you've tried actually sticks - apps feel shallow, books gather dust, retreats fade fast
You're starting to think you're broken - maybe you're just not cut out for this world
The overwhelm is getting worse - stress piles up while you feel increasingly out of control
You need something that actually works - something simple you can do at home that builds real stability and confidence
Hey there, I'm Mark
I help people of all faiths and backgrounds who are feeling lost, overwhelmed, or stuck to find balance without nonsense or empty promises. My no-nonsense approach may be unique, but I'm a lay-entrusted practitioner in the Soto Zen Buddhist lineage.
You already know what you need to do; eat right, exercise, worry less, be present. But knowing and doing are two different things, especially when your mind feels like it's spinning out of control.
Through a simple, cut-and-dry meditation practice (as expressed by a former Marine who hit rock bottom and found his way out), I show you how five minutes of focused silence can help you begin to find balance. When everything else feels like it's falling apart, there is a natural way.
* Although I give all credit to them, I do not claim to represent Buddhism, my Soto Zen lineage or my teacher. I am not a licensed mental health provider. I just give back in return for all those who helped me.
Stop Chasing the Next Solution
Everything
you need
is already here,
if you sit still long enough to realize it
For Individuals
Help getting a meditation practice started
One-on-One meditations (in person or online)
Mentorships for those who develop a sustained practice
Cut to the chase - Get on the book waiting list. Teach yourself at home.
For Organizations
Senior communities
Prisons/Residential treatment programs
Schools
Sports teams
Wayne Doty
Death Row, #375690
Through my "harmony brother" Shinji Mark Blacknell, I've learned a lot about meditation which I strongly encourage all incarcerated or free individuals to try. Give it a fair chance because no matter where you're at it'll help, trust me, but you have to sincerely apply it in your daily life with devotion. This means developing a meditation practice and doing it every day. This is coming from a man who has been incarcerated most of his life and now sits on death row. Even as a child, I was institutionalized....
Vance E. Doescher
LTC U.S. Army. Ret.
Mark came into our Vero Beach, Florida Buddhist group about five years ago and became an immediate source of knowledge and wisdom. Over time I became aware of his many activities in the community which always involve selfless acts to help those in need. Mark is a living example of the bhodisattvha path that holds that our reason for being is to serve all sentient beings for as long as we exist.
Christine Ramos
Resident Lifestyle Director
Assisted Living & Memory Care
I have known Mark Blacknell for almost a year and a half. However, it feels like much longer. Mark came into my place of work looking to help. Little did we both know the impact it would have in our lives, as well as the residents he has bonded with. I have the utmost respect for Mark and how he has lived his life. Knowing where he has come from to where he is now internally as a person is remarkable. Mark’s calm demeanor and his ability to make others happy and feel confident, comfortable and at peace is not often found in humans. His profound love of nature and the way he views life is admirable.
Jimi Welsh
Mark volunteers at the Assisted Living facility I live at. I suffer from the early stages of memory loss. I am a retired fire fighter. Mark worked with me for about nine months to figure out ways to teach me how to play guitar again. Now we play music sets together for the residents. It really makes life more fun and fulfilling. Mark also meditates with me and its really helpful. It helps my mood and focus. He's a friend, brother and even though he's a young man, a mentor.
Nina Ross
Asst. Environmental Specialist
Palm Bay Florida
I feel incredibly grateful to have Mark as my Zen meditation guide. From the very beginning, he’s offered more than just instruction, he’s given me steady, compassionate guidance that has become a cornerstone in my life. What stands out most is how deeply he seems to care about my progress. It’s not just about teaching techniques or sitting quietly; he truly sees me, encourages me, and meets me wherever I am. That kind of support is rare, and it’s something I
never take for granted. I always feel like I can reach out to him, whether I’m struggling with a question, feeling stuck, or just needing to talk things through, and he shows up with patience, presence, and kindness every time.
Jeffrey George
Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist
Zen Practitioner, Clearwater Zen Center
Authentic, straightforward and simple, no fancy words or complex sutras-just down- home Zen cooking. ‘Just Stare at the Damn Wall’ is a memoir about meditation
practice from someone with real life experience. Mark’s been to war, literally, and then returned to face his real adversary, endlessly intrusive thoughts, on the mat. His
triumph is evident in his freedom from ideas. Kudos for a true warrior. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Individuals
Personalized support for anyone interested in developing or sustaining a meditation practice. May help overall wellbeing, focus, and support a stable life.
Senior Communities
Regular sessions focusing on memory enhancement and emotional coping. Can help seniors navigate pain and change.
Prisons /
Residential treatment
Restorative practices that foster accountability, emotional regulation, and inner peace. Helps reduce conflict and supports long-term rehabilitation.
Schools
Simple tools to boost focus, reduce stress, and build emotional resilience in both students and staff. Supports a more grounded, connected learning environment.
The Practice Speaks For Itself
How A Meditation Routine May Help You
Immediate (Today & Tomorrow)
Reduced reactivity - stop and notice the space between trigger and response
Increased resilience - balanced position to handle chaos and stress
Clearer thinking - observe mental clutter, and how you actually feel
Long Term Transformation
True stability - that doesn't depend on external circumstances
Focus and attention - without constant struggle and judgment
Natural wisdom and patience - that may arise when you stop looking for answers outside of yourself
Support my Work
