In 1999, my reality crumbled. My father died, my marriage ended, and my photo equipment was stolen. It was a harsh wakeup call; I was 34 years old and I was lost. Serendipitously, a few months later, I met Zen Master Moriyama Roshi and dove into Zen meditation. I became his personal assistant and translator, spending months in monasteries and hours sitting in front of a wall looking at my self. It was hell, like spinning inside a washing machine on the highest cycle, but a much-needed cleansing. Breath by breath, I learned the art of stillness and rediscovered my center. I was inspired to photograph again, this time with more focus and a clearer intention. I realized I had something to say and something to share about the contemplative life I was experiencing. With a borrowed Nikon, my first long-term project – “The Life of a Zen Master” – took shape, a 3-year photographic and spiritual journey that changed my life forever . #zen #thelandwetreadupon #moriyamaroshi #uruguay #selfjourney