| We all have to deal with stress from either work or | | | | for 15 to 20 minutes. After you have developed a |
| school. You can't close your eyes to make it go away | | | | breathing pattern, you slowly relax the muscles from |
| but you can find peace so you can deal with it. One | | | | your face all the way down to your feet. As it slows |
| technique that can offer this is called Zen meditation. | | | | down and oxygen enters, you should focus on positive |
| Zen meditation is often referred to as the study of the | | | | thoughts and exhale those that are negative. |
| self. It involves sitting in various postures so you are | | | | By concentrating, you are able to unite the body, mind |
| able to bring the mind and body to a peaceful and | | | | and soul so that your mind is aware of only the |
| stable condition. This happens as you focus on images | | | | present and no longer the past or the unforeseeable |
| and thoughts that just pop up as your heart rate slows | | | | future. |
| down until you reach a reflective state of meditation. | | | | Aside from the right posture, you should always wear |
| One of the best seating positions to do this is called | | | | loose clothing. It is not wise to practice this after a |
| the Burmese position. There is also the full lotus, half | | | | heavy meal because a full stomach usually creates |
| lotus, kneeling or "seiza" posture and sitting on a chair. | | | | discomfort which in itself is a distraction. |
| The key here is to keep your back straight so that | | | | If you would like to learn Zen Meditation, you can read |
| your deep breathing will go naturally. This allows more | | | | about it or better yet join a group. Once you get the |
| oxygen to enter that will help cleanse and energize the | | | | hang of things, you can even buy a few accessories |
| body. | | | | to make the experience a fruitful one like incense |
| The buttocks must be thrust out and the chin tucked in. | | | | sticks, a bell or even a ringing bowl to mark the start |
| The hands should be placed close to the body with | | | | and end of a session. |
| the left hand resting on top of the right with palms | | | | Short incense sticks burn for about 45 minutes while |
| open and up. The joint of the middle fingers are resting | | | | the longer ones are double the time. You can even |
| on top of the other with the thumbs slightly touching. | | | | use the kitchen timer since no one will be there to ring |
| Your eyes should be half closed and your head should | | | | the bell to say time is up. |
| be positioned to a 45 degree angle towards the body. | | | | Zen meditation experts recommend that beginners |
| Given that it is not easy to keep the eyes like this the | | | | should try for 10 minutes first until you get used to it |
| whole time, you can try closing them first and then | | | | before you decide to extend this for 20 or 30 minutes. |
| opening them later on. Should you get sleepy, just open | | | | Should your mind wander off, concentrate a little |
| them wide. | | | | harder to focus once again on your breathing so your |
| The challenging part is staying in a stationary position | | | | thoughts will settle down naturally. |