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