Wellness Zen meditation

Doing nothing can be very effective! You notice that when you practice Zen meditation. Stress disappears and the mind becomes clear and empty. A completely new feeling — it's worth trying it out.

Holmes Places is dedicated to helping you get the best out of yourself. Our premium fitness clubs offer more than 75 different courses. One of the focal areas is the “Body & Mind” area with a wide variety of relaxation and movement courses. Meditation is also part of it — feel free to join in and experience what it feels like!

A brief explanation in advance: Zen is a form of Buddhism. The word comes from Sanskrit and means something like “meditation” or “immersion.” One goal of Zen is to always be present in the present moment. You perceive thoughts and feelings without judging them. Zen meditation, also known as zazen, is a form of sitting meditation.

Many beginners are surprised when they are given the task of being in the present moment for the first time. Isn't that always him? Not necessarily, as a well-known conversation between a Zen master and his student shows. The student wants to know why the master is so happy. The Master answers: “When I stand, I stand when I go, then I go when I sit, then I sit when I eat, then I eat when I love, I love...” “But,” the student interrupted, “we do that too, what else do you do? “The master repeated his sentence. And explained: “When you sit, you're already standing, when you're standing, you're already running, when you're running, you're already at your destination. ”

You probably know that: While you're eating, you're already thinking about the next task that you have to complete in the afternoon. And when you're on your way to an appointment, think about what else you need to buy for dinner. Almost everyone feels the same way. Zen meditation is one way to set up a mental stop sign here.

Give it a try. Find a quiet spot and sit comfortably on the floor or on a meditation cushion. Tilt your pelvis forward a bit so that your back has a natural posture. Straighten your neck and lower your head slightly towards your chin. Make sure your shoulders are loose and rest your arms on your thighs and turn your palms upwards. Form an “O” from your thumb and index finger. Then look diagonally down towards the ground and close your eyes.

Check again whether the posture is comfortable enough for you to remain seated like this for about ten minutes. Then concentrate fully on your breath for the next few minutes. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Feel how the air flows into your body, how the abdominal wall rises and falls. Let the breaths come and go.

Of course, thoughts will come. It occurs to you that you must finally make your dental appointment and that it is Uncle Paul's birthday. Maybe anger about a colleague creeps into your head. Or a reminder. No matter what it is — notice it and then let go of the thought. Imagine the thoughts as clouds passing by in the sky.

It will be quite challenging at first and you'll notice that “doing nothing” can be quite exhausting. But over time, you'll notice what changes you with Zen meditation. The practice works against stress, and the body is also optimally supplied with oxygen. They can sleep better. Tensions disappear and high blood pressure can fall. It is ideal if you always set aside a fixed time for your Zen meditation practice and stay on track.

At Holmes Place Clubs, we have meditation classes for beginners and advanced users. Zen meditation is also a good addition to a yoga program that you can also join online — we offer classes for every level. After the 30 or 60-minute practice, you'll be relaxed and ready for a few minutes of meditation.

An important part of Zen meditation is returning to everyday life.

Don't just stop, but gently move your body and stretch your legs. A nice ritual is to place your palms together in front of your chest and thank yourself for the meditation. After all, you managed to calm your mind for a while and you deserve thanks for that!

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