Zen Meditation
Stress disappears, and the mind becomes clear and empty. It's a completely new feeling – it's worth trying it out.
Doing nothing can be very effective! You realize this when you practice Zen meditation. Stress disappears, and the mind becomes clear and empty. It's a completely new feeling – it's worth trying it out.
Holmes Places aims to help you get the best out of yourself. In our premium fitness clubs, we offer more than 75 different classes. One of our focal points is the "Body & Mind" area with various relaxation and movement courses. Meditation is also part of this – feel free to join and experience how it feels!
A brief explanation in advance: Zen is a form of Buddhism. The word comes from Sanskrit and means "meditation" or "absorption." One goal of Zen is to always be present in the current moment. You perceive thoughts and feelings without judging them. Zen meditation, also known as Zazen, is a form of seated meditation.
Some beginners are surprised when they are first tasked with being in the present moment. Aren’t they always? Not necessarily, as a famous conversation between a Zen master and his student shows. The student wants to know why the master is so happy. The master replies: “When I stand, I stand. When I walk, I walk. When I sit, I sit. When I eat, 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 are already standing. When you stand, you are already running. When you run, you are already at your destination.”
You surely know this: While you eat, you are already thinking about the next task you need to tackle in the afternoon. And when you are on your way to an appointment, you are already considering what you need to buy for dinner. Almost everyone experiences this. Zen meditation is a way to put up a mental stop sign.
Try it out. Find a quiet place and sit comfortably on the floor or a meditation cushion. Tilt your pelvis slightly forward so that your back has a natural posture. Extend your neck and lower your head slightly towards your chin. Make sure your shoulders are relaxed, place your arms on your thighs, and turn your palms upwards. Form an "O" with your thumb and forefinger. Then direct your gaze diagonally downwards to the floor and close your eyes.
Check again if your posture is comfortable enough to sit for about ten minutes. Then fully concentrate on your breathing for the next few minutes. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Feel the air flowing into your body, how your abdomen rises and falls. Let the breaths come and go.
Of course, thoughts will come. You might remember that you need to finally schedule that dentist appointment or that Uncle Paul has a birthday. Perhaps some annoyance about a colleague sneaks into your head. Or a memory. Whatever it is – acknowledge it and then let the thought go. Imagine the thoughts as clouds passing by in the sky.
Initially, this will be quite challenging, and you will notice that "doing nothing" can be quite exhausting. But over time, you will notice what changes Zen meditation brings about in you. The practice works against stress and also optimally supplies the body with oxygen. You will sleep better. Tensions will disappear, and high blood pressure can decrease. Ideally, you should always set aside a fixed time for your Zen meditation practice and stick with it.
In Holmes Place clubs, we have meditation classes for beginners and advanced practitioners. Zen meditation is also a good complement to a yoga program, which you can also participate in online – we offer courses for every level. After the 30- or 60-minute practice, you will be relaxed and ready for a few minutes of meditation.
An important part of Zen meditation is the return to everyday life. Don’t just stop abruptly, 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 that deserves gratitude!