Zen yoga poses to stay fit and calm the mind

The techniques for achieve serenity through bodywork They have proliferated in recent years as a response to the need to gain well-being in a world marked by haste and sedentary lifestyle.

In many cases, what is proposed is adapt classical disciplines such as yoga to different temperaments and needs, combining them with other techniques that complement them and with which they share some aspects.

louise solomon merged yoga and Pilates into a system of exercises that has become a school named “yogalates” and Aaron Hoopes united different oriental practices in what he called zen yoga“. In addition to his proposal, there are also manuals and courses on “Zen gymnastics” and the like.

What is zen yoga?

The so-called yoga zen was promoted by Aaron Hoopes after having studied martial arts such as karate, kungfu or tai chi, practices such as yoga and energy massage techniques such as shiatsu.

Hoopes was introduced to these techniques when, as a very young man, he felt lost. At that moment he had the feeling that if he didn’t make decisions that will help you to positiveize the course of your life, he would easily be swept up in an unhealthy dynamic he didn’t want.

felt the need to find a discipline that will help you focus and began to explore various martial arts and oriental practices. He understood that each of them trained to achieve the same thing: get the body in shape, calm the mind and reach the spiritual essence that is in each one of us.

He synthesized the benefits of what he had learned in a personal technique.

Being in the present: zen and the awareness of living

Several decades ago zen buddhism exercises fascination in certain circles of the West. Trying to define it is not easy because it is part of the oriental and Japanese culture, and because refers to the ineffable to what is beyond words or mental concepts.

would be something It’s like trying to catch a fish with your bare hands: every time you think you’re getting close, it flies away. It would be a good starting point to say that zen is something similar to fluency practicea way of life more than a theory.

So much so that even philosophy itself avoids trying to define it. It is not a particular type of meditation. Neither does it consist in thinking… nor in not thinking. It is not something that is learned, but rather something that can become.

Zen is being fully present, here and now. For Zen there is no past or future: the only real moment in which one can truly be is in the present.

Practicing Zen is living fully in the moment, being aware of ourselves and what surrounds us.

Zen offers a source of inspiration for many daily acts. One of its characteristics is precisely that, even though it is a form of Buddhism, it never strays from the ordinary things of life, since what it suggests is the search for harmony: any activity can create a haven of lucidity and meaning if it is carried out with the right attitudeincluding physical exercise.

Yoga as an integral discipline to seek peace

On the other hand, Yoga in Sanskrit means union. Yoga is an ancient philosophy that merges the three basic aspects to lead a full life: Physical needs that provide good healthbody), the psychological needs of knowledge and awarenessmind), as well as strength and inner peace (spirit).

Despite the fact that in the West it is considered above all physical practice, the truth is that yoga is a complete philosophy of life, an integral practice that unites the mental, the physical, the psychological and the spiritual to achieve peace as the primary objective.

Zen yoga: a holistic practice to release tension

Zen yoga is a holistic gymnastics that acts at different levels. On the physical plane, the fluidity of the postures combined with the breath allows the energy to flow naturally, releasing blocks in the form of pain, tension or stiffness that, over time, can lead to different pathologies.

He current pace of life It is characterized by constant activity, tension and the occasional startle. Consciously or unconsciously we generate and we accumulate stress at the cost of our concentration, lucidity, tranquility and energy.

Zen yoga allows get rid of that accumulated tension and recover the natural state of clarity and flexibility. It is a way to regain mental tranquility, while balancing energy, maintaining good physical health and toning muscles.

By unlocking the meridians, morbid energy disappears and healthy energy is given free rein (also known as chi in traditional Chinese medicine or as prana in yoga) to flow into place.

Movements and stretches provide elasticity, vitality, balance and vigor, and allow both organs and muscles to remain well oxygenated and toned. Among its most immediate benefits are that of feel more energetic, vital and light.

It is a holistic practice that combines the flowing movements of Tai Chi, the energetic breathing of Chi Kung, the deep and relaxed stretching of Yoga, along with the calm and serenity of meditation.

The structure and practice of Zen gymnastics is very similar to that of a martial art. exercises mix asanas (postures) of yoga with knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine. Movements are smooth and fluid, and are directed by the breath, which provides a feeling of lightness and placidity. They are performed standing up or on a mat and are easy to learn.

Anyone, regardless of their physical condition, health or age, can start zen gymnasticssince it is not an aggressive or intense practice but a set of stretches and movements accompanied by breathing and rhythm that help to feel good.

To start, the most important step -and probably the most difficult- is to become aware that we can feel much better than we usually do. How to get it? According to Hoopes, promoter of this type of gymnastics, becoming aware of breathing and how important it is to move the body to stay physically, mentally and spiritually healthy.

A form of meditation in action: the body as a mirror of the mind

The inner life is reflected in the posture of the body; if we feel awake and liberated, the body will adopt a natural posture; If, on the other hand, we are nervous, blocked or tense, the body will seize up and contract, making breathing and energy circulation difficult.

The continued practice of Zen yoga favors the proper functioning of the immune and circulatory systems, and metabolism, as well as the elimination of toxins and impurities from the body.

In Zen yoga, the attention is placed on the breath.which provides, in addition to reaching a state of mental calm, greater lucidity and ability to concentrate. The mixture of breathing, attention and physical effort facilitate a deeper sleep and that lucidity is refined, both during the session and after.

As in martial arts, the continued practice of this type of gymnastics increases self confidence and provides a broader vital dimension thanks to its formula of “meditation in action”.

On a more spiritual plane, the practice of Zen yoga is the gateway to harmonysince it facilitates conscious and full living, and allows you to be present in the moment.

Tradition says that the Hindu Buddhist monk Bodhidharmaintroducer of Buddhism in China, realized one day that Shaolin temple monks were very weak and fell asleep during meditation, so he ordered them to exercise every morning.

At first it was only about exercises for physical strengthening. However, later they were assimilating the movements of animals when they fightsuch as the dragon, the tiger, the leopard, the serpent and the crane, which transformed the practice into an art of attack and defense that later it would derive in different martial arts.

Work with deep breathing

The most important thing in a zen yoga session is Keep the mind focused on the breath. Although it is not easy at first, over time it becomes automaticwhich does not even require effort.

If you are not used to working with your breath, it is useful, Before starting the first postures, take a few minutes to observe how we breathe.

In the first moment, don’t try to change the breath, just observe if you inhale and exhale through the nose or through the mouth, how are the inhalations and exhalations, what is their rhythm, their frequency, their depth, etc.

After a few minutes, the length of inspiration is equal to that of expiration., without forcing it. It is about maintaining a balanced, deep but calm breath and, if possible, through the nose.

If we get distracted, it is useful to focus attention on a point in the respiratory systemfor example, to the nostrils, and try to visualize the air going in and out.

If you can keep a rhythmic, full and deep breathing, surely the fluidity and perfection of movements they will arrive alone with practice, without forcing.

Zen gymnastics and meditation: practice without objectives

Just like during static meditation, when you practice zen gymnastics you don’t have any goal in mind. Concentration is directed to the breath and the flow of movement, with no goal to disturb it. The attitude of mind during the practice is one of non-identification.

Probably, during the session the head is flooded with thoughts about whether the posture is more or less difficult, whether or not it is comfortable, whether breathing is achieved to be regular, what has remained unresolved before the session or what needs to be done after the practice.

It is not sought or intended to achieve anything through practice, but to come to understand that the potential of each one is unique.

However, there is no letting such thoughts interrupt the practice. You have to let them pass, without clinging to them or chasing them. Nor should one try to reject, hide, eradicate or combat them.

Both thoughts and emotions should be watched as passing clouds. Thus, consciousness, which is beyond thought and non-thought, will appear.

Non-identification with ideas and thoughts facilitates the return to the original condition of each one, which allows to be in harmony with the true nature of existence and that provides great calm and inner freedom.

Zen yoga does not use the postures or the breath as a means to achieve physical or mental benefits, but to feel good while doing it.

It is true that The practice contributes to developing energy, elasticity, strength and well-being, but these objectives should never be set a priori. Many of us feel numb, tired, listless, or sleepy, and gentle Zen exercises can probably help a lot.

But energy should not be focused on the results but on the path. When you forget what…