subject: Meditation by Zhan Zhuang (Meditation Exercises and Practices) [print this page] Meditation by Zhan Zhuang (Meditation Exercises and Practices)
Zhan Zhuang is an ancient Chinese practice for cultivating internal energy. It means "standing like a tree" in English. It is a popular technique that was originally used for developing mind and spirits of martial artists that now developed to a technique to aid in relaxation and dissolve away stresses. Zhan Zhuang is also found to be beneficial for a person's health and well being.
The following four postures form the foundation of Zhan Zhuang to aid you in meditation:
Wu Ji Stand with your feet apart, shoulder width, and your arms hanging down by your side. Relax your shoulders and neck. Hold your head as if suspended from above. Keep your knees relaxed and unlocked. Do not let your belly or bottom stick out. Breathe deeply and gently through your nose. Note that your mouth should be closed but not tightly clenched. Hold this position. Allow your mind to think around your body finding tension. When a tension is found, relax that part and continue. Practice for five minutes. This posture is very important. It is designed to relax and prepare the body and mind.
Holding the Ball Hold your head lightly held from above and limbs feeling heavy but relaxed. This posture is called holding the ball since you will imagine yourself holding a ball. Lift your arms in front of your body, chest height, with wrists apart, shoulder width, and palms facing towards the chest and fingers relaxed. Hold this posture for five minutes with the same mental state like for Wu Ji.
Holding your Belly Raise your arms to level of your abdomen, palms open and relaxed, and fingers spread apart. Bend your knees for about two inches. It should feel like your holding an enormous belly. You should aim to hold this position for long period of time.
Standing in a Stream Imagine yourself standing on a stream flowing towards you. Reach your hands out opposite sides, palms down. Imagine some little balls on your palms and the stream washes them away. Mentally prevent this by gently pressing down on them. It is one type of meditation exercise that requires endurance. It is cardiovascular in nature and if you stick with it, you'll find that it relaxes not only your mind but your body as well.
These are just some of the techniques that everyone can do while practicing meditation. It pays to be in the know. This trait will help you greatly in your pursuit to achieving the many benefits of meditation.
To know more about deep guided meditation and its amazing benefits, or if you want to learn how to meditate - you can visitwww.meditate.com.au
