A Wandering mind is like a tempestuous ocean. It can hurl you down like a lashing thunder storm breaking the toughest of ships into pieces. Thoughts related to what happened years ago or what might happen in the future can make you feel restless. Yoga is an art that has been used since centuries by learned men and women to improve their health and keep their spiritual and physical selves well balanced. Zen Yoga, a combination of physical exercises, breathing techniques and meditation is one of the effective forms of Yoga practised by the Zen Buddhists. In this article, we shall cover more about the Zen Yoga poses, how to perform and their benefits.

What Is Zen Yoga and How Did It Originate?

Zen yoga has been designed by merging the flowing movements of Tai Chi, the energized breathing of Qigong, the gentle stretching of Shanti Yoga, and the serenity of mindful meditation. It has been designed for the less athletic. Aaron Hoopes, its creator wished to make yoga and meditation available to those who are not too eager to exercise, too.

Zen yoga is a practice that calms and rejuvenates your mind. Zen Yoga creates flexibility, health, vitality and peace of mind with the help of a number of breathing and simple stretching exercises. With the correct teacher and focus you can use this practice to turn over your life completely. Zen yoga cleanses are soul by using special meditation techniques. It then balances are physical and mental needs with an excellent combination of stretching and relaxation exercises.

[Read: Acro Yoga – To Do Ideas]

Principles Of Zen Yoga?

Zen Yoga is based on three major aspects:

• Physical Alignment
• Energy Flow
• Awareness

One must adhere to these priniciples when practising Zen Yoga:

• Always sit with an erect spine. Never lean towards your left or right
• Maintaining right posture must be done in all activities, not just while practising Yoga.
• Right alignment of body alone can ensure proper flow of energy into it
• When you have an awareness of the blocked channels in your body, you can unblock them to lead a happy life

How To Do Zen Yoga Poses?

Given below are some of the Zen Yoga asanas, the steps to perform and their benefits to our body and mind: