meditation part 3

                                         Zen meditation

This meditation is the process of sitting quietly in the meditative sitting position which allows you to empty your mind from any chit chatter and appearing thoughts.
Modern Zen meditation technique comes to us from Mahayana Buddhism. Zen meditation is, at its base, the practice of sitting still, of doing absolutely nothing.

That may sound very simple and easy, but for those of us in the tumult of the modern world, reaching that Zen level can take quite a bit of effort.
To understand the purpose of the Zen meditation technique below, you must first understand how your mind works.
We have two sides of the brain, the left side and the right side.
Your left side is logic. This is where your thoughts are formed and processed, the thinking side of your brain.
The right side is your creativity center. Music, art, love, hate, and all other emotions are processed on the right side. The right side is your ‘feeling’ side.

When following the Zen meditation technique, the right side of the brain is used so that thoughts will not be processed as they are in your daily life.

This is truly a very simple method to learn even though it may take a long time to master.

Accessories for this meditation technique

Since Zen meditation is best practiced sitting in a lotus or half-lotus position, you will need a mat and a small cushion to raise your behind a bit.
Make sure you are wearing loose, comfortable clothing.

Proper posture

It is highly suggested that you sit in the lotus position (cross legged with your right foot on your left thigh and your left foot on your right thigh) or in a half-lotus position (cross legged with your right foot on your left thigh and your left foot under your right thigh).
However, if you have trouble sitting cross legged on the floor, using a stool or chair is ok.
You must keep your spine straight and your hands touching in your lap. You should be comfortable but not in danger of falling asleep.

Instructions for Zen meditation technique

1.Once you are situated and in your preferred posture, take a deep and clearing breath, exhale slowly and completely.

2.Begin to breathe naturally.

3.Look at your left hand; do not move the left hand, just gaze at it. If thoughts come to mind, push them aside. Just look, without thinking, at your hand.

4.Become aware of the left side of your body, just sense that side of your body. Allow yourself only to feel it.
This step stimulates your right brain and sets it in motion. All of those random thoughts from the left side of the mind will begin to dissipate.

5.Now, you will begin to take deep breaths counting each inhalation and each exhalation.

6.Inhale deeply…one

7.Exhale completely…two

8.Inhale deeply…three

9.Exhale completely…four

10.Continue deep breathing to the count of ten.