Yoga, Tai Chi, and the State of Zen

Some people have a foolish way of not minding,satisfied with the health and vitality it brings.
or pretending not to mind, what they eat. For myYoga benefits
part, I mind my belly very studiously, and veryPracticing yoga increases flexibility because
carefully. For I look upon it, that he who does notstretching exercises the different tendons,
mind his belly will hardly mind anythingligaments, and joints of the body. Studies also say
else.--Samuel Johnson (poet, essayist, biographer,that yoga is probably the only form of activity
lexicographer)that massages all the internal organs and glands in
Nowadays, people are so conscious about theirthe body. These may include the prostate, which
health and body figure. Many people regularly visitaccording to medical specialists hardly receives
the gym for weight training, cardiovascularstimulation. This massage or stimulation may keep
exercise, or to simply have friends who sharecertain individuals from diseases and other forms
their passion for fitness. Many fitness gyms offerof illness. Yoga ensures the best supply of blood
the latest in weight and cardio-machines. Othersto the body. This helps detoxify the body of
specialize in special fitness programs or routinestoxins and, in the process, delays aging and
like Pilates, Tae-Bo, Belly Dancing, Hip-Hoprenewed energy. Muscles are also toned because
Exercises, and even Pole Dancing.of repeated stimulation through yoga.
But lately, Yoga and Tai Chi classes have beenTai Chi benefits
gaining popularity especially among women andMedical researchers and Tai Chi practitioners claim
above-40 fitness buffs. These Indian and Chinesethat immediate benefits occur from day one of
methods of meditation and exercise are popularpractice. These may include a more relaxed and
due to the health benefits experienced by thoseclearer mind. Clinical studies in the US show that
practice them. Many health buffs claim that theyimproved balance and peace of mind took place
now enjoy a stress and anxiety-free lifestyleafter only eight weeks of training. These benefits
because of their Tai Chi and Yoga lessons.were immediately evident after performing very
Studies show that these kinds of exercise dosimple set of movements taken from different
have beneficial effects on the mind and body.Tai Chi styles. Other benefits of this "soft" martial
These religious-philosophical movements gavearts include improved internal organ functions,
emphasis to the state of Zen. According toimproved breathing, and better sleep. Additional
Buddhism, the term "zen" refers to thereports show that people who practice Tai Chi
attainment of a stage of "awakening." This beliefenjoyed improved strength and reduced stress,
was introduced in China by a Buddhist monkaside from gaining the ability to better deal with
named Bodhidharma in A.D. 520. According toanxiety attacks.
studies, people who cling to the teachings of ZenHowever, people with a history of heart disease,
endeavor to achieve "satori" which is also calledback injuries, and those who have undergone
"nirvana". "Satori" in general can only be reachedrecent surgery should consult a physician before
through a meditation called "zazen" which, in turn,starting a Yoga or Tai Chi routine. In general, Tai
leads to a state of mushin or "no mind". Mushin isChi and Yoga are very effective routines to bring
the ability to see things more clearly mentally. Itback health and a sense of peace of mind to a
means that one's judgment will not be blurreddevoted practioner. Done properly, these ancient
with negative thoughts. Although this beliefarts of exercise and meditation can help provide
originated from the south, many Westernanxiety relief and alleviate other forms of stress.
students and practitioners of Yoga and Tai-Chi are