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ZenSticks provide a simple and effective way to build confidence, increase focus and concentration, and enhance relaxation. Here are some simple techniques to help beginners learn to use their new ZenSticks relaxation tool.
Become familiar with your Zen Stick.
Start with simply holding the polished wood in your hands. Many people find simply holding the beautiful, exotic wood calming. When you're ready, try to follow the wood grain with your eyes. If you get lost easily, use your finger to trace the wood grain. Take deep, even breaths as you make your way completely around the circumference of the Zen Stick relaxation tool. This exercise will get you started on the path of building your focus and concentration.
Start gaining confidence.
Once you become familiar with the shape, size, and feel of your Zen Stick focusing and relaxation tool, it's time to begin building your confidence. To begin, stand up and make sure there are no obstacles (like large pieces of furniture) nearby. Take your Zen Stick relaxation tool in your dominant hand, and gently toss it a few inches into the air, flipping the Zen Stick just enough so the opposite end is now in your hand.
Repeat this exercise several times, increasing the height as you toss the relaxation tool. As you get better at tossing and catching the Zen Stick, consider switching hands or put more flip into your toss, and send the Zen Stick end over end for several rotations before you catch it.
Build faith in yourself.
Once you've gained focus, concentration, and confidence from excelling at the previous exercises, it's easy to see how repetition can make the Zen Stick an effective relaxation tool. Once you've gained a level of precision with tossing and catching your Zen Stick focusing and relaxation tool, start the exercises again, this time with your eyes closed.
Reacquaint yourself with the texture and shape of your Zen Stick, and begin lightly tossing it into the air. Faith in yourself will build as your ability to toss the relaxation tool higher and higher into the air and catch it without seeing it grows.
Local athletes from the Tulsa area have been using these techniques to improve their catching skills. As you catch the Zen Stick with your eyes closed, you'll find your hand instinctively "knows" just where it needs to be to catch the Stick.
If these techniques were helpful, or if you've developed your own focusing techniques for your Zen Stick relaxation tool, please contact Laurie "Tiger" Desjardins at 918-288-2073 or reach us online at www.sleepingtiger.org/contactus.htm.
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