How to create a Zen space at home (and no, it doesn
 Zen can boost our health and vitality, increasing happiness,
 Zen is tailor-made for our stressful world. There
of Buddhism that dates back thousands of years, Zen arrived in Japan from China and elevates simplicity to an
doesn’t just look good; research shows Zen can boost our health and vitality, increasing happiness,
 'Zen is the perfect tool for modern life,' says
 Zen master Julian Daizan Skinner, founder of Zenways. 'It works with your body,
 Zen is all about blurring the lines between inside and out
soft gauze curtains or pale-coloured blinds suit a Zen aesthetic. It isn't all about bright light
(both indoors and out) is a classic Zen practice,' says Zen meditation teacher Kim Bennett,
   CREATING A ZEN SPACE
 The pared-back Zen home originally came about through necessity, but the Japanese
benefits way beyond the practical. Full-on Zen spaces can feel a trifle too monastic for most of
 Traditional Zen spaces are a lesson in minimalism and there’s
could do with paring down our stuff. One Zen principle is datsuzoku (freedom from worldly attachments)
been influential for hundreds of years,' says Zen master Julian Daizan. glazed tiles, ceramic bowls and
all leave you cold. A key aspect of Zen is shiZen (naturalness) and its palette takes
that leads the mind into meditation. The classic Zen brushstroke circle enso, that stands for enlightenment, the
yourself. Calligraphy and mindful art are both great Zen practices for focusing the mind and coming into the moment
 Seijaku is the Zen principle of tranquillity, and a key part of Zen
sounds are just too distracting, explore tracks for Zen meditation on Spotify or YouTube. Bells are a key
their clear chime can help you sink into meditation (Zenergy meditation chime, soundtravels.co.uk)
and dragon trees (dracaena) are both very Zen, but just choose what makes you smile. The
hopeless with plants, maybe invest in a tabletop Zen garden – raking patterns in sand is supremely soothing
? Mid-century furniture has the clean lines Zen loves, while floor cushions and beanbags in sludgy neutral
great for low-level lounging. Try the Zen lounger from ambientlounge.co.uk, and a
 Wabi-sabi lies at the heart of Zen philosophy. It’s all about making the very
present in the moment.' The joy of Zen is that imperfection and asymmetry are built into its philosophy
. 'Zen teaches that mistakes can be beautiful,' says Kim