Different Postures of Meditation
Since ancient times, people have practiced meditation for the numerous benefits it offers. Practicing meditation as part of your daily routine might lead to improvements in your outlook and attitude.
Most forms of meditation call for the spine to be straight and the posture to be erect. The explanation for this is that sitting upright encourages the movement of your spiritual energy. This is believed to be your life energy or force.
A straight back is essential to most of the meditation traditions, and is a standard component of the various postures used in this practice. Here’s a look at a few of them.
1. Seated posture. The individual sits upright while maintaining a straight back. The head and spine are in alignment and not tilted. The thighs are parallel to the floor. Hands are placed comfortably on the knees or chair arms.
2. Cross legged posture. This is a very common posture; the lotus position is included in this category.
3. Kneeling position. The individual is on the floor in a kneeling position. Buttocks remain resting on the heels and toes, which are close together. Hands rest on the thighs.
4. Lying down position. This is also called the corpse position or, in yoga, savasna. The person lies down on the floor keeping the legs unbent and at ease. This position isn’t used often because it copies the innate position of sleep. The individual can occasionally nod off. This is better as a means of reducing stress more so than for meditating.
As well as the postures, there are a number of actions or gestures that might form part of the meditation experience. Among these are hand gestures called Mudras. There’s a theological significance behind these motions. Coming from the yogic philosophy, they can impact your consciousness. One illustration is the typical Buddhist hand placement. The right hand reposes on top of the left hand with thumbs touching.
Integrating assorted repetitive actions like chanting, deep breathing or humming also assists in bringing on a state of meditation. Some people practice walking meditation. Typically, the eyes are closed or partially closed during meditation. Those who practice Soto Zen meditation, however, do so with their eyes open looking at a wall.
To achieve the advantages of meditation, stick to the advice and training of the kind of meditation you have chosen to practice. Be aware that persistence and acceptance are required to achieve success. This could be of help at times when you find difficulty in meditating, and it will also improve your concentration in daily life.