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 reason for this is that when you sit erect it promotes the circulation of your spiritual energy. This is considered to be your life 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. Spine and head are aligned and straight. The thighs are parallel to the floor. The hands are placed on the arms of the chair or on the knees.

2. Cross legged position. This is one of the most popular positions, and includes the lotus position.

3. Kneeling position. The person is positioned with both knees resting on the floor. 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 posture isn’t that common since it so closely resembles the sleeping position. A person might doze off at times. This is better as a means of reducing stress more so than for meditating.

In addition to these postures, there are several gestures and movements that can be incorporated into the practice of meditation. Among these are hand gestures called Mudras. A theological meaning is at the root of these gestures. Founded on the yogic school of thought, they might affect the consciousness. One illustration is the typical Buddhist hand placement. With the thumbs touching, the right hand is positioned on top of the left hand.

Integrating assorted repetitive actions like chanting, deep breathing or humming also assists in bringing on a state of meditation. There are also those who use 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 gain the benefits of meditation, follow the training of the type of meditation you have decided 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.